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Picosecond laser effectively, safely removed tattoo pigment

A picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser was safe and more effective than standard Q-switched lasers in removing tattoo pigment, according to study results.

Researchers studied 15 patients (mean age, 43.7 years; 67% women) with darkly pigmented tattoos (black or blue). Treatments were performed at a dermatology clinic at an interval of 6 ± 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 10 treatments. Sixty-seven percent of patients had Fitzpatrick skin types II and III. Photographs were taken at baseline, before each treatment and 1 and 3 months after final treatment and were assessed by a masked physician evaluator. Patient satisfaction was based on a 4-point scale 3 months upon completion.

 

Nazanin Saedi

The study was prompted by the theory that “the tattoo ink particles are so small, energy delivered over a picosecond would be better than a nanosecond,” researcher Nazanin Saedi, MD, assistant professor and director of laser surgery and cosmetic dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, told Healio.com.

Twelve patients completed the study and obtained tattoo clearance of more than 75%. After two to four treatments, nine patients saw greater than 75% clearance. All patients and the evaluator rated the results satisfactory or extremely satisfactory. Mean pain score was 4.5 on a 10-point scale; pain during the procedure, swelling and blistering were reported as adverse effects. Swelling and blistering resolved within 1 week. Three patients experienced hypopigmentation, and two had hyperpigmentation 3 months after treatment.

Although the study had no control group, researchers used historical controls to assess comparative efficacy of the picosecond laser, which is pending commercial availability.

“The tattoos cleared in fewer treatments compared to the standard approach using Q-switched lasers. The side effect profile is similar to that of Q-switched lasers,” Saedi said. “The treatment of tattoos has not changed in the past 20 years, and this is an exciting new technology for treating tattoos.”

Disclosure: Researchers Andrei Metelitsa, MD, and Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, are consultants to Cynosure. Dover received research grants from Cyonosure.