Effects of Platelet-rich Plasma on Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser Tattoo Removal: An Experimental Study on Rats

Background and Objective: Removal of skin tattoos by Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser is a common procedure, but its results vary. For successful tattoo removal, laser applications are combined with various methods. In laser tattoo removal, pigments are removed from the region by the lymphatic system after they are broken down into small pieces. It is hypothesized that induction with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can increase the total amount of pigments removed in the laser tattoo removal process and possibly reduce the visibility of the remaining pigments by thickening and renewing the skin. For this purpose, a study investigating the combination of laser tattoo removal with PRP was planned. Materials and Methods: The study was planned on rats divided into three groups (with eight rats each). Four rats were used for PRP preparation. All rats were tattooed on both arms and legs. One month after the rats were tattooed, QS Nd:YAG laser and PRP or saline injections were applied to the tattoos. The tattoos were measured, photographed, and evaluated by macroscopy and dermoscopy shortly before laser application and at 1 and 2 months after laser application. Regional lymph node dissection was performed. Results: After laser application, all the tattoos showed some pigment removal. There was no significant difference in tattoo removal with various wavelengths (1064/532 nm) or with a 25% increase in laser power. Although skin quality was found to be better in the PRP-injected group, the difference was not significant compared with that in the group with saline injections. In all subjects, at least one pigmented lymph node was seen in all dissection areas. Conclusions: Laser application is effective in the removal of tattoos. However, although the combination of PRP and laser has a positive effect on the quality of the skin, it does not provide a significant positive effect on tattoo removal.