Removal of amateur blue-black tattoos in Arabic women of skin type (III-IV) with Q-switched alexandrite laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Tattoos in Arabic society used to have a cosmetic importance on the face of females. These were usually amateur tattoos done by non-professional women in the tribe. Because Islam as a religion prohibited its practice and its application, people became concerned about removing the old tattoos by any means. Nowadays, laser is considered an effective method of tattoo removal. Here, we report our experience in the removal of tattoos in Arabic women of skin type III-IV using the Q-switched alexandrite laser.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty female subjects aged 35-50 years from similar racial and ethnic background with amateur tattoos were treated using the Q-switched alexandrite laser. Fluence threshold was determined and a spot test was made. Q-switched alexandrite laser with a fluence range 4.0-7.5 J/cm(2) (mean 6.05) was used at 6-12-week intervals. Total treatment numbers ranged from three to six sessions (mean 4.15) with single-pulse technique application.

RESULTS

More than 95% lightening was achieved in five patients after three to six sessions at fluence range of 6-7.5 J/cm(2) and > 75% lightening in 10 subjects after three to six sessions of treatment at fluence range of 4-7.5 J/cm(2). Pinpoint bleeding was observed in one case but no pigmentary alteration or scarring was seen.

CONCLUSION

Tattoo pigment removal by Q-switched alexandrite laser is an effective method in skin type (III-IV) with minimal side effects, which gives high patient satisfaction.