Comparative study of 1064 nm nanosecond, 1064 nm picosecond, 755 nm, and 595 nm lasers for tattoo removal: An essential role by macrophage

Abstract

Objectives: Tattoo removal is in high demand, and many types of lasers can be used for tattoo removal. Macrophages play an important role in the persistence of tattoos. However, comparative studies of the efficacy of tattoo removal with different lasers versus the relationship between the destruction of pigment particles or recruitment of macrophages after laser treatment are lacking. Materials and Methods: Tattoo models were established on the rat dorsal surface and randomly treated with 1064 nm nanosecond, 1064 nm picosecond, 755 nm, and 595 nm lasers for one session. Clinical photographic evaluation, melanin index, hematoxylin and eosin staining, identification of macrophages by CD68 staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted at different time points. Results: Regardless of the pulse duration, all lasers included were effective for the removal of black tattoos, with 1064 nm lasers having the best efficacy, followed by 755 and 595 nm lasers. The diameter of the pigment particles and recruitment of dermal macrophages correlated with the efficacy of tattoo removal. Conclusions: In this study, the 1064 nm lasers were found to be the most effective for black tattoo removal. However, there was no significant difference between the 1064 nm picosecond and the nanosecond lasers. Macrophage recruitment plays an essential role in pigment metabolism during laser-tattoo removal.

Combined microfocused ultrasound and delicate pulsed light for facial rejuvenation: A prospective, randomized, and split‐face study

“…[15][16][17] The pigments and pigment fragments produced during this process may recruit macrophages, triggering a response similar to laser tattoo removal, promoting pigment and epidermal metabolism. 18 Although more gentle and slow than tattoo removal, this process can still enhance skin tone.…”

“…This may be due to the vibrations and friction caused by ultrasound during propagation, which can mechanically disrupt or eliminate melanin and pigment fragments above the TIZs plane 15–17 . The pigments and pigment fragments produced during this process may recruit macrophages, triggering a response similar to laser tattoo removal, promoting pigment and epidermal metabolism 18 . Although more gentle and slow than tattoo removal, this process can still enhance skin tone.…”

Comprehensive examination of tattoo removal using a 150 ps Nd:YAG laser in a porcine model

“…These lasers produce pulses with peak energies of up to 10 J/cm 2 and pulse durations within the nanosecond range 8 . However, the pulse duration range of these lasers is still not sufficient to effectively break down ink particles while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue 9 . In recent years, picosecond (ps) lasers have emerged as a more promising option for tattoo removal, as they have been shown to be more effective in terms of tattoo clearance and pain management in both preclinical 10 and clinical studies 11 .…”