Although lasers have been the gold standard for tattoo removal, choosing the optimal modality can be difficult due to different efficacies and side effects. For a study, researchers sought to analyze the efficacy and side effects of all lasers used to erase tattoos.
For all laser therapies, they searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Laser parameters, treatment procedures, patient and tattoo characteristics, clearance rate, and adverse effect rate were all assessed. The collected papers’ quality was assessed using specified evaluation methodologies and assigned a high, moderate, or low risk of bias.
About 3,037 studies were found through our search, of which 36 were used in the systematic review (7 randomized controlled trials, 2 nonrandomized controlled trials, and 27 case series). Picosecond lasers outperform quality-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers with blue, green, and yellow tattoo pigments, despite being safe and effective. Both options were secure and reliable for black tattoos.
When it comes to removing blue, green, and yellow tattoos, picosecond lasers excel. The R20 and R0 new approaches can significantly shorten the course of treatment. Making a more firm suggestion will require further randomized controlled studies.
Reference: jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(20)32349-5/fulltext
