How are the ruby lasers used?

The Q-switched ruby laser light is well absorbed by black, blue, and occasionally green tattoo pigment. The Q-switched ruby lasers have also been used in treating some dermal pigmentation abnormalities such as nevus of Ota. The longpulsed ruby laser has been used primarily for laser hair removal (Table 54-8).

Taylor CR, Gange RW, Dover JS, et al: Treatment of tattoos by Q-switched ruby laser, Arch Dermatol 126:893–899, 1990.

Williams RM, Christian MM, Moy RL: Hair removal using the long-pulsed ruby laser, Dermatol Clin 17:367–372, 1999.

Table 54-8. Ruby Lasers
	LASER		MODE		USES
	694 nm		Q-switched		Tattoos (black) Nevus of Ota
	694 nm		Long-pulsed		Hair removal