GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Tattoo · Tattoo amateur

Laser toning qswitched or picosecond evidence for Tattoo amateur

B 50.4 / 100 Supported 6 RCT/meta · 16 clinical/observational · 41 case · 100 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2012 Last 5 years 14% Positive results 41% Negative results 3 Korea/Asia 7

Known in Korea as

토닝밀크토닝수소토닝스펙트라레이저 토닝바디착색토닝레블라이트 SI셀룰라이트 토닝지우개 멀티토닝헬리오스 785

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 High power Q-switched 1064 nm / 532 nm Nd:YAG Laser in tattoo removal: A systematic review. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2021 · PMID 34668826

Abstract summary (English) Q-switched 1064 nm/532 nm Nd: YAG Lasers present important characteristics which can contribute toward the removal of tattoos, for having the ability to reach only specific targets with minimal damage to the tissue. Despite reports of their clinical benefits, only a few scientific studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of these types of lasers in the short and long term. To substantiate the effects, benefits,...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Comparison of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser alone versus its combination with ultrapulse CO2 laser for the treatment of black tattoo. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2017 · PMID 28394665

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Q-switched lasers are conventionally used for the treatment of black tattoo. However, they require multiple sittings, and the response may be slow due to competing epidermal pigment in dark skin. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser alone with its combination with ultrapulse CO2 for the removal of black tattoo.

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Rapid, high-fluence multi-pass q-switched laser treatment of tattoos with a transparent perfluorodecalin-infused patch: A pilot study. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2015 · PMID 26266835

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perfluorodecalin (PFD) has previously been shown to rapidly dissipate the opaque, white micro-bubble layer formed after exposure of tattoos to Q-switched lasers [1]. The current pilot study was conducted to qualitatively determine if the use of a transparent PFD-infused silicone patch would result in more rapid clearance of tattoos than conventional through-air techniques. MATERIALS AND...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A continuously variable beam-diameter, high-fluence, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal: comparison of the maximum beam diameter to a standard 4-mm-diameter treatment beam. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2013 · PMID 24259108

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Laser beam diameter affects the depth of laser penetration. Q-switched lasers tend to have smaller maximum spot sizes than other dermatologic lasers, making beam diameter a potentially more significant factor in treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect of using the maximum-size treatment beam available for each delivered fluence during laser tattoo removal to a standard 4-mm-diameter...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier1 Use of onion extract, heparin, allantoin gel in prevention of scarring in chinese patients having laser removal of tattoos: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2006 · PMID 16875470

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: With rapid advancement in cutaneous laser therapy, Q-switched lasers have become the standard treatment for tattoo removal. The longer wavelength Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is used when removing tattoos in darker skin patients to avoid scarring and permanent pigment changes. Nevertheless, the local experience revealed that nearly 25% of the Chinese patients developed scarring.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser effectively treats tattoos. A controlled, dose-response study. Archives of dermatology · 1993 · PMID 8352621

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: The Q-switched ruby laser was recently shown to remove tattoos without scarring. The Q-switched neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, which targets black ink with a longer wavelength that has less absorption by melanin, should effectively treat tattoos with fewer pigmentary alterations. A prospective, blinded, controlled study was conducted to assess the ability of the Q-switched...

Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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tier2 Acoustic Shock Waves Associated with Lasers to Accelerate Tattoo Removal Procedures: A Real-World Study. Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery · 2026 · PMID 41248933

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: The combination of lasers and acoustic shock waves has shown promising results in accelerating tattoo removal. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of treatments combining lasers and shock waves regarding the number of sessions required for successful tattoo removal. METHODS: A prospective, observational, real-world, single-center study including adults (>18 years) with ≥one professional tattoo of any...

Journal Article, Observational Study

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tier2 Comparative efficacy and safety of traditional single-shot and two successive pass and diascopy method in Q-switched Nd: YAG laser-assisted tattoo removal: an evaluator-blinded trial. Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology · 2025 · PMID 41106057

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Various methods for tattoo removal have been employed over the last century, including different methods of laser treatment. Aim To compare three different methods of Q-switched laser treatment. METHODS: A prospective, comparative cohort study was carried out on 17 subjects with tattoos.

Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article

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tier2 Increased Tattoo Fading in a Single Laser Tattoo Removal Session Enabled by a Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device: A Prospective Clinical Trial. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2019 · PMID 31536162

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ability to provide improved tattoo fading using multiple laser passes in a single office laser tattoo removal session is limited. In part, this is due to the loss of laser effectiveness caused by epidermal and dermal vacuole "whitening" generated during the initial laser pass at the tattoo site. The Rapid Acoustic Pulse (RAP) device generates acoustic shock wave pulses that clear...

Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier2 Treatment of pigmentary disorders in patients with skin of color with a novel 755 nm picosecond, Q-switched ruby, and Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond lasers: A retrospective photographic review. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2016 · PMID 26922302

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laser procedures in skin of color (SOC) patients are challenging due to the increased risk of dyspigmentation and scarring. A novel 755 nm alexandrite picosecond laser has demonstrated effectiveness for tattoo removal and treatment of acne scars. No studies to date have evaluated its applications in pigmentary disorders.

Comparative Study, Journal Article

View on PubMed

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