Comparison of Q switched Nd:YAG laser alone versus its combination with ultra pulse CO2 laser for the treatment of black tattoo.

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Comparison of Q switched Nd:YAG laser alone versus its combination with ultra pulse CO2 laser for the treatment of black tattoo.

J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2017 Apr 10;:

Authors: Vanarase M, Gautam RK, Arora P, Bajaj S, Meena N, Khurana A

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Q-switched lasers are conventionally used for the treatment of black tattoo. However they require multiple sittings and the response may be slow due to competing epidermal pigment in dark skin.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of Q Switched Nd:YAG laser alone with its combination with ultrapulse CO2 in black tattoo removal.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients of black tattoo were randomized into two groups. Group A was treated with QS Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) alone and group B received combination of ablative ultrapulse CO2 followed by fixed dose QS Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm), at 6 weeks interval for a maximum of 6 sittings. After each sitting, 3 independent physicians noted percentage of improvement that was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) and grading system for tattoo ink lightening (TIL).
RESULTS: Combination laser (group B) showed statistically significant improvement in mean VAS score in the last 2 noted visits as compared to 1(st) session (p <0.007, p<0.001) and TIL mean score in last three noted visits as compared to 1(st) session (p<0.008, p<0.020, p<0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in the side effect profile of both groups.
CONCLUSION: For refractory professional tattoos, combination of ultra pulse CO2 laser and QS Nd:YAG laser is superior to QS Nd:YAG laser alone.

PMID: 28394665 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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