Evaluation of the Nd/YAG laser for treatment of amateur and professional tattoos.

Two hundred and twenty-one amateur tattoos and 27 professional tattoos were treated with a Nd/YAG laser (lambda 1064 nm and 532 nm). The response was expressed as the percentage area cleared of tattoo. Seventy-nine per cent of amateur black tattoos were > or = 75% clear after one to five treatments (mean 2) at 1064 nm. The response of professional tattoos was slower and less complete. Seventy-four per cent of black professional tattoos were > or = 75% clear after one to 11 treatments (mean 6.3) at 1064 nm. Red tattoos responded well to 532 nm and were > or = 75% clear after one to five treatments. Yellow, orange, blue and green tattoos were resistant to treatment. Side-effects included minor scarring in 1.2% of tattoos and transient pigmentary changes in 77% of patients.