ABSTRACT
Introduction: Although tattoos are ancient and very popular among young people, it is also a reason for regret, and many people today have a desire to remove them. Among the possibilities for this, laser removal is the most successful procedure with the highest degree of pigment removal and the lowest risk of complications. Methods: This study was recorded on three patients with tattoos, and only the black pigments were removed. None of the patients involved had a history of skin allergies, skin cancer, and/or keloid formation. Case 1 had a professional tattoo removed in the right calf region in two sessions. Case 2 had an amateur tattoo that was removed on the scalp in three sessions. Finally, Case 3 had two professional tattoos, which were removed from the face in a total of eleven sessions. The following equipment was used: Spectra XT Q-Switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm with a pulse width of 5 ns; Pico Ultra 300 Nd:YAG 1064 nm with a pulse width of 300 ps; and SoftLight Q-Switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm with a pulse width of 17 ns. Results: In general, satisfactory results were obtained, but hypopigmentation was present in Cases 1 and 3. This was probably due to sun exposure at the laser removal site, the short interval between the sessions, and/or higher radiant exposure combined with a smaller spot size, respectively. Conclusion: To achieve a successful tattoo removal in the higher phototypes and reduce unwanted effects, the professionals must know the best parameters to be used, as well as the adequate foundation on the individual characteristics of each patient and the tattoos. Furthermore, patient compliance with the pre/post session care and a suitable interval between the laser sessions are essential to avoid undesirable complications.
ABSTRACT
Laser tattoo removal is expensive, painful, and time-consuming. Even with the use of the right laser equipment, it is often impossible to eliminate all pigments. Incomplete tattoo removal, one of the undesired effects of laser treatment, is widely disseminated in the media and accepted by most patients. However, few patients know that laser tattoo removal can cause permanent scars. Some patients who develop achromic scars can feel disappointed with the results of laser tattoo removal and take legal action against the physician responsible for the treatment. This paper describes our experience with a drug delivery treatment called MMP® ("Microinfusão de Medicamentos na Pele," Portuguese acronym for "Microinfusion of Drugs in the Skin") that repigments and improves the final esthetic results of achromic laser tattoo removal scars.