Efficacy of a new cryotherapy device on pain relief during the laser tattoo removal

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesLaser tattoo removal is a painful procedure and its treatment presents a major challenge. Cooling therapy (cryotherapy) is a therapeutic modality that provides pain relief. Recently, a non-contact type cooling device (TargetCoolTM) was introduced that provides rapid precision-controlled cooling.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective split-body study with 12 subjects, we investigated the efficacy of a non-contact type cooling device compared to a topical anesthetic cream for pain relief during laser tattoo removal. The severity of pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at the time of tattoo removal. The satisfaction of the subjects with the treatments was also measured.ResultsThe VAS scores of the cryotherapy group (4.33 ± 1.55) were significantly lower than those of the topical anesthetic group (7.58 ± 1.16). Seventy five percent of the subjects reported a willingness to use cryotherapy instead of the topical anesthetic cream.ConclusionThese results suggest that the non-contact type cooling device is effective and safe for alleviation of pain during laser tattoo removal.