DENVER – A survey from a dermatology practice in Houston found that among patients seeking corrective treatment for laser tattoo removal, 79% had complications from previous removal attempts and 63% were treated in non-clinic facilities by a non-physician provider without physician supervision.
Dr. Amanda K. Suggs
The findings come from a single-center study that sought to identify the type, burden, and frequency of complications from laser tattoo removal, a procedure offered by both physician and non-physician facilities. “Laser tattoo removal is increasing in popularity,” lead study author Amanda K. Suggs, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
Dr. Suggs and Paul M. Friedman, MD, of Houston-based Dermatology and Laser Surgery, have observed an increase in patients seeking corrective tattoo removal after complications from and lack of efficacy of prior treatments provided predominantly at non-clinic facilities, including medical spas and tattoo removal clinics –so they decided to interview 19 patients who presented to their practice seeking corrective laser tattoo removal. The majority (84%) were female, their mean age was 34 years old, and 53% had Fitzpatrick skin types IV or higher. Nearly three-quarters of tattoos (74%) consisted of multiple colors, which are known to be more difficult to treat. Of the patients seeking corrective treatment, 42% were seeking removal of more than one tattoo.
Dr. Paul M. Friedman
Prior to coming to their office, the patients had undergone an average of seven prior tattoo removal treatments and 72% of patients were treated by a non-physician provider at some point. Nearly two-thirds of patients (63%) were treated in non-clinic facilities. “All patients were unsatisfied with the degree of improvement, and 79% had at least one complication from their prior treatments,” said Dr. Suggs, who is a fellow at the practice.
Of the 15 patients with prior treatment complications, 64% were treated by a non-physician provider. The most common complication was scarring (53%), followed by dyspigmentation (47%), blistering (20%) and paradoxical darkening (20%). Six patients (40%) had more than one complication. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV or higher had a higher proportion of scarring and dyspigmentation (63% and 71%, respectively) compared with those with other skin types. “This suggests that we should use caution when treating tattoos in patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types, and use appropriate settings and endpoints when treating these patients,” Dr. Suggs said.
When she and Dr. Friedman interviewed the patients about their prior treatment experience elsewhere, all said they experienced excessive pain, only 33% received topical anesthesia, and none reported receiving an injectable anesthesia.
At the Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, the protocol for corrective laser tattoo removal involves injectable anesthesia, Dr. Suggs said. They use a picosecond laser, a perfluorodecalin patch, and, if needed, nonablative fractional resurfacing at 1550 nm for scarring. The wavelength used for the picosecond laser (1064nm, 785nm or 532nm) is chosen based on patient characteristics and tattoo color or colors.
Lance Sitton Photography/Thinkstock
In a subset analysis, the investigators interviewed eight patients again after undergoing laser tattoo removal at their practice. All underwent treatment with a picosecond laser, perfluorodecalin patch, and injectable anesthesia. All reported minimal to no pain during the procedure and an optimal experience. No complications were noted.
Dr. Friedman and Dr. Suggs emphasized that consumers should be aware of the risks and potential for complications from laser tattoo removal. They recommend that all consumers – especially those at higher risk for complications such as higher Fitzpatrick skin type patients and those with multicolored tattoos – choose a provider with extensive training in the procedure, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Dr. Suggs disclosed that she is an ambassador for Tri Sirena sun protective athletic apparel. Dr. Friedman disclosed that he is a member of the advisory board for Allergan, Solta Medical, Syneron-Candela, and Sienna Biopharmaceuticals. He is also a research investigator for Syneron-Candela and has received a research grant from Sienna.