Thursday, March 11, 2010

Study Suggests a More Personalized Approach to Tattoo Removal

Filed under: in the news...

Dr Ramona Bates of Suture for a Living points us to a recent study in Archives of Dermatology that looked into correlating which laser wavelengths were best for removing different tattoo inks. The team of Spanish researchers blasted 21 tattoo inks with laser light ranging from 300 to 800 nm, and discovered that there's a benefit to matching the color of the laser to the specific ink that is being removed.

Here's from the study abstract:

Results
Reflection spectroscopy facilitated selection of the most adequate laser wavelengths for tattoo removal. Red, orange, and rose inks were successfully lightened at 532 nm with 0.6 J/cm2; brown at 1064 nm with 0.3 J/cm2; yellow and green at 448 nm with 2.6 J/cm2; and blue at 600 nm with 0.9 J/cm2. Similar colors in in vitro and in vivo tattoos responded with the same efficiency to the laser variables.

Conclusions
High efficiency is reached in the removal of in vivo tattoos by using an irradiation wavelength at which the percentage of reflection from the pigment is minimal. Under this condition, laser pulses can be used with a low fluence, minimizing adverse effects and clinical time.

More from Dr Bates: Optimal Laser Variables Required To Remove Tattoos

Abstract in Archives of Dermatology: In Vitro and In Vivo Laser Treatments of Tattoos

Image credit: Divine Harvester...

                (1)     

Name:


Email Address
(will not be published):


URL:

Remember personal info?
(anonymous comments allowed)

Yes No

Comments:

Verification (needed to reduce spam):

Click the "Post" button only once!