The First Commercial 730nm Picosecond‐Domain Laser is Safe and Effective for Treating Multicolor Tattoos

• Published in: Lasers in surgery and medicine Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 89 - 94
• Main Authors: Bernstein, Eric F, Schomacker, Kevin T, Shang, Xiaoming, Alessa, Dana, Algzlan, Haitham, Paranjape, Amit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-01-2021
• Subjects: Allergic reactions; Bleeding; Digital imaging; Domains; Erythema; Hypersensitivity; Lasers; Pigments; Scars; Side effects; Surgery; Surgical implants; Tattoos; Titanium; Titanium-Sapphire
• ISSN: 0196-8092; 1096-9101
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23237

Background and ObjectivesLaser‐pumped lasers enable driving a secondary wavelength through pumping with a primary device. Here we investigate the first 730 nm laser‐pumped laser for efficacy in tattoo removal.Study Design/Materials and MethodsFifteen subjects with 20 tattoos were enrolled to investigate the effect of a new 730 nm, titanium‐sapphire laser‐pumped laser at removing decorative tattoos. A total of four treatments were administered and photographic improvement of pre‐ and post‐treatment cross‐polarized digital images was evaluated by four blinded physician observers using an 11‐point scale.ResultsBlinded assessment of pre‐ and post‐treatment images found 70%, 77%, 83%, 83%, 26%, and 8% clearance from baseline images for black, green, blue, purple, red and yellow pigments, respectively. Side effects were limited to pinpoint bleeding and erythema immediately after treatment and some crusting and scale up to 1–2 weeks following treatment, and a localized allergic reaction in a single subject. There was no scarring or pigmentary alteration visible in any follow‐up images.ConclusionThe new 730 nm, picosecond‐domain, titanium‐sapphire, laser‐pumped laser is safe and effective for removing multicolored tattoos. Green, blue, and purple pigments cleared the most as expected, but black ink cleared more completely than was predicted. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC