title: Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Removal of Facial Amateur Tattoos in Patients With Fitzpatrick Type VI: Case Series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Q-switched neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) lasers are reported to be gold standard for laser tattoo removal. In particular, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm is widely recognized for the removal of blue/black amateur tattoos. However, treatment modalities in Fitzpatrick Type VI skin carry a greater risk of complications including alterations in pigmentation compared to fairer skin (Fitzpatrick Type I-IV skin). Therefore, the aim of this case series was to describe with the use of the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, the removal of carbon-based amateur tattoos on patients with Fitzpatrick Type VI skin as an effective and safe method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty- five patients with Fitzpatrick type VI skin, from Ethiopian origins, with facial tribal tattoos, were treated with the Q- Switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm. Digital images were taken upon every treatment and the clearance rates of the tattoo was evalu- ated by imaging software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We observed an average tattoo clearance rate of 95% among the 45 facial tattoos in 25 patients presented in the case series with minimal pigmentary and textual changes evident.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These positive aesthetic results have a signi cant psychosocial impact on the lives of those with Fitzpatrick Type VI skin, in particular the Ethiopian Jewish population. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1448-1452.</em>.
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haik
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kornhaber
authors.forename: Moti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harats
authors.forename: Hadar
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Israeli
authors.forename: Arie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Orenstein
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005145:Face / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013653:Tattooing / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult