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Retrospective Review of the Laser Removal of Facial Cosmetic Tattoos
Nina Hartman1, Jameson Loyal, Summer Borsack
1All authors are affiliated with the Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, San Diego, CA.
Background:
Cosmetic facial tattoos have proven difficult to remove despite advancements in laser technology.
Objective:
Review safety and efficacy of picosecond laser removal of cosmetic facial tattoos.
Methods Materials:
Retrospective chart review from January 2015 to January 2022 of patients undergoing tattoo removal of facial cosmetic tattoos.
Result:
A total of 33 patients were included in the review. The average number of treatments to obtain satisfactory results was 3. Sixty 6 percent of subjects were rated as "very much improved" with 76% to 100% of the tattoo removed and 34% of subjects were rated "much improved" with 51% to 75% of the tattoo removed. Thirty percent of subjects experienced unexpected changes in the tattoo color after initial treatment with 1,064-nm picosecond laser.
Conclusion:
Picosecond laser is an effective and safe treatment for cosmetic tattoos, and it highlights the underreported unmasking of an orange color postlaser treatment that can be successfully treated with a 532-nm PS laser.
