The Benefits of Nd:YAG Devices for Laser Tattoo Removal
The Benefits of Nd:YAG Devices for Laser Tattoo Removal
Overview of the Nd:YAG laser
The Nd:YAG laser, short for neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser, is an essential aesthetic tool for numerous skin conditions. The specialized laser reaches deeper layers of skin, emitting a wavelength of nm. That means it&#;s ideal for
tackling pigmented skin concernssuch as skin lesions, unwanted tattoos, and, in some patients, even laser hair removal. Nd:YAG lasers are also effective in skin tightening and overall rejuvenation. And because the Nd:YAG is nonablative, treatments do not impact the epidermis. Whether they need a YAG treatment to target melanin or tattoo ink, patients appreciate that the procedures are non-invasive and require minimal downtime, if at all.
How does an Nd:YAG laser work?
As mentioned above, Nd:YAG lasers use a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal to generate its laser. The neodymium ions are a catalyst for laser activity in the crystal. This allows the laser to reach deeper into the skin compared to other devices.
Q-switched Nd:YAG devices
like MediYag
use two wavelengths: One for darker pigment or deeper penetration, and the other for lighter pigment or superficial skin concerns. That&#;s why practitioners laud Q-switched devices for their versatility: They can ensure effective pigment treatment for a diverse range of patients. The particles in question are easily targeted and naturally eliminated via the body&#;s lymph system.
The benefits of Nd:YAG devices for laser tattoo removal
Q-switched ND:YAG devices vs other lasers
When considering laser technology for tattoo removal, there are several promising modalities and mechanisms on the market. You&#;ll find varying permutations of their features and capabilities, such as:
Picosecond lasers
Q-switched neodynium: YAG lasers
Q-switched alexandrite lasers
Q-switched ruby lasers
And, for certain limited indications, CO2 laser devices
Regardless of laser type, all devices represent the impressive evolution in aesthetic technology, and they are largely effective at removing pigment from skin tissue. Many practitioners today say they prefer
combining therapies for tattoo removal
based on the patient&#;s unique needs after consultation: Using one device to remove certain colors or particularly challenging pigments, and then therapeutically complementing the process with another modality to achieve optimal results. However, when we explore the safety, efficiency, and speed of these assorted devices, we can see why Nd:YAG lasers still stand above the rest.
Safety: Reliable ink removal, minimal risk
The use of Q-switched lasers for tattoo removal is time-tested. Its first use dates
all the way back to the s,
and by the &#;90s researchers had cultivated the technology enough to obtain broader attention. During those many decades, the technology was refined to reduce the risk of pain, side effects, and complications. Hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, reactions, scarring, blistering and burns are potential complications associated with laser tattoo removal. But trained practitioners using high-quality aesthetic devices can minimize the possibility of any issue. And with the technology&#;s long-standing pedigree, practitioners and patients can feel confident that they&#;re taking the right approach to tattoo removal.
How YAG laser devices reduce pain
Laser tattoo removal is often cited as one of the more painful aesthetic procedures. But Nd:YAG laser devices have evolved to ensure the experience is as painless as possible. Specific pulse duration settings allow just the right intensity necessary, minimizing discomfort. While some patients report a rubber-band-snapping sensation, most individuals easily tolerate the procedure, particularly with an accompanying numbing gel.
Speed: Fast tattoo removal with an advantage
Clients want a speedy solution to remove their unwanted tattoos, and technology has evolved to deliver on that demand. The devices listed above are all designed to perform quickly and keep session times to a minimum &#; many appointments can be completed in mere minutes. But laser treatment duration is only part of the equation, since tattoo removal requires multiple sessions for optimal clearance. That leads into the next benefit of Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers for tattoo removal.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from MBT.
Efficiency: A laser that handles any ink color
Nd:YAG laser technology is designed to target chromophores and facilitate optimal light absorption. This minimizes the number of treatments needed, saving time and potential discomfort. While picosecond technology means the lasers pulse at a faster rate than Q-switched nanosecond lasers, they may not boast the same efficiency. Some picosecond devices are constrained by a smaller spot size, which could mean an added laser pass and prolonged treatment plan. Additionally, many picosecond laser devices do not boast the same pulse energy or wavelength production as nanosecond devices. Some are adapted with filters to offset that disadvantage, but. As a result, these devices are less effective at targeting certain ink colors than the standard nanosecond technology.
An Nd:YAG laser can target any ink color, and is particularly stellar when used to remove darker inks. Since the majority of tattoos use black ink, the Nd:YAG is typically the most efficient choice.
Price: Earning ROI on tattoo removal equipment
It is worth remembering picosecond laser devices often have a higher price tag than nanosecond lasers. As with all laser equipment, practitioners who are thinking about adding tattoo removal services should start their research with their budget in mind. Additionally, consider the capabilities of the device: Can you use it to perform other services, such as wrinkle reduction, acne treatments, or possibly laser hair removal? Factor all possible treatment options into the decision making process, bearing in mind the general needs of the clientele. Practitioners should also consider manufacturer details, such as service costs and duration of warranty.
Is an Nd:YAG laser device the gold standard for tattoo removal?
