Retrospective Review of the Laser Removal of Facial Cosmetic Tattoos

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cosmetic facial tattoos have proven difficult to remove despite advancements in laser technology. OBJECTIVE Review safety and efficacy of picosecond laser removal of cosmetic facial tattoos. METHODS & MATERIALS Retrospective chart review from January 2015 to January 2022 of patients undergoing tattoo removal of facial cosmetic tattoos. RESULT A total of 33 patients were included in the review. The average number of treatments to obtain satisfactory results was 3. Sixty 6 percent of subjects were rated as “very much improved” with 76% to 100% of the tattoo removed and 34% of subjects were rated “much improved” with 51% to 75% of the tattoo removed. Thirty percent of subjects experienced unexpected changes in the tattoo color after initial treatment with 1,064-nm picosecond laser. CONCLUSION Picosecond laser is an effective and safe treatment for cosmetic tattoos, and it highlights the underreported unmasking of an orange color postlaser treatment that can be successfully treated with a 532-nm PS laser.