Retrospective clinical evaluation of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser safety and efficacy in tattoo removal: A new perspective on the Kirby-Desai scale.
J Cosmet Dermatol
; 23(3): 818-823, 2024 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38308455
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
With nearly 50% of the population in the United States, Italy, and Sweden tattooed with at least one tattoo, the demand for its removal has risen by 32% since 2011. Traditional removal methods, such as Q-switched (QS) laser-based tattoo removal, can be lengthy, requiring up to 20 sessions.AIM:
This study presents a retrospective clinical evaluation of seven short-pulsed QS, dual-wavelength NdYAG laser, as an efficient alternative, that can potentially reduce the number of sessions needed as calculated by a founded scale.METHODS:
The QS modality delivers high-intensity pulses in four wavelengths, ideal for removing multicolored tattoos, of which two were used. We studied 11 patients who underwent 3-8 treatments (average 5.09) every 2-3 months. Each tattoo was assessed using the Kirby-Desai scale, considering the following factors location, Fitzpatrick skin type, ink amount, layering, scarring, tissue changes, and tattoo color. Follow-ups were conducted after 6 months and at 4-5 years following last session.RESULTS:
The long-term follow-up presented a significantly higher tattoo removal efficiency than the short-term follow-up (p < 0.001), indicating a sustained process of ink breakdown and elimination. Notably, the actual number of treatments were significantly lower than that predicted by the Kirby-Desai scale (average 5.09 vs. 9.9, p < 0.001). No severe adverse events were reported.CONCLUSIONS:
In conclusion, the QS NdYAG laser offers a safe and effective alternative for tattoo removal, requiring fewer treatments than initially expected.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Tatuagem
/
Terapia com Luz de Baixa Intensidade
/
Lasers de Estado Sólido
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Cosmet Dermatol
Assunto da revista:
DERMATOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Israel