Computer-assisted laser tattoo removal: a proposed prototype system - biomed 2009

It is estimated that there are 7-20 million tattooed people in the United States. This number will probably grow as evidenced by reported increases in the number of tattoo studios and the sales of tattoo related supplies. Consistent with this growth in tattoo placement is anticipated increase in the demand for tattoo removals. Studies by Armstrong et al. indicate that many people want to have tattoos removed. Most participants in the studies indicated they had "impulsively obtained their tattoos for internal expectations of self-identity at an early age and were still internally motivated to dissociate from the past and improve self-identity [1]." Currently there are several lasers approved for tattoo removal: the Q-switched ruby (694 nm), the Q-switched Nd:YAG (532 nm, 1064 nm) and Nd:YAG pumped dye lasers at 585 nm and 650 nm.. A technique called Selective Photothermolysis is used to remove the tattoos. The goal of this project was to investigate the feasibility of a computer-assisted laser tattoo removal system to limit damage to collateral areas and scarring while significantly reducing the length and the number of treatment sessions. This was accomplished by characterizing the absorption properties of common tattoo inks, reviewing the limitations of current laser tattoo removal systems, and proposing a prototype system configuration.