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J Drugs Dermatol 2021 May;20(5):515-518

Background: Port-wine stain (PWS) is a congenital vascular malformation affecting 0.3–0.5% of normal population. Read More

J Cosmet Laser Ther 2020 Jul 17;22(4-5):210-214. Epub 2021 Feb 17.

Laserplast Stl Stp, Milan, Italy.

BackgroundTattooing is increasingly common among adolescents and young adults. This study explores the clinical efficacy of picosecond laser for the correction of tattoos. Literature suggests that 25-47% of the population have had a tattoo at some point in their life (1). Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2020 Dec 1. Epub 2020 Dec 1.

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, 9339 Genesee Avenue, Suite 300, San Diego, California, 92121.

Background And Objectives: Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a useful technique that applies permanent camouflage for hair loss and scarring. However, suboptimal outcomes necessitate removal. To date, there have been no reports of SMP removal with a picosecond laser. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2020 Oct 26. Epub 2020 Oct 26.

Academic Tattoo Clinic Amsterdam, Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 2205 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Patients with allergic tattoo reactions are burdened with itch and have a reduced quality of life. Conservative treatment is often insufficient and little is known about treatment options to remove the responsible allergen. We aimed to address the effectiveness and safety of ablative laser therapy including measurement of patient's satisfaction, in patients with allergic reactions to tattoos. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2020 Oct 17. Epub 2020 Oct 17.

Rao Dermatology, 95 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, 07716, USA.

The evaluation of pigmented lesions on tattooed skin poses a diagnostic challenge for dermatologists, as a nevus may be partially or completely obscured by tattoo pigment. Because of incidences of melanoma arising from tattooed skin, the current gold standard is to biopsy these lesions. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive imaging modality used in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases that may allow for diagnosis, while preserving the tattoo design. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2020 Oct 7. Epub 2020 Oct 7.

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19147, Pennsylvania.

Background And Objectives: To investigate the safety and efficacy of a dual-wavelength 1064/532-nm picosecond-domain laser for tattoo removal in Vietnamese patients.

Study Design/materials And Methods: This prospective clinical study enrolled 30 subjects with 52 decorative tattoos treated with up to six treatments of laser removal at intervals of 6-8 weeks. Safety and efficacy were assessed at each treatment session and at 4 weeks after the final session. Read More

Laser Ther 2020 Jul;29(1):47-52

Department of Plastic Surgery, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan.

Background And Aims: Although, the pulse width should be shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the target, nanosecond laser pulses are not short enough for tattoo removal. Complications are common, such as hyper or hypopigmentation, textural changes, and scarring. Moreover, patients with darker skin types are at a higher risk of complications from tattoo removal using these lasers. Read More

Rev Prat 2020 Mar;70(3):305-309

Cabinet de dermatologie, Paris, France.

Complications related to tattoo practice. Tattooing can result in a wide variety of complications, whose prevalence and incidence remain still unclear. Hypersensitivity reactions (or allergies) to tattoo pigments are currently the most common complication on a tattoo, however are not predictable. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2020 Aug 4. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.

Background: While lasers have been the gold standard for tattoo removal, selecting the best modality can be challenging because of the varying efficacies and adverse effects.

Objective: To evaluate all lasers used to remove tattoos and assess their efficacies and side effects.

Methods: Our systematic review searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Trials, and ClinicalTrials. Read More

Med Sci Monit 2020 Jul 25;26:e924583. Epub 2020 Jul 25.

Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland).

BACKGROUND Tattoos are popular in modern times. Due to the occurance of adverse effects such as poor aesthetic value, scar hyperplasia, and abnormal pigments, there is a high demand for uniform operation standards as well as standards for tattoo technologies. In the present study we used Sprague-Dawley rats to assess the tattoo removal efficacy of use of a picosecond laser at various energy values. Read More

Skin Res Technol 2020 Nov 18;26(6):839-850. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

TOOsonix A/S, Horsholm, Denmark.

Background: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) operating at 20 MHz is new and potentially applicable to ablative tattoo removal. The method was documented safe and rational in preclinical testing.

Materials And Methods: High-intensity focused ultrasound was introduced to subjects when lasers and dermatome shaving had failed or caused side effects. Read More

ACS Sens 2020 07 2;5(7):2086-2095. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India.

