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BACKGROUND Cosmetic facial tattoos have proven difficult to remove despite advancements in laser technology. OBJECTIVE Review safety and efficacy of picosecond laser removal of cosmetic facial tattoos. METHODS & MATERIALS Retrospective chart review from January 2015 to January 2022 of patients undergoing tattoo removal of facial cosmetic tattoos. RESULT A total of 33 patients were included in the review. The average number of treatments to obtain satisfactory results was 3. Sixty 6 percent of subjects were rated as "very much improved" with 76% to 100% of the tattoo removed and 34% of subjects were rated "much improved" with 51% to 75% of the tattoo removed. Thirty percent of subjects experienced unexpected changes in the tattoo color after initial treatment with 1,064-nm picosecond laser. CONCLUSION Picosecond laser is an effective and safe treatment for cosmetic tattoos, and it highlights the underreported unmasking of an orange color postlaser treatment that can be successfully treated with a 532-nm PS laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of a delayed onset Type I allergic reaction following black tattoo removal using a picosecond laser. The patient experienced blisters, itching, burning, redness, and swelling after each laser treatment, with symptoms worsening over time. The authors suspect that the laser treatment caused a delayed allergic reaction to breakdown products or metabolites released into the bloodstream. The article highlights the need for further research on allergic reactions resulting from laser-assisted tattoo removal and emphasizes the importance of clinicians being aware of these reactions when counseling patients. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND There is increasing awareness of the potential hazards of surgical plumes. The plume associated with laser tattoo removal remains uncharacterized. OBJECTIVE To determine the gaseous, particulate, and microbiological content of the laser tattoo removal plume. MATERIALS AND METHODS Air sampling was performed during laser tattoo removal from pig skin and from patients. Measurement of metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (HS), and ultrafine particulates (UPs) as well as bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing were performed. RESULTS Metals were identified in the plume from both pig and human skin. Volatile organic compounds were found at similar levels within and outside the treatment room. Several bacterial phyla were detected in the treatment room, but not outside. High levels of UPs were measured throughout the treatment room during tattoo removal from pig skin. Ultrafine particulates were detected at low levels in the room periphery during tattoo removal from human skin, but at higher levels in the immediate treatment zone. HS and CO were not detected. CONCLUSION Metals, VOCs, HS, and CO were found at levels below applicable occupational exposure limits. The presence of bacteria is of uncertain significance, but may be hazardous. High levels of UPs require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The type of cosmetic dermatologic procedures patients' desire may be influenced by demographic factors. OBJECTIVE To better understand the type of cosmetic procedures requested by patients of different age, gender, education, race, and geographic location. To understand the most common motivations of patients who requested particular types of treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multicenter data from the Cosmetic Motivation Database were analyzed. Bivariable analyses and linear regressions were undertaken to determine whether patient demographic features were associated with particular procedures of interest. RESULTS Patients younger than 45 years were more interested in acne scar treatment, laser hair removal, liposuction, and tattoo removal. Older patients were more likely to want soft-tissue fillers and wrinkles and jowls tightening treatment. Non-White patients were more likely to be interested in laser hair removal, liposuction, cellulite treatment, and tattoo removal. Types of procedures desired varied by the geographic region but not by the educational level. Different motivations drove patients who wanted different types of treatments. CONCLUSION Different types of patients demand different types of cosmetic treatments, and the motivations of patients who ask for particular procedures also differ. Better understanding of patient preferences may help physicians allocate resources and meet patient needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procedural Overview For a typical laser tattoo removal procedure using ASW therapy, lidocaine HCl 1% (with or without epinephrine 1:100,000) is injected into the treatment site. After each pass, an ASW device, which delivers radial pulse treatments for a 90-second period (90 mJ, 22 Hz), is used to deliver 1,200 or 3,000 pulses depending on treatment area size. Of those who had 3 or more treatments, significantly more patients had greater than 75% improvement after all treatment sessions when they received >372 total ASW pulses/cm SP 2 sp compared with those who had <372 total ASW pulses/cm SP 2 sp ( I p i =.025). [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND: Picosecond pulse duration lasers (PS) have altered the field of dermatology. PS were initially used in tattoo removal, to optimize efficacy and reduce side effects with nanosecond domain lasers. More recently, they have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of pigmentary disorders, acne scarring, and photoaging. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we critically analyze the published data on the many uses of picosecond lasers in dermatology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed was conducted using the following search terms: "picosecond," "picosecond laser," "picosecond laser dermatology," "picosecond laser pigment/pigmentation," and "picosecond laser tattoo removal." Articles ranged from 1988 until 2017. RESULTS : Forty-one articles were identified, and 27 met inclusion criteria for review. Indications for the PS included a variety of dermatologic applications include tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions/pigmentary disorders, acne scarring, and photoaging. Most studies demonstrated safe and effective treatment. CONCLUSION : The development of the picosecond pulse duration is a breakthrough innovation in laser technology, changing the scope of laser treatment. Encouraging findings in tattoo pigment clearance spurred the use of PS in a wider array of dermatologic issues. The increasingly positive results and low incidence of adverse effects further substantiates PS efficacy for a variety of dermatologic uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic tattoos such as eyeliner, brow liner, and lip liner have become increasingly popular in the United States and throughout the world. For a variety of reasons, patients frequently regret their tattoos and request their removal; however, removal is often complicated by the aesthetically sensitive location of these specialized tattoos and the fact that they often contain white metallic compounds that darken on pigment-specific laser irradiation. OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical use, effectiveness, and safety of an ablative laser technique for cosmetic tattoos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough literature review pertaining to laser treatment of cosmetic tattoos and a discussion of illustrative patient cases showcasing the successful use of ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to treat cosmetic tattoos is presented. RESULTS: Cosmetic eyeliner and lip liner tattoos were significantly improved after CO2 laser vaporization. Side effects were limited to erythema, edema, and serosanguinous drainage. No infection, scarring, nor tattoo ink darkening was observed. CONCLUSION : Because ablative lasers do not target specific tattoo inks, they do not pose a risk of paradoxical tattoo ink darkening and, thus, can be applied successfully in the treatment of iron oxide- or titanium dioxide-containing cosmetic tattoos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

