title: A novel dual-wavelength, Nd:YAG, picosecond-domain laser safely and effectively removes multicolor tattoos.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although nanosecond-domain lasers have been the mainstay of laser tattoo removal for decades, recent disruptive innovations in laser design have introduced a new class of commercial Q-switched lasers that generate picosecond-domain pulses.
  
  
  METHODS
  A picosecond-domain, Nd:YAG laser with a KTP frequency-doubling crystal was used to treat 31 decorative tattoos in 21 subjects. Safety and effectiveness were determined by blinded evaluation of digital images in this prospective clinical study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average clearance overall as evaluated by blinded observers evaluating randomized digital photographs was 79 ± 0.9% (mean ± sem) after an average of 6.5 treatments. Of the 31 tattoos completing treatment, 6 had evidence of mild hyper- or hypo-pigmentation by evaluation of photographs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 350 picosecond, 532 nm, and 450 picosecond 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective for removing decorative tattoos. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:542-548, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Main Line Center for Laser Surgery, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 19003.
authors.forename: Eric F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.affiliation: Syneron-Candela Corporation, 530 Boston Post Road, Wayland, Massachusetts, 01778.
authors.forename: Kevin T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Schomacker
authors.affiliation: Main Line Center for Laser Surgery, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 19003.
authors.forename: Lisa D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Basilavecchio
authors.affiliation: Main Line Center for Laser Surgery, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 19003.
authors.forename: Jessica M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Plugis
authors.affiliation: Syneron-Candela Corporation, 530 Boston Post Road, Wayland, Massachusetts, 01778.
authors.forename: Jayant D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bhawalkar
keywords: laser; picosecond; pulse-duration; tattoo; treatment