title: Laser tattoo removal: a review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tattoos have played an important role in human culture for thousands of years, and they remain popular today. The development of quality-switched (QS) lasers has revolutionized the removal of unwanted tattoos.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To thoroughly review the literature on laser tattoo removal pertaining to its history, its theoretical basis, the various devices used, potential adverse effects, and future developments.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extensive literature review of publications related to tattoo removal was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reports exist demonstrating the efficacy of laser removal of different tattoo types, including professional, amateur, traumatic, cosmetic, and medical. The literature supports the use of different QS lasers for removal of tattoos. Some colors have a more-complete response using particular wavelengths.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  QS lasers can effectively and safely remove different types of unwanted tattoos.
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 609 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118, USA. kathrynkentmd@gmail.com
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.forename: Emmy M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Graber
mesh_terms: D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers; D013653:Tattooing