Comparison of a single treatment with Q-switched ruby laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in removing black-blue Chinese tattoos.
BACKGROUND
Black and blue are two popular colors in Chinese tattooing. Two Q-switched lasers, ruby and Nd:YAG, are effective for tattoo removal. No reference with regard to a comparison of the effects and adverse reactions in Chinese individuals has been made in the literature.


OBJECTIVE
To compare a single treatment of black-blue tattoos with the Q-switched ruby laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser.


METHODS
A total of 35 Chinese patients with black-blue tattoos at the laser center of the Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were enrolled into a self-control study. Tattoos were split into two parts or two nearby tattoos on the same body part were used; one side was treated with the Q-switched ruby laser and the other with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Immediate response, treatment outcome and adverse effects were compared. The statistical significance level was set at p< 0.05.


RESULTS
Edema and exudation were more common immediately after ruby laser treatment (p< 0.05). The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser had a significant difference in tattoo lightening versus the Q-switched ruby laser after a single treatment (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two lasers.


CONCLUSIONS
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is more effective at tattoo lightening for Chinese individuals. Its immediate response after treatment is slighter than the Q-switched ruby laser.
Lin
Tong
T
Skin Laser Center, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
Jia
Gaorong
G
Rong
Huizhen
H
Li
Jianming
J
Zhou
Zhanchao
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013653:Tattooing; D055815:Young Adult