The Effect of the Alexandrite Laser for The Removal of Tattoos / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Until the recent development of the Q-switched lasers, it was impossible to remove tattoos without causing scarring and sometimes disfiguring. Variations in wavelengths and pulse widths may result in different clinical effects or risks. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of the alexandrite laser in removing tattoos clinically, histologically and ultrastructually. METHODS: Fourty-two patients with gray, black, and blue-black colored tattoos were treated with fluences ranging from 6.5 to 8.0 J/cm2 at a minimal interval of 6 weeks. We took pictures of each tattoo prior to treatment and each treatment session in order to evaluate clinical irnprovement. Biopsy specimens were obtained from 8 patients, on prearranged times before, immediately after, one week after and 6 weeks after irradiation. RESULTS: The results if the treatment of 42 patients with tattoos were analyzed. After two treatment sessions, 89% of patients showed 51% to 95% improvement. Transient hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation occurred in 7 patients. However, skin atrophy, hypertrophic scar or infection did not occur. Ir a biopsy specimen taken 6 weeks after irradiation on light microscopy, most of tattoo granules disappeared without collagen fiber change. However, macrophage engulfing tattoo granules and a minute amount of tattoo granules still remained in the dermis on electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: The .alexandrite laser is considered to be a safe and effective treatment rnodality for removal of gray, black, and blue-black tattoo pigments.