title: New tattoo approaches in dermatology.
abstract: Tattoos have fascinated mankind for centuries. Although these body marks were once considered to be permanent, technical and scientific progress in recent years has made it possible to remove tattoos by various treatment modalities. Contemporary technology involves the use of nonablative quality-switched lasers, which are considered to be the gold-standard treatment option for the removal of unwanted tattoo ink. Current research in the field of tattoo removal is focused on faster lasers and more effective targeting of tattoo pigment particles including picosecond laser devices, multi-pass treatments, dermal scatter reduction, application of imiquimod, and the use of microencapsulated tattoo ink.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, 955 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028, USA. Electronic address: sluebberding@drmacrene.com.
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Luebberding
authors.forename: Macrene
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alexiades-Armenakas
mesh_terms: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000818:Animals; D001654:Bile Pigments / Q000737:chemistry / Q000592:standards; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D003880:Dermatology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D000077271:Imiquimod; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects; D013240:Stereotyping; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D001654:Bile Pigments; D000077271:Imiquimod
keywords: Dermal scatter reduction; Laser-based tattoo removal; Multipass treatments; Picosecond laser; QS laser; Tattoo; Tattoo removal