The discovery of stable two-dimensional (2D) materials has effectuated a rapid evolution of skin conformal sensors for health monitoring via epidermal electronics. Among the newly discovered 2D materials, MXene stands out as a solution-processable 2D material allowing easy fabrication of highly conductive thin films with the potential to realize flexible skin conformal sensors. Here, we present a successful demonstration of a TiC-MXene resistor as an extremely sensitive strain sensor in the form an ultrathin skin mountable temporary tattoo. Read More

J Cosmet Laser Ther 2020 Apr 9;22(3):150-158. Epub 2020 Jun 9.

Medical Affairs, Merz North America , Raleigh, NC, USA.

Laser-based procedures for tattoo removals are popular due to high efficacy and a relatively moderate insult. However, it often requires multiple sessions to achieve a satisfactory effect. The perfluorodecalin (PFD) patch utilizes an optical clearing agent to speed up the removal process and may decrease skin insult and harmful particles emission during treatment. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2021 01 13;53(1):9-49. Epub 2020 Apr 13.

Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114.

Background And Objectives: The use of picosecond laser in dermatology was originally focused on optimizing the removal of unwanted tattoos. Subsequent advances in this technology have broadened its clinical indications to include treatment of benign pigmented lesions, photodamage, melasma, and scar revision. In this systematic review, evidence-based recommendations are developed for the use of picosecond laser in dermatology. Read More

Radiography (Lond) 2020 11 31;26(4):288-293. Epub 2020 Mar 31.

GenesisCare Nottingham, The Park centre of oncology, Sherwood Lodge Drive, Nottingham, NG5 8RX, UK.

Introduction: An evaluation to compare the traditional tattoo based set up procedure with a surface guided method to assess the possibility of eliminating permanent tattoos in breast cancer patents who are undergoing radiotherapy to the breast/chest wall.

Methods: Forty-three patients that were having radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall were included in this evaluation. The patients were divided into two groups and further divided into 2 sub-groups. Read More

Dermatology 2020 2;236(4):383-389. Epub 2020 Apr 2.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,

Background: To date, information on laser treatment of accidental tattoos is limited.

Objectives: This study analyzes the efficacy and safety of quality-switched ruby, quality-switched Nd:YAG and picosecond lasers in the treatment of accidental hyperpigmentation in a larger patient cohort. To date, there is limited information on laser therapy of accidental hyperpigmentation. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2021 01 24;53(1):89-94. Epub 2020 Mar 24.

Candela Corporation, 251 Locke Drive, Marlborough, Massachusetts, 01752.

Background And Objectives: Laser-pumped lasers enable driving a secondary wavelength through pumping with a primary device. Here we investigate the first 730 nm laser-pumped laser for efficacy in tattoo removal.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Fifteen subjects with 20 tattoos were enrolled to investigate the effect of a new 730 nm, titanium-sapphire laser-pumped laser at removing decorative tattoos. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2020 Nov 20;19(11):2919-2921. Epub 2020 Mar 20.

Private Practice, Dermatology OPClinic, Tripoli, Libya.

Background: Tattooing is an ancient practice that has been performed all over the world which is used to beautify the skin and augment beauty. Regrettable tattoos are treated with Q switch lasers, in many sessions, and the effectiveness is doubtful.

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how a unique protocol of R20 Q switch Nd YAG laser, can be employed successfully in removing long standing facial tattoos, in skin type IV, in an effective disciplined timing and cost wise modalities. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2020 10 30;52(8):705-707. Epub 2019 Dec 30.

Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, 317 E 34th St, 11th Floor, New York, New York, 10016.

Background And Objectives: Q-switched (QS) and picosecond lasers can effectively and safely remove unwanted tattoo pigments. Cosmetic mucosal tattoos are rare and there are only a handful of cases of successful laser tattoo removal, all with QS 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser.

Study Design/materials And Methods: A 19-year-old Fitzpatrick skin-type II female presented for treatment of a 6-month-old, black tattoo on the mucosal surface of her lower lip. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2020 09 11;52(7):586-589. Epub 2019 Dec 11.

Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, Houston, Texas.

Background And Objectives: Nanosecond Q-switched lasers have been used for the removal of traditional and cosmetic tattoos. Picosecond lasers utilize pulse durations of 10 and provide more efficient clearance of tattoos. Safe and effective removal of tattoos is especially important in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2020 09 1;52(7):583-585. Epub 2019 Dec 1.

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, San Diego, California, 92121.

