THE Q-SWITCHED ND-YAG LASER EFFECTIVELY TREATS TATTOOS IN DARKLY PIGMENTED SKIN

BACKGROUND. Laser therapy for removal of cosmetic tattoos has been pro ven efficacious in lighter skin. Few studies have been reported using the Q-switched neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to tre at tattoos in darkly pigmented or type VU skin, however. OBJECTIVE. To report results using the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to remove tattoos fr om type VI skin. METHODS. Eight darkly pigmented patients had 15 amate ur tattoos treated with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Treatments number ed three or four on average and were given at 8-week intervals. Result s were rated by the patients and by a panel of four physicians. RESULT S. Eight of 15 tattoos were rated as 75-95% cleared after therapy. Ano ther five tattoos were 50% cleared. Two tattoos were only 25% cleared, but underwent only two treatments. None of the patients reported any changes in texture of their skin post therapy. Thirteen of 15 tattoos were removed without any change in the color of the involved skin. The other two tattoos were removed with only slight lightening of the ski n. CONCLUSION. When treating patients in whom there is a significant r isk for keloid scarring or destruction of natural pigment as a consequ ence of tattoo removal, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser appears to be an e xcellent choice of therapy. (C) 1996 by the American Society for Derma tologic Surgery, Inc.