Comparison of the infrared coagulator and the carbon dioxide laser in the removal of decorative tattoos.

A comparative study of the removal of decorative tattoos by the infrared coagulator and the CO2 laser was performed. The comparison was made by following the parameters of length of healing time, postoperative pain, presence of residual pigment, and tendency for scarring. The results showed that the infrared coagulator had the advantages of a more rapid healing time, an easier-to-care-for treatment site, and an equivalent cosmetic result in comparison with the CO2 laser. The CO2 laser had the advantage of total pigment removal in a single treatment, whereas the infrared coagulator often left residual pigment.