Successful treatment of cosmetic mucosal tattoos via Q-switched laser.

BACKGROUND

Tattoo removal using Q-switched lasers is well established in the medical literature, but it is not clear how tattoos on mucosal membranes should be treated because of their infrequent presentation.

OBJECTIVE

To report successful cosmetic tattoo removal using Q-switched laser irradiation on the oral mucosal surface.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three men with cosmetic tattoos on the orolabial mucosa of the lower lip sought permanent removal. Each patient received treatments using a Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to the desired endpoint.

RESULTS

Treatment of the affected area with the Nd:YAG laser resulted in clearing of the pigment without scarring.

CONCLUSION

Q-switched laser treatment is a safe and very effective means of removing cosmetic mucosal tattoos on the inner lip and should be considered the criterion standard treatment option.