The Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser in Tattoo Removal and the Effect of Lymphatic Elimination: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

Background: Previously described methods for removal of tattoos are chemical, mechanical, surgical, termal and laser assited methods. Invention of the Q-switch mode, advanced the laser method, to be one of the most effective methods of tattoo removal. Objective: Comparing the tattoo removal and rate of lymphatic elimination of 3 different wavelengths of Q-switched Nd-YAG laser (532nm, 1064nm, combination 532 + 1064). Methods: In this study we examined lymphatic elimination and the effect of 532 nm, 1064 nm, and the combination (532 + 1064 nm) wavelength of laser pulse for the possible lymphatic cleansing mechanism of black pigmented tattoos. This study was performed on 18 New-Zealand rabbits, black pigmented tattoos were engraved on the back and the four extremities of the animals. 532 nm wavelength of Q switched Nd: YAG laser beam was applied on the left upper and bilateral lower extremities of the rabbits. During this period, excisional skin biopsies and lymph node biopsies were performed on days 7, 14 and 21. Results: Day 21 lymph node biopsies revealed mixed type of reactive hyperplasia and intracellular pigments were markedly seen in the laser treatment group and no intracellular tattoo pigment was seen in the control group. Conclusion: The findingd of this study indicate that lymphatic elimination may be one of the significant mechanisms of tattoo removal and the application of different wavelengths of Q-switched Nd-YAG laser do not show statistically significant differences in tattoo removal.