Tattoo removal using infra-red coagulation: a dose comparison |
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Authors: | V.A.YENNING G.B.COLVER P.R.MILLARD T.J.RYAN |
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Affiliation: | Department of Dermatology, Slade Hospital, Oxford, U.K. |
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Abstract: | Using an infra-red coagulator, 42 tattoos were treated using pulses of 1.125 s (27 tattoos) or 1.25 s (15 tattoos). Treatment failures occurred only in three professional tattoos. Amateur tattoos were satisfactorily treated in over 80% of cases regardless of dose. Deeper collagen necrosis occurred with 1.25 s, but scarring was clinically similar. Pre-treatment biopsy to assess pigment depth was of no value in selection of the optimum pulse duration and increased the complication rate. The possible mechanism of pigment removal is discussed. |
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