Laser Removal of Tattoos

Tammaro, Antonella; Fatuzzo, G.; Narcisi, Alessandra; Abruzzese, Claudia; Caperchi, Cristiano; Gamba, A.; Parisella, Francesca Romana; Persechino, Severino

doi:10.1177/039463201202500226

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…In a transformation from ritualistic and tribal markings to decorative temporary tattoos, tattooing became ubiquitous and more professional with the development of tattoo machines, reducing application time and manual labor. Scientific research on tattooed skin is mainly focused on the safety [2] and content of tattoo inks [3, 4], as well as the application [5], complications [6], and motivation of tattoo removal [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tattoo Pigments Are Localized Intracellularly in the Epidermis and Dermis of Fresh and Old Tattoos: In vivo Study Using Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

et al. 2023

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Background: The knowledge about the location and kinetics of tattoo pigments in human skin after application and during the recovery is restricted due to the limitation of in vivo methods for visualizing pigments. Here, the localization and distribution of tattoo ink pigments in freshly and old tattooed human skin during the regeneration of the epidermis and dermis were investigated in vivo. Methods: Two-photon excited fluorescence lifetime imaging (TPE-FLIM) was used to identify tattoo ink pigments in human skin in vivo down to the reticular dermis. One subject with a freshly applied tattoo and 10 subjects with tattoos applied over 3 years ago were investigated in the epidermal and dermal layers in vivo. One histological slide of tattooed skin was used to localize skin-resident tattoo pigment using light microscopy. Results: The carbon black particles deposited around the incision have still been visible 84 days after tattoo application, showing delayed recovery of the epidermis. The TPE-FLIM parameters of carbon black tattoo ink pigments were found to be different to all skin components except for melanin. Distinction from melanin in the skin was based on higher fluorescence intensity and agglomerate size. Using TPE-FLIM in vivo tattoo pigment was found in 75% of tattoos applied up to 9 years ago in the epidermis within keratinocytes, dendritic cells and basal cells and in the dermis within the macrophages, mast cells and fibroblasts. Loading of highly fluorescent carbon black particles enables in vivo imaging of dendritic cells in the epidermis and fibroblasts in the dermis, which cannot be visualized in native conditions. The collagen I structures showed a higher directionality similar to scar tissue resulting in a greater firmness and decreased elasticity of the tattooed skin. Conclusions: Here we show the kinetics and location of carbon black tattoo ink pigment immediately after application for the first time in vivo in human skin. Carbon black particles are located exclusively intracellularly in the skin of fresh and old tattoos. They are found within macrophages, mast cells and fibroblasts in the dermis and within keratinocytes, dendritic cells and basal cells in the continuously renewed epidermis even in 9-year-old tattoos in skin showing no inflammation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tattoo Pigments Are Localized Intracellularly in the Epidermis and Dermis of Fresh and Old Tattoos: In vivo Study Using Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

et al. 2023

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“…Factors like the color of the tattoo, type of the tattoo, pigment of the tattoo, and duration of the tattoo play an important role in outcome of tattoo removal. Lasers with nano‐ or picosecond technology have become the gold standard for removing tattoo 9–12 . However, sometimes, tattoos are incompletely removed or recalcitrant to laser.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lasers with nano-or picosecond technology have become the gold standard for removing tattoo. [9][10][11][12] However, sometimes, tattoos are incompletely removed or recalcitrant to laser. Multiple sessions (ten or even more) are usually required with prolonged treatment duration.…”

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confidence: 99%

Non‐laser treatment for tattoo removal

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et al. 2022

J of Cosmetic Dermatology

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Tattoos are increasingly gathering attention in the young population, especially in second to fourth decade of life. With such trends, rate of its removal also has been on the rise. Treatment options for tattoo removal besides lasers are surgery, radiofrequency, infrared light, cryotherapy, dermabrasion and salabrasion. Unfortunately, none of these procedures are associated with satisfactory cosmetic results due to adverse effects such as scarring and dyspigmentation. Although laser treatment has become the gold standard for tattoo removal, it is also associated with some limitations. Some tattoo inks are resistant to laser, and multiple sessions and multiple wavelengths may be required for its complete removal. Considering these limitations, other treatment modalities for tattoo removal must be explored. This article highlights the non‐laser treatment options for tattoo removal. We reviewed all published literature identified from electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) till August 2021 to highlight the non‐laser treatment options for tattoo removal.

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