Clinical experience and review of the literature suggest
Q-switched laser treatment for tattoo removal, as it relatively
efficiently clears of the tattoo pigment and has minimal side-effects
for the patient.
However, no single laser system can completely remove all types of
tattoos. At best, depending on the colour used for the tattoo,
practitioners can expect 75% clearance in half the cases they treat.
Risk and tattoo removal
Some risks factors associated with laser treatment are known:
- Scarring (< 5%) is highest on the chest, outer upper arm and ankle.
- Cobblestone texture seen within 2 weeks of treatment, is a sign of incipient scarring.
- Pruritus can be significant in the healing phase and minimized with topical corticosteroids.
- Hyper- and hypopigmentation can vary depending on skin phototype.
- Postoperative use of hydroquinone-containing compounds, avoidance of sun and UVA/UVB sun block can be beneficial.
Type of tattoo affects the quality of removal
Amateur tattoos generally require fewer treatment sessions than
professional tattoos. Distally located tattoos are more difficult to
remove, and older tattoos may or may not be easier to remove than newer
ones. Lastly, if bright-coloured inks are used, the patient may need
more treatment sessions.
Ref.: Mariwalla, K., Dover, J.S. 2006, 'The Use of Lasers for Decorative Tattoo Removal', Skin Therapy Letter, vol. 11, no.5, pp. 8-11.
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