Safety and Efficacy of Tattoo Removal Using a Dual-Wavelength 1064/532-nm Picosecond Laser in Patients With Fitzpatrick Skin Type III and IV.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a dual-wavelength 1064/532-nm picosecond-domain laser for tattoo removal in Vietnamese patients.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective clinical study enrolled 30 subjects with 52 decorative tattoos treated with up to six treatments of laser removal at intervals of 6-8 weeks. Safety and efficacy were assessed at each treatment session and at 4 weeks after the final session. A "good" response was defined as at least 75% clearance of tattoo pigments.

RESULTS

A significant reduction of tattoo appearance was achieved in all subjects. 88.5% of tattoos exhibited a "good" response to treatment by the end of the six sessions and more than 36% of tattoos exhibited better than "good" responses. Adverse events were common in the early period after treatment but did not persist in most patients. Only one case of prolonged hypopigmentation was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment using a 1064/532-nm picosecond laser is an effective approach for removal of decorative tattoos, which poses a minimal risk of long-term adverse events in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III or IV. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.