Q-switched ruby laser. Further observations on treatment of professional tattoos

The Q-switched ruby laser is effective in the treatment of amateur tattoos and other pigmented lesions. Previous studies have shown that, though amateur tattoos usually respond well, professional tattoos show greater resistance to clearing. Our study evaluates the treatment of 20 patients with 28 professional (blue, green, black) tattoos by a Q-switched ruby laser with a 28-ns pulse width, and using high energy fluences up to 10 J/cm2. Responses proved to be good to excellent among these patients, who needed fewer treatments than previously reported.