Multiple Color Changes Following Laser Therapy of Cosmetic Tattoos

Multiple Color Changes Following Laser Therapy of Cosmetic Tattoos
February 2002
To cite this article: Gloria Jimenez MD, Eduardo Weiss MD, James M Spencer MD (2002)
Multiple Color Changes Following Laser Therapy of Cosmetic Tattoos
Dermatologic Surgery 28 (2), 177Ò179.
doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.00161.x
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Gloria Jimenez, MD,*
*Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida,
and Eduardo Weiss, MD,**Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida,
and and James M. Spencer, MDMount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York*Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida,
and Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Eduardo Weiss, MD, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1475 NW 12th Ave., Suite 2175, Miami, FL 33136.
G. Jimenez, MD, E. Weiss, MD, and J.M. Spencer, MD have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Abstract
objective.To emphasize the wisdom of small test areas when treating cosmetic tattoos and the need for multiple laser systems.

methods.A 48-year-old woman requested removal of permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoos) of her eyebrows and around her lips. Physical examination revealed a brown tattoo of both eyebrows and dark red lip liner around both lips. A test area was performed on the red tattoo of the lips. A frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 2.0 J/cm2, 2 mm spot size) was used for the lip area, while the same laser at 1064 nm, 3.9 J cm2, 2 mm spot size was utilized for the eyebrows. The lip area immediately turned black. The patient returned for follow-up 1 month later; the black ink on the lip was treated with the same laser at 1064 nm, 3 mm spot size, 4.2 J/cm2, with satisfactory resolution in two monthly treatments. Both brown eyebrow turned bright orange and were treated with 532 nm, 3 mm, 3.0 J/cm2. One month later the eyebrows were a mixture of yellow ink and dark green. The yellow area was treated with 532 nm, 3 mm, 2.3 J/cm2, while the dark green was treated with the 1064 nm, 3 mm spot size, 4.2 J/cm2. One month later little improvement was noted, so Q-switched ruby laser at 694 nm, 6 mm spot size, 16 J/cm2 was utilized. An additional four monthly treatments were given utilizing a combination of both ruby and 532 nm ND:YAG lasers for green and yellow pigment, respectively.

results.Significant but incomplete resolution of the tattoo ink was achieved.

conclusion.Multiple laser systems are needed to remove cosmetic tattoos. Test areas must be done before treatment.

This article is cited by:
Jennifer Setlur. (2007) Cosmetic and reconstructive medical tattooing. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery 15:4, 253
CrossRef
Rudolf Vasold, Natascha Naarmann, Heidi Ulrich, Daniela Fischer, Burkhard Könlg, Michael Landthaler, Wolfgang Bäumler. (2004) Tattoo Pigments are Cleaved by Laser Light-The Chemical Analysis In Vitro Provide Evidence for Hazardous Compounds?. Photochemistry and Photobiology 80:2, 185Ò190
Abstract Abstract and References Full Text Article Full Article PDF
Karen Rebecca Suchin, MD, and Steven S. Greenbaum, MD. (2004) Successful Treatment of a Cosmetic Tattoo Using a Combination of Lasers. Dermatologic Surgery 30:1, 105Ò107
Abstract Abstract and References Full Text Article Full Article PDF
Rudolf Vasold, Natascha Naarmann, Heidi Ulrich, Daniela Fischer, Burkhard Kànig, Michael Landthaler, Wolfgang Bâumler. (2004) Tattoo Pigments are Cleaved by Laser LightÛThe Chemical Analysis In Vitro Provide Evidence for Hazardous Compounds?. Photochemistry and Photobiology 80:2, 185
CrossRef

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