Permanent Makeup Removal from Murine Skin Using a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser: Comparison of the Degree of Removal When Irradiated at Various Time Points after Application.
- Author:
Ji Yeon KIM
1
;
Euy Hyun CHUNG
;
Hyun Jo KIM
;
Young Lip PARK
;
Kyu Uang WHANG
;
Jong Suk LEE
;
Sung Yul LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, Korea. dermsung@schch.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Q-switched lasers;
Permanent makeup;
Tattooing;
Rats;
Sprague Dawley(R)
- MeSH:
Animals;
Biopsy;
Dermis;
Epidermis;
Ink;
Pigmentation;
Rats;
Skin*;
Tattooing;
Wounds and Injuries
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2015;53(6):449-455
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Various Q-switched (QS) lasers, such as ruby, alexandrite or neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) lasers, are used to remove tattoos and permanent makeup. To our knowledge, there has been no indication or guideline published for the optimal time for laser-mediated tattoo removal. OBJECTIVE: To set a guideline for the optimal irradiation time for tattoo and permanent makeup removal via 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG (QSND) laser, we compared the degree of tattoo removal and skin histologic changes when the irradiation was employed at different time points. METHODS: Rat skin was marked with 54 artificial permanent makeup marks with black ink using a permanent makeup machine. The marks were irradiated with a 1064 nm QSND laser on the application day, and 3 days, 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after application. Pigmentation changes were checked over time using a Mexameter(R) and skin biopsy. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the degree of pigment removal as examined by Mexameter(R) on the day of makeup application compared to 3 days, 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after application. Histopathologically, the permanent makeup pigments seemed to move from epidermis to superficial and mid dermis with time. The pigments were relatively well removed throughout the epidermis and dermis when the laser was employed 7 days after tattoo application, compared to laser irradiation on the day of application, as viewed histologically. CONCLUSION: Laser removal of permanent makeup is effective on the day of application, as determined by testing pigment levels. However, based on histopathology, it is recommended to use lasers to remove permanent makeup about a week after application, since the wound repair process is almost complete at that time.
