Q-switched 532nm laser energy causes significant vascular damage in the capillary plexus – how does this affect laser tattoo removal?

Abstract

Tattoos can be effectively removed using Q-switched and picosecond lasers at four wavelengths – 1064, 755, 694 and 532nm^1,2,3,4. However, there are two particular problems with the 532nm line. Firstly, it is well absorbed by the melanin in the epidermis, due to its relatively high absorption coefficient⁵, (μ_{a_mel} = 56 cm⁻¹ for typical Caucasian skin). Secondly, 532nm is also strongly absorbed in the haemoglobin located in the capillary plexus⁵ (μ_{a_HbO} = 260 cm⁻¹).

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