Laser and Imiquimod for Tattoos?

Addition of the immune response modifier imiquimod 5% cream did not add any oomph to laser tattoo removal.

Fading of tattoos by Q-switched lasers requires many treatments and is often incomplete. Recently, 5% imiquimod has been reported to accelerate fading when added to laser treatment. In this industry-funded, prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 20 patients with two similar tattoos underwent treatment with a Q-switched laser every 4 to 6 weeks (total, 6 sessions). One tattoo was treated with daily imiquimod cream starting 1 week before the first laser treatment and continuing through the last laser treatment, and the other was treated with the vehicle cream. Rest periods of up to 1 week were allowed if the skin reactions became too exuberant. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was used for red and black tattoo ink, and the Q-switched alexand…

Reviewing Author

George J. Hruza, MD