A balance of intensity and ease. The leading choice for tattoo removal, hyperpigmentation, and skin rejuvenation.The Nd:YAG laser is a powerful tool for aesthetic practitioners, but when it comes to tattoo removal, no device shines brighter. It efficiently erases ink of any color without damaging any surrounding skin tissue. There&#;s no downtime, minimal discomfort, and a low risk of complications associated with this laser treatment. They are powerful on their own or when used with another modality for maximum ink clearance. According to some studies,A balance of intensity and ease. The leading choice for tattoo removal, hyperpigmentation, and skin rejuvenation.The Nd:YAG laser is a powerful tool for aesthetic practitioners, but when it comes to tattoo removal, no device shines brighter. It efficiently erases ink of any color without damaging any surrounding skin tissue. There&#;s no downtime, minimal discomfort, and a low risk of complications associated with this laser treatment. They are powerful on their own or when used with another modality for maximum ink clearance. According to some studies,
nearly one in four Americans has a tattoo that they regret
, and that they are planning to do something about it. With the right technology, practitioners can help individuals erase their unwanted ink and start over with a clean slate. That&#;s why a YAG laser is essential for any aesthetic provider.
Nd:YAG laser technology is designed to target chromophores and facilitate optimal light absorption. This minimizes the number of treatments needed, saving time and potential discomfort. While picosecond technology means the lasers pulse at a faster rate than Q-switched nanosecond lasers, they may not boast the same efficiency. Some picosecond devices are constrained by a smaller spot size, which could mean an added laser pass and prolonged treatment plan. Additionally, many picosecond laser devices do not boast the same pulse energy or wavelength production as nanosecond devices. Some are adapted with filters to offset that disadvantage, but
power is lost in the process
The Utility of Picosecond Nd:YAG Laser for Tattoo Removal
Patients and data extraction
We performed a retrospective analysis on 9 patients who underwent tattoo removal using picosecond laser between February and July . A senior surgeon (E.S.P.) performed the procedures at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital. We excluded the patients with a history of keloidal scarring, pregnancy, infection of wound or the administration of photosensitive drugs. Patients who did not have at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up were excluded. All outcome data including complication and aesthetic outcome were reviewed before and after the picosecond laser procedure.
This study was approved by the institutional review board and conformed to the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consents were obtained from all patient for both the laser procedure and the publication of the results including photographs.
Pre-treatment preparation
Before the laser procedure, all patients applied a 5% lidocaine topical anesthetic ointment (Emla®; AstraZeneca AB, Karlskoga, Sweden) to the target area for 30 minutes. This topical ointment was washed off with soap and water before the procedure. Protective eyewear was properly placed on the patients.
Laser procedure
All of laser procedure was performed with picosecond laser (PICOCARE®; WONTECH, Daejeon, Korea). Treatment was performed with a wavelength of 532 nm for red colored tattoo in one case or 1,064 nm picosecond for dark colored tattoo for the rest. Single procedure with one pass were performed using a spot size of from 4 mm, fluence of 2.5 to 4.8 J/cm2, repetition rate of 6 to 10 Hz. The parameters were adjusted based on the size and type of tattoo and patient&#;s skin type. The lower fluence was usually progressively increased on each subsequent procedure. The number of procedures was dependent on the rate of clearance and the physician&#;s discretion. Intervals between sessions were determined individually about 6 ± 2 weeks, depending on the stage and results.
Post-treatment care
Cold compresses were used to minimize discomfort and an antibiotic ointment or ointment-based emollients was applied to the target area after each laser treatment session. The patients were educated to avoid direct sunlight and recommended to apply a sunscreen agent between the laser treatment sessions. We educated the patients to visit hospital immediately when they had any adverse effect.
Assessment
Prior to initiation of the treatment, a Kirby-Desai score was assessed for each tattoo based on patient&#;s history and photographs. In the Kirby-Desai scale, parameter scores were added to yield a total score needed for prediction of the required number of sessions, consisting of six parameters: skin type, location, color, amount of ink, scarring and layering (Table 1). Tattoos scoring greater than 15 points may be difficult to remove.
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Table 1 . Kirby-Desai scale
PointPhototypeLocationColorInk amountScarringLayering0NoneNone1IHead, neckBlackAmateurMinimal2IIUpper trunkMostly black with some redMinimalLayering3IIILower trunkMostly black and red with some other colorsModerateModerate4IVProximal extremityMultiple colorsSignificant5VDistal extremitySignificant6VISix numerical parameters: skin type, location, color, amount of ink, scarring and layering.
Parameter scores are added to yield a combined score showing the estimated number of treatments needed for successful tattoo removal.
At the end of the treatment, the patients were asked to rate their satisfaction for the aesthetic outcome (1 = dissatisfactory, 6 = satisfactory), pain (1 = worst pain, 6 = no pain), adverse effect (1 = dissatisfactory, 6 = satisfactory) and the number of procedure (1 = dissatisfactory, 6 = satisfactory) using a 6-point scale. The category of adverse effect included long-term effects such as hyper- or hypopigmentation or color change.
Standardized photographs were taken before the procedure and after every subsequent procedure. The photographs were assessed by 2 plastic surgeons, who were blinded for patient information, for the percentage of clearance, where 0% was an absence of clearance and 100% was a complete removal of tattoo. And the photographs were grossly evaluated by the patient himself with regarding to clearance.
Statistical analysis
All analyses were performed with IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 24.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). We calculated the Pearson correlation coefficient between Kirby-Desai scores and the actual number of sessions, which showing the correlation between the two groups. We consider the correlation coefficient values > 0.8 as strongly positive correlation.
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