Background And Objectives: We present a case of laser tattoo removal treated with 15 different combinations using picosecond 1064 nm, picosecond 755 nm, nanosecond 755 nm, and a fractionated CO laser, both with and without a perfluorodecalin (PFD) patch to ascertain the most effective approach. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single lower extremity black tattoo was divided into 15 treatment sections allowing for testing of various laser and PFD combinations. Sectioned treatment was conducted until a treatment superiority was noted. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2020 Feb;28(1):87-100

Facial Plastic Surgery, Gentile Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Laser Center, 821 Kentwood Suite C, Youngstown, OH 44512, USA; Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, Akron, OH, USA. Electronic address:

Picosecond laser technology was cleared by Food and Drug Administration in 2012 and enhanced our ability to clear both benign pigmentation and dermal ink through a photomechanical impact created in the tissue. This impact created is greater than comparative nanotechnology and can be accomplished with lower fluences and smaller pulse durations. The addition of a diffractive lens array (FOCUS lens) has created a new category in skin rejuvenation by stimulating elastin and collagen through photomechanical and photoacoustic effects and not only through traditional photothermal tissue effects. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2020 07 23;35(5):1227-1229. Epub 2019 Nov 23.

Dermalase Research Unit, Glasgow, UK.

Lasers Surg Med 2020 07 14;52(6):515-522. Epub 2019 Nov 14.

Luce Tokyo Aesthetic Clinic, Tokyo, Japan.

Background And Objectives: Tattoo removal by laser has been mostly performed using Q-switched laser, which has nanosecond pulse width. In recent years, the efficacy of treatment with picosecond pulse width laser has also been reported.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Using a picosecond-domain, neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser with a potassium-titanyl-phosphate frequency-doubling crystal, we performed a retrospective clinical study with combination treatment using pulse widths of 750 ps and 2 ns. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2020 01 19;52(1):70-76. Epub 2019 Sep 19.

Soliton, Inc., Houston, Texas, 77081.

Background And Objectives: The ability to provide improved tattoo fading using multiple laser passes in a single office laser tattoo removal session is limited. In part, this is due to the loss of laser effectiveness caused by epidermal and dermal vacuole "whitening" generated during the initial laser pass at the tattoo site. The Rapid Acoustic Pulse (RAP) device generates acoustic shock wave pulses that clear epidermal and dermal vacuoles to enable multiple laser passes in a single office laser tattoo removal session. Read More

Int J Prison Health 2019 12 9;15(4):308-315. Epub 2019 Jul 9.

Department of Dermatology, UCSD School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe a sustainable free laser tattoo removal clinic for economically disadvantaged adult probationers.

Design/methodology/approach: This paper describes the partnerships, methods and challenges/lessons learned from the implementation of a free monthly laser tattoo removal program for adult probationers within a medical school setting in California.

Findings: Possible patients are identified via a collaboration with the county's Probation Department. Read More

Cornea 2019 Nov;38(11):1400-1405

Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Purpose: To report outcomes of keratopigmentation (KP) with commercial black ink in the treatment of dysphotopsia secondary to laser peripheral iridotomies (LPI) using manual anterior stromal puncture (ASP) and manual lamellar pocket (LP).

Methods: This is a retrospective case series of eyes that underwent KP for treatment of dysphotopsia secondary to LPI. Patients' postoperative symptoms were categorized as resolved, improved, no change, or worse. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2019 09 10;32(5):e13069. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

Laser Cutaneous Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Unit, Villa Donatello Clinic, Florence, Italy.

Traumatic tattoos can be treated with several methods, including mechanical and chemical devices. However, they are rarely used due to the high risk of permanent side effects such as scarring and depigmentation. Recently, laser devices, especially the Q-switched (QS) laser and the pulsed dye laser (PDL), applied in combination, have achieved complete clearance of the lesions without any risk of side effects. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2019 09 23;32(5):e13042. Epub 2019 Aug 23.

Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Dermatology, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.

Laser is a widely accepted tool for tattoo removal, with standardized treatment protocols. Nevertheless, cosmetic tattoo removal may be challenging, because tattoos are performed in proximity of "sensitive" areas and because the ink used in cosmetic tattoos may contain substances that are not standardized and may modify their color at a high temperature. In this case series, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser for cosmetic tattoo removal. Read More

J Biophotonics 2019 10 20;12(10):e201800484. Epub 2019 Jun 20.

Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), DRDO, Delhi, India.

Visible lasers emitting in the green spectral region are being routinely employed in various medical and defense fields namely treatment of pigmented lesions, tattoo inks, port wine stains, dazzling the target or mob dispersal. Despite their increasing applications, lasers also tend to pose occupational hazards to operators, ancillary personnel, individuals undergoing laser therapies. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of different doses of 532-nm continuous wave laser on rat skin. Read More