EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC TATTOOS WITH A Q-SWITCHED ND-YAG LASER

Background and Objective: It is well known that the Q-switched Nd:Yag (QSNd:YAG) laser works well in the treatment of blue-black tattoos and benign pigmented lesions. It is less well known that this laser can a lso treat traumatic tattoos after accidents. Materials and Methods: Tw elve patients with traumatic tattoos were treated with a QSNd:YAG lase r, 1064 nm. Results: Gravel, mascara, high explosives, and older tatto os responded best with total clearance after 2-5 treatments. Hard mate rials such as asphalt, amalgam, and metal needed 6-11 treatments, and there was not always complete clearance. Transcient hypopigmentation b ut no scarring was seen. Conclusion: QSNd:YAG laser treatment of traum atic tattoos is effective, atraumatic, and st good alternative to mech anical dermabrasion or other conventional therapies. (C) 1998 Wiley-Li ss, Inc.