A Novel Dual-Wavelength, Nd:YAG, Picosecond-domain Laser Safely and Effectively Removes Multicolor Tattoos

Research conducted by Eric F. Bernstein MD, MSc; Kevin T. Schomacker PhD; Lisa D. Basilavecchio RN; Jessica M. Plugis; and Jayant D. Bhawalkar PhD, published in the September 2015 issue of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (LSM), evaluated 21 tattooed subjects between the ages of 19-55 who had a total of 31 tattoos treated using a commercial picosecond-domain laser to determine the effectiveness verses the standard Q-switch laser. Safety and effectiveness were determined by blinded evaluation of digital images in this prospective clinical study. The average clearance overall as evaluated by blinded observers evaluating randomized digital photographs was 79 ± 0.9% (mean ± sem) after an average of 6.5 treatments. Of the 31 tattoos completing treatment, 6 had evidence of mild hyper- or hypo-pigmentation by evaluation of photographs.

The researcher concluded that the 350 picosecond, 532 nm, and 450 picosecond 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective for removing decorative tattoos.

“The state-of-the-art for Q-switched lasers hasn’t changed in decades until the recent development of commercial picosecond-domain lasers. In this study we first demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of treating tattoos with a novel 450 ps pulse-duration 1,064 nm/350 ps pulse-duration 532 nm laser,” stated Dr. Bernstein.

Eric F. Bernstein, MD, is a distinguished practitioner, researcher and innovator in the fields of dermatology and laser surgery. He received his BS from Duke University and his MD from Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Bernstein is Director of Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Centers, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania and one of the world’s leading experts on laser medicine and surgery. As a result of Dr. Bernstein’s research and development work, he often is among the very first in the world to utilize new laser applications for patient treatment.