Q-SWITCHED LASER TREATMENT OF TATTOOS

In the last decade, Q-switched lasers have expanded the clinician's ab ility to treat decorative, cosmetic and traumatic tattoos without scar ring. Previous methods of gross tissue removal with resultant scarring have been replaced by the highly selective removal of tattoo pigment with minimal changes in skin texture or pigmentation. This article rev iews use of the Q-switched ruby, Q-switched neodymium-yttrium-aluminum -garnet and Q-switched alexandrite lasers in the clinical management o f patients with tattoos.