The Q‐Switched Alexandrite Laser's Effects on Tattoos in Guinea Pigs and Harvested Human Skin

SUSAN E. DOZIER, DAYNA G. DIVEN, DEREK JONES, MIRIAM BRYSK, RAMON L. SANCHEZ, MASSOUD MOTAMEDI

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND Developmental work in tattoo removal is currently carried out in animal models whose skin has different optical and mechanical properties from human skin. OBJECTIVE To observe laser effects on tattoos in a new human skin model and that of in vivo guinea pig skin. METHODS A comparison of the efficacy of the Q‐switched Alexandrite laser (750 nm, 100–120 nanoseconds) in tattooed harvested human skin and guinea pig skin was performed. Visual assessments as well as histologic and electron microscopy evaluation before and after treatment are reported. RESULTS Mild to moderate clearing of black tattoo pigment, as judged by visual assessment, was found after one laser treatment in both the in vitro human skin model and guinea pigskin. Blue and green ink showed similar results to black ink in human skin whereas red and yellow ink did not respond in our model. CONCLUSION Possible mechanisms of tattoo lightening and the usefulness of the in vitro human skin model are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)237-240
Number of pages4
JournalDermatologic Surgery
Volume21
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Dermatology

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