69% (34/49) of physician members had treated 9 or fewer patients with radiation tattoos, 25% (12/49) had treated 10 to 24 patients with radiation tattoos, 2% (1/49) had treated 25 to 44 patients with radiation tattoos, and 4% (2/49) had treated greater than 45 patients with radiation tattoos. Survey questions aimed to (1) determine approximately how many patients have been treated in the New Beginnings Program, (2) determine the average number of treatment sessions required to adequately remove radiation tattoos, and (3) determine the most common laser used for the treatment of radiation tattoos. Before radiation treatment, patients often receive skin markings with permanent ink.[1] Patients generally receive multiple tattoos, often in cosmetically sensitive areas, surrounding the area to be irradiated. [Extracted from the article]

Other attempts to enhance the clearance of unwanted tattoos include the use of nonablative fractional resurfacing, ablative fractional resurfacing, and combining these techniques with QS lasers in the same treatment session.12-14 More recently, picosecond lasers have been used successfully for the treatment of tattoos and have gained great popularity for this application.15,16 However, even with the use of these shorter pulse duration lasers, laser-assisted tattoo removal has remained challenging. It is important to note that these authors included subjects with Fitzpatrick skin type ranging from I to V with 9/45 (20%) classified as either IV or V. This is important because the initial studies performed with a QS 755-nm laser-emitting nanosecond duration pulses included only patients with Fitzpatrick skin Types I to III. Treatment of tattoos with a 755-nm Q-switched alexandrite laser and novel 1064 nm and 532 nm Nd:YAG laser handpieces pumped by the alexandrite treatment beam. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents a case study of a 19-year-old white man with keloidal scarring of his right shoulder due to the treatment with an intense pulsed light device marketed for tattoo removal and mentions Q-switched laser devices enhance thermal confinement of laser energy.

Background A rise in popularity of cosmetic tattoos has led to an increase in adverse reactions. Due to more pressing concerns, the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has not traditionally enforced its authority over tattoo inks. Objective To raise awareness of the dangers of cosmetic tattoos. Materials and Methods We reviewed FDA policies regarding tattoo ink, different ink components, adverse reactions, and various treatment options for cosmetic tattoo removal. Results and Conclusion An increase in consumer complaints has prompted FDA investigation into tattoo inks and their safety. It is important that further complications be reported to the FDA to promote regulation of cosmetic tattoo inks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tattoos have played an important role in human culture for thousands of years, and they remain popular today. The development of quality-switched ( QS) lasers has revolutionized the removal of unwanted tattoos. Objectives To thoroughly review the literature on laser tattoo removal pertaining to its history, its theoretical basis, the various devices used, potential adverse effects, and future developments. Material and Methods An extensive literature review of publications related to tattoo removal was conducted. Results Reports exist demonstrating the efficacy of laser removal of different tattoo types, including professional, amateur, traumatic, cosmetic, and medical. The literature supports the use of different QS lasers for removal of tattoos. Some colors have a more-complete response using particular wavelengths. Conclusion QS lasers can effectively and safely remove different types of unwanted tattoos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 29-year-old female patient with Fitzpatrick skin Type VI, for treatment of its professional black and red tattoo inkings on the neck. The patient then underwent laser removal treatment for her skin tattoos and a 5320nm picosecond laser for her red-colored tattoo inking. The article also discusses the factors for reducing the risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the removal of henna tattoo by 2,940 nanometer (nm) ablative laser resurfacing.

The article presents a case study of three patients who were presented with a complaint of bruising in areas adjacent to tattoos that had been treated using a Q-Switch (QS) laser. Physical examination showed confluent areas of well-demarcated angular ecchymosis outside the borders of the ink tattoo. The study indicated that the use of cryotherapy after a QS laser tattoo removal treatment session can be achieved with minimal side effects.

Background Tattoo removal using Q-switched lasers is well established in the medical literature, but it is not clear how tattoos on mucosal membranes should be treated because of their infrequent presentation. Objective To report successful cosmetic tattoo removal using Q-switched laser irradiation on the oral mucosal surface. Materials and Methods Three men with cosmetic tattoos on the orolabial mucosa of the lower lip sought permanent removal. Each patient received treatments using a Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet ( Nd: YAG) laser to the desired endpoint. Results Treatment of the affected area with the Nd: YAG laser resulted in clearing of the pigment without scarring. Conclusion Q-switched laser treatment is a safe and very effective means of removing cosmetic mucosal tattoos on the inner lip and should be considered the criterion standard treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the redistribution of ink after the removal of tattoo through quality-switched laser (QSL) treatment. It discusses the cases of three patients who undergone tattoo removal which showed discoloration surrounding normal skin that is consistent with the color of the original tattoo. It says that the bleeding of the tattoo pigment, known as complication of tattoo removal treatment, responded to further QSL treatment and completely cleared.