Tattoo removal by Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm) and Q-switched Nd : YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm) - a retrospective study

In a retrospective study 47 patients with 68 amateur and 25 professional ta ttoos were examined, considering clearance of tattoo pigments and the frequ ency of side effects after finished treatments with the Q-switched ruby (69 4 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm). Black amateur tatt oos were found to lighten faster than professional tattoos (13,2 and 18,6 t reatments respectively). For the clearance of multicolored tattoos (amateur or professional), similar numbers of laser treatments were needed. Green p igments were removed with the Q-switched ruby laser and red pigments with t he frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). Compared to the Q-switched Nd:Y AG laser (1064 n m), the Q-switched ru by laser and the frequency-doubled N d:YAG laser (532 nm) more often caused blistering and transient hypopigment ation (5,4% and 7,5% vs. 1,1% (blisters); 8.6% and 15.1% vs. 4.3% (hypopigm entation)).