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Q-switched Nd:YAG laser maximum beam removed tattoos more effectively

The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was more effective when using a maximum-size treatment beam in removing tattoos when compared with a standard spot size treatment, according to study results.

Researchers treated 12 patients (average age, 32 years; seven women; Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV) with 13 tattoos not located on the face or neck with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The laser was equipped with a beam diameter that was adjustable to 1-mm increments and a setting that allowed the maximally achievable diameter (MAX-ON setting) with any fluence. Tattoos were randomly treated with MAX-ON setting on one side and a standard 4-mm diameter spot (MAX-OFF setting) on the other side. Eight weeks after treatment, photographs were taken, with each half-tattoo evaluated for clearance based on a 10-point scale by masked physicians.

In the first through fourth treatments, tattoo clearance was greater in a statistically significant manner with the MAX-ON setting compared with the MAX-OFF treatment side, which approached clearance of the MAX-ON treatment side after the fifth and sixth sessions.

“This high-energy, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a continuously variable spot-size safely and effectively removes tattoos, with greater removal when using a larger spot-size,” the researchers concluded. “Lower treatment fluences than were used in the current study are often used to spare the epidermis when treating tattoos in patients with skin of color. Future studies of tattoo removal in skin of color … could further explore the potential advantage of the MAX-ON setting.”

Disclosure: Eric F. Bernstein, MD, MSE, received a research grant from Cynosure, and Jennifer M. Civiok, BS, works for Cynosure, which was a contract grant sponsor.