Successful Treatment of a Cosmetic Tattoo Using a Combination of Lasers

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Successful Treatment of a Cosmetic Tattoo Using a Combination of Lasers
January 2004
To cite this article: Karen Rebecca Suchin MD, Steven S. Greenbaum MD (2004)
Successful Treatment of a Cosmetic Tattoo Using a Combination of Lasers
Dermatologic Surgery 30 (1), 105Ò107.
doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30024.x
Blackwell Synergy

Karen Rebecca Suchin, MD*
*Skin and Laser Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Steven S. Greenbaum, MD**Skin and Laser Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania*Skin and Laser Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Steven S. Greenbaum, MD, Skin and Laser Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 1101, Philadelphia, PA 19102, or e-mail: sgreen2044@aol.com

K. R. SUCHIN, MD, AND S. S. GREENBAUM, MD HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.

Abstract
Background. Cosmetic tattoos are becoming more popular and are often composed of several colors. Tattoo pigments containing ferric oxide and titanium dioxide can change to a blue-black color after exposure to Q-switched lasers that can be permanent.

Objective. Using a patient who presented with rouge tattoos on the cheeks as an example, we describe a useful approach to laser treatment of cosmetic tattoos.

Methods. Test areas were done with the Q-switched Nd:YAG at both 532 and 1064 nm and with the pulsed-dye laser at 595 nm.

Results. Although an immediate blue-black color change occurred after treatment with the Nd:YAG at 532 and 1064 nm, sequential treatments at 1064 nm produced a near complete clearance of the tattoos. The pulsed-dye laser was used to remove subtle pink tones.

Conclusion. Performing small test areas before complete treatment and using several laser wavelengths throughout the course of therapy are essential to the successful treatment of cosmetic tattoos.

This article is cited by:
Susan M Sweeney. (2006) Tattoos: a review of tattoo practices and potential treatment options for removal. Current Opinion in Pediatrics 18:4, 391???395

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