Treatment of fireworks tattoos with the Q-switched ruby laser

BACKGROUND. The best approach in managing patients with explosive traumatic tattoos is the immediate removal of particles during initial care. Delayed treatment makes the situation more difficult to manage. Under certain conditions, a Q-switched ruby laser can be considered an excellent alternative. METHODS. We report a new case of multiple facial fireworks tattooing managed successfully with a Q-switched ruby laser under low fluency pulses at 4.5 J/cm(2). A pretreatment test zone was initially performed, and then three treatments were conducted at 6-week intervals. RESULTS. More than 75% of the lesions were removed without scarring. CONCLUSION. The Q-switched ruby laser can be a safe and excellent choice for the removal of explosive particles.