Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser technology for tattoo removal traces back to the late 1960s, as documented in the NCBI Bookshelf. However, it wasn't until the 1980s when precise targeting of tattoo pigment became feasible through specific wavelengths. Selection of the laser type and wavelength for removal is predominantly contingent upon the patient's tattoo color and skin type.
Q-switched (QS) lasers function by emitting high-powered pulses in exceedingly short durations, leading to the fragmentation of tattoo particles. Colors like black, brown, dark blue, and green exhibit better response rates to laser removal, whereas red, orange, yellow, and light blue present greater difficulty in removal. Before the procedure, the patient's skin should be prepared with alcohol or chlorhexidine. To mitigate flammability risks, alcohol must be completely dried before treatment initiation. Anesthesia, either topical or local, should be administered to numb the treatment area. Employing the lowest feasible fluence to attain the desired endpoint is crucial to minimize damage to the surrounding epidermis. Adherence to laser safety protocols is imperative to safeguard both the medical staff and the patient. Patients should be informed that complete tattoo removal might not be achievable with lasers, and there exists a potential risk of causing more harm than benefit.