Patient compliance as a major determinant of laser tattoo removal success rates: A 10-year retrospective study

Abstract

The use and success of high-energy, short-pulse, Q-switched lasers for tattoo removal has been well demonstrated. Three types of lasers are currently commercially available for tattoo removal: the Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm), the Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm and 1064 nm). Multiple parameters such as tattoo type, color, location, and patient skin type dictate which laser is optimal in each patient. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of these modalities, there are few papers that address some of the long-term issues of tattoo removal, such as patient compliance, and how these issues impact on the success rates of optimal tattoo removal treatments. In this retrospective study, 10-year data from a single center are presented. Our data include parameters such as clearance rates, number of treatments, wavelength of the utilized laser, and fluence and spot-size setting. In addition, potential complications such as scarring, hypopigmentation, and pain were analyzed. Finally, we examine the patient compliance that accompanied tattoo removal and the reasons behind the typically low success rates for total tattoo clearance.

Optimising laser tattoo removal

“…Total clearance of a tattoo is not often seen and one study reported that only three of 238 paying patients achieved this goal. [ 8 ] Thus, a constant endeavour is to optimise laser parameter selection, increase the efficacy of each treatment session, and minimise the total number of treatment sessions required. [ 1 2 8 ]…”

Finite element analysis of thermal and acoustic processes during laser tattoo removal

“…A recent study found that eight or more sessions are often necessary for a satisfactory result 2. Total clearance of a tattoo is rare, quoted in one study as being only three of 238 paying patients 3. In order to optimise laser parameter selection, increase the efficacy of each treatment session, and minimise the total number of treatment sessions required, an improved understanding of the mechanisms of pigment reduction is necessary.…”

In vitro hyperspectral analysis of tattoo dyes

“…Table 1 shows the optimal length of laser radiation (optimal laser) in relation to different dye colors. 22 Effective tattoo removal usually requires from 8 to 16 treatments.…”

“…At the same time, different dye colors have different absorption maxima, which results in the necessity to use lasers with several wavelengths. Table 1 shows the optimal length of laser radiation (optimal laser) in relation to different dye colors 22 …”

“…Table 1 shows the optimal length of laser radiation (optimal laser) in relation to different dye colors. 22 …”