Tattoos Removal Evaluation and Management

Tattoos are commonly seen in the United States. Tattoos can be divided into five classes: professional, amateur, medical, cosmetic, and traumatic. Considering the tattoo market is poorly regulated by the legislation, adverse effects are common, for example, allergic reaction, localized infections, or systemic infections. Traditionally, tattoos were removed by dermabrasion, excision, and other surgical approaches, which caused varying degrees of scarring. The advancement of laser techniques, especially Q-switched laser and picosecond laser, allows clinicians to tackle tattoos with minimal scarring. In this article, we briefly discuss the history of tattoo removal, present the clinical data, and discuss evidence regarding laser tattoo removal. Ultimately, we will elaborate on some factors influencing laser tattoo removal outcomes and our approach to consult patients requesting tattoo removal.