title: Tattoo removal using infra-red coagulation: a dose comparison.
abstract: Using an infra-red coagulator, 42 tattoos were treated using pulses of 1.125 s (27 tattoos) or 1.25 s (15 tattoos). Treatment failures occurred only in three professional tattoos. Amateur tattoos were satisfactorily treated in over 80% of cases regardless of dose. Deeper collagen necrosis occurred with 1.25 s, but scarring was clinically similar. Pre-treatment biopsy to assess pigment depth was of no value in selection of the optimum pulse duration and increased the complication rate. The possible mechanism of pigment removal is discussed.
mesh_terms: D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008028:Light Coagulation; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013653:Tattooing