CLS Tattoo Removal and Pigmentation Treatment

Question 1

What is the primary mechanism by which Q-switched lasers remove tattoo ink?

Accepted Answer

Photoacoustic (photomechanical) fragmentation of ink particles into smaller pieces that can be cleared by phagocytes

Answer

Thermal vaporization of ink particles along with surrounding tissue

Answer

Selective photothermolysis heating ink particles until they diffuse out of the skin

Answer

Chemical photodegradation of ink chromophores into non-pigmented compounds

Question 2

Which Q-switched laser wavelength is most effective for removing black and dark blue tattoo ink?

Accepted Answer

1064 nm Nd:YAG Q-switched

Answer

532 nm

Answer

694 nm or 755 nm or 1064 nm all absorb black ink equally

Answer

2940 nm Er:YAG

Question 3

Red tattoo ink is best treated with which laser wavelength and why?

Accepted Answer

532 nm KTP or Q-switched Nd:YAG second harmonic, because red ink strongly absorbs green light

Answer

1064 nm, because red ink reflects all other wavelengths

Answer

755 nm Alexandrite, because red pigments contain iron oxide that absorbs near-infrared

Answer

694 nm Ruby, because ruby light matches the complementary color of red

Question 4

Immediately after Q-switched laser tattoo treatment, frosting (white discoloration) appears over the treated tattoo. What is the physiological basis of this finding?

Accepted Answer

Rapid vaporization of water within ink particles creates CO₂ and steam microbubbles that scatter light

Answer

Melanin in the dermis is bleached by the high-intensity pulse

Answer

The ink is completely removed in a single pulse, exposing fresh dermis

Answer

The cooling system over-cooled the tissue, causing transient vasoconstriction

Question 5

Why do amateur tattoos typically respond better to laser removal than professional tattoos?

Accepted Answer

Amateur tattoos contain fewer ink colors and are placed more superficially with lower ink density, making them easier to fragment and clear

Answer

Amateur tattoos use water-soluble inks that dissolve more easily

Answer

Amateur tattoo ink particles are chemically distinct from professional inks

Answer

Professional tattoo pigments contain UV blockers that resist laser fragmentation

Question 6

What is a key post-treatment instruction following Q-switched laser tattoo removal?

Accepted Answer

Protect the treated area from sun exposure and do not rupture any blisters that form

Answer

Immediately exfoliate the treated area to speed ink removal

Answer

Apply tanning oil to stimulate melanin and normalize skin color

Answer

Rub the treated area briskly to encourage lymphatic drainage