CLT Tattoo Removal Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which laser is considered the gold standard for removing black tattoo ink?
- CO2 ablative laser
- Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064nm (Correct answer)
- Alexandrite 755nm CW
- Diode 810nm
Correct answer: Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064nm
The Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064nm laser is the gold standard for black ink removal due to its high peak power and strong absorption by dark pigment.
Question 2: What does the 'Q' in Q-switched lasers refer to?
- Quality factor of the optical resonator (Correct answer)
- Quantum energy output
- Quick pulse delivery
- Quartz crystal oscillation
Correct answer: Quality factor of the optical resonator
Q stands for Quality factor—the quality factor of the optical resonator that stores energy and releases it in ultrashort, high-peak-power pulses.
Question 3: The Kirby-Desai scale is used primarily to predict:
- The Fitzpatrick skin type classification
- The estimated number of treatment sessions for tattoo removal (Correct answer)
- The laser fluence required per session
- The depth of ink penetration in the dermis
Correct answer: The estimated number of treatment sessions for tattoo removal
The Kirby-Desai scale assigns numerical scores to six variables to estimate the number of laser sessions needed for complete tattoo removal.
Question 4: Which tattoo ink color is MOST resistant to laser removal across common wavelengths?
- Black
- Red
- Green (Correct answer)
- Dark blue
Correct answer: Green
Green ink is among the hardest to remove because it is poorly absorbed by the most common laser wavelengths; the ruby 694nm or alexandrite 755nm are often required.
Question 5: What is the recommended minimum interval between laser tattoo removal sessions?
- 1–2 weeks
- 2–4 weeks
- 6–8 weeks (Correct answer)
- 3–6 months
Correct answer: 6–8 weeks
A 6–8 week interval allows macrophages to clear fragmented ink particles and the skin to fully heal, reducing the risk of scarring and pigmentary changes.
Question 6: The immediate white frosting observed after Q-switched laser tattoo removal is caused by:
- Coagulation of superficial blood vessels
- Rapid formation of gas bubbles (steam and CO2) in the dermis (Correct answer)
- Denaturation of epidermal melanin
- Activation of dermal Langerhans cells
Correct answer: Rapid formation of gas bubbles (steam and CO2) in the dermis
Immediate whitening (frosting) results from vaporized water and CO2 forming gas bubbles in the dermis that scatter incident light, and serves as a clinical endpoint for treatment.
Question 7: Why do amateur tattoos generally require fewer removal sessions than professional tattoos?
- Amateur inks contain more dilute pigment formulations
- Amateur ink is deposited at inconsistent, shallower depths with lower density (Correct answer)
- Amateur tattoos use vegetable-based inks that fade naturally
- Amateur tattoos are always smaller in surface area
Correct answer: Amateur ink is deposited at inconsistent, shallower depths with lower density
Amateur tattoos have ink placed at uneven, often shallower depths with less pigment density, making laser fragmentation easier and requiring fewer sessions.
CLT Tattoo Removal Procedures 1
Which laser is considered the gold standard for removing black tattoo ink?