Treatment of fireworks tattoos with the Q-switched ruby laser.
BACKGROUND
The best approach in managing patients with explosive traumatic tattoos is the immediate removal of particles during initial care. Delayed treatment makes the situation more difficult to manage. Under certain conditions, a Q-switched ruby laser can be considered an excellent alternative.


METHODS
We report a new case of multiple facial fireworks tattooing managed successfully with a Q-switched ruby laser under low fluency pulses at 4.5 J/cm2. A pretreatment test zone was initially performed, and then three treatments were conducted at 6-week intervals.


RESULTS
More than 75% of the lesions were removed without scarring.


CONCLUSIONS
The Q-switched ruby laser can be a safe and excellent choice for the removal of explosive particles.
El Sayed
Fouad
F
Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon. fsayed@terra.net.lb
Ammoury
Alfred
A
Dhaybi
Rola
R
D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013653:Tattooing