Laser eradication of pigmented lesions and tattoos.

Laser treatment of pigmented lesions can be a rewarding experience when appropriate lesions are treated. Accurate diagnosis of pigmented lesions is needed before treatment. In some lesions, adjuvant topical therapy is greatly beneficial, and for others it may be the only option. The treatment of melanocytic nevi is controversial but worth pursuing. All tattoos respond well to Q-switched lasers; the appropriate wavelength depends on the color of ink. Amateur and traumatic tattoos clear readily with laser treatment. Cosmetic tattoos should be approached with caution. In addition, the use of laser-responsive ink and higher-powered or shorter-pulsed (picosecond) lasers may further enhance the ability to treat tattoos.