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Q-switched ruby laser treatment of tattoos

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Abstract

Using a Q-switched ruby laser, blue/black tattoo pigment is successfully removed causing negligible damage to the skin. The black pigment will absorb all visible wavelengths equally, and since the maximum penetration of light through skin is achieved near the 694-nm wavelength, this allows most of the energy to reach the pigment which is located throughout the dermis. A pulse of 30 nsec is desirable, first, because of the thermal relaxation times involved. It localizes the thermal damage to the pigment, and, second, it creates large transient temperature differentials in the pigment thus resulting in a shock wave which results in fragmentation. This laser has been used routinely for treating tattoos with much success. A power density of 260 MW/cm2 is used, and the patient receives between two and five repeat treatments for amateur tattoos and generally over five for professional tattoos.

© 1985 Optical Society of America

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