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A novel, simple and efficacious technique for tattoo removal resulting in less pain using the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

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Abstract

A new yet simple technique has been tested on patients seeking tattoo removal by Q-switched Nd:YAG laser based on an observational study. The technique involves application of a glass microscope slide on the treatment area with a firm pressure to compress the skin which results in evacuating the blood from the capillary plexus. Results from a survey of 31 patients revealed that most felt less pain and reported less epidermal damage post-treatment. This new technique is easy to apply and inexpensive, using standard, conventional Q-switched lasers.

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Louise Slavin for preparing the statistical analysis used in this report and Per-Arne Torstensson, PhotoNova AB, Sweden for discussions on light transmission in skin.

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  1. Clinical Lasers plc, 145-157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PW, UK

    Michael J. Murphy

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  1. Michael J. Murphy
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Correspondence to Michael J. Murphy.

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Murphy, M.J. A novel, simple and efficacious technique for tattoo removal resulting in less pain using the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Lasers Med Sci 29, 1445–1447 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-014-1542-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-014-1542-3

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