Therapeutic effect of the R0 method on tattoo removal in Republic of Korea: retrospective clinical study

Abstract

Background: Compared with a single pass, improvements in tattoo fading have been seen when multiple passes per session are used. Multiple-pass tattoo removal using perfluorodecalin to deliver rapid sequential passes (R0 method) requires a short total treatment time of 5 minutes and is more effective than the singlepass treatment. However, very few studies have been conducted on the R0 method for removing tattoos in Republic of Korea. We, therefore, studied the efficacy and safety of this method for the removal of tattoos. Methods: A total of 20 Korean patients with tattoos were treated with a Nd:YAG picosecond laser in our clinic, with a fluence of 1.0-3.4 J/cm2, a spot size of 3.0-5.0 mm, and wavelengths of 532, 730, 785, and 1,064 nm. The patients received four treatments at 4-week intervals. On completion of the treatment, two dermatologists, who were not associated with the study, evaluated the photographs taken before and after treatment to assess tattoo lightening. Results: Of the 20 patients, 6 showed excellent (more than 90% clearance) and 14 showed good (70%-90% clearing) results. After the procedure, while there was some temporary blistering or pigmentation, there were no long-term side effects, such as scarring. Conclusion: The R0 method using a picosecond laser is an effective and safe treatment for removing tattoos in Korean patients.