Background :
@EN Until the recent development of the Q-switched lasers, it was impossible to remove tattoos without causing scarring and sometimes disfiguring. Variations in wavelengths and pulse widths may result in different clinical effects or risks.
@ES Objective :
@EN The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of the alexandrite laser in removing tattoos clinically, histologically and ultrastructually.
@ES Methods :
@EN Fourty-two patients with gray, black, and blue-black colored tattoos were treated with fluences ranging from 6.5 to 8.0 J/cm2 at a minimal interval of 6 weeks. We took pictures of each tattoo prior to treatment and each treatment session in
order to
evaluate clinical improvement. Biopsy specimens were obtained from 8 patients, on prearranged times : before, immediately after, one week after and 6 weeks after irradiation.
@ES Results :
@EN The results of the treatment of 42 patients with tattoos were analyzed. After two treatment sessions, 89% of patients showed 51% to 95% improvement. Transient hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation occurred in 7 patients. However, skin
atrophy,
hypertrophic scar or infection did not occur. In a biopsy specimen taken 6 weeks after irradiation on light microscopy, most of tattoo granules disappeared without collagen fiber change. However, macrophage engulfing tattoo granules and a minute
amount
of tattoo granules still remained in the dermis on electron microscopy.
@ES Conclusion :
@EN The alexandrite laser is considered to be a safe and effective treatment modality ofr removal of gray, black, and blue-black tattoo pigments.
(Kor J Dermatol 1996;34(5) :790~796)
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