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Current Dermatology Reports
Published in: Current Dermatology Reports 3/2016

01-09-2016 | Laser Therapy (J Jagdeo, Section Editor)

Tattoos and Beyond: the Clinical Evolution of Picosecond Laser Technology

Authors: TC Keaney, TS Alster

Published in: Current Dermatology Reports | Issue 3/2016

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Abstract

Picosecond lasers are a new commercial development in cutaneous laser surgery. While the importance of short picosecond laser pulses for the treatment of tattoos has long been known, the development of picosecond lasers has only recently been commercially viable. The picosecond lasers are able to photomechanically fragment tattoo ink particles more effectively than traditional Q-switched lasers. Similarly, pigmented lesions can be effectively treated with picosecond technology. New handpieces are able to fractionate and focus the picosecond laser pulse to cause light-induced optical breakdown in the dermis. The nonthermal dermal injury stimulates collagen production benefitting those with cutaneous scarring and photoaging. As newer systems are developed with multiple picosecond wavelengths, the clinical indications for their use will continue to expand.
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Metadata
Title
Tattoos and Beyond: the Clinical Evolution of Picosecond Laser Technology
Authors
TC Keaney
TS Alster
Publication date
01-09-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Dermatology Reports / Issue 3/2016
Electronic ISSN: 2162-4933
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-016-0149-2

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