Effective treatment of traumatic tattoos with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

It is well known that the Q-switched Nd:Yag (QSNd:YAG) laser works well in the treatment of blue-black tattoos and benign pigmented lesions. It is less well known that this laser can also treat traumatic tattoos after accidents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve patients with traumatic tattoos were treated with a QSNd:YAG laser, 1064 nm.

RESULTS

Gravel, mascara, high explosives, and older tattoos responded best with total clearance after 2-5 treatments. Hard materials such as asphalt, amalgam, and metal needed 6-11 treatments, and there was not always complete clearance. Transcient hypopigmentation but no scarring was seen.

CONCLUSION

QSNd:YAG laser treatment of traumatic tattoos is effective, atraumatic, and a good alternative to mechanical dermabrasion or other conventional therapies.