Tattoos

These are mainly intracellular submicrometer size insoluble ink particles that have been ingested by phagocytic skin cells after intradermal injection. These phagocytes do not migrate widely but tattoos do gradually become less distinct. Inks generally consist of insoluble metal salts or carbon (if amateur). Interestingly after ‘Q switched’ (quality switched nanopulses) photomechanical (photoacoustic) treatments, tattoos can lighten whether or not there is any scale/crust, with transdermal elimination of pigment. In many cases tattoo pigment is retained in the body with deposition in regional lymph nodes. Electron microscopy shows that some ink particles are shattered into tiny fragments which become extracellular after rupture of phagocytic cells. On treatment a temporary lightening can occur which is poorly understood. Sometimes a darkening of red ink ferric-oxide (rust colour) to ferrous oxide (black) may occur and is difficult to treat. Blues and greens respond best to the QS Alexandrite, purple or violet to the QS Ruby and red to the QS 532nm KTP.

Very short pulse width picosecond lasers (Alexandrite 755nm currently) are becoming available. Rapid response of all tattoos even pale blues and greens which are otherwise difficult to treat. Less good with red colour. Single wavelength device with picosecond pulse width enabling very effective non-selective photomechanical effect for a broad range of pigments. (At this point picosecond lasers are in fact only 10 times narrower in pulse width than nanosecond devices such as the RevLite® SI).

Cosmetic skin coloured tattoos may darken irreversibly and this potential pitfall must be recognised particularly on facial skin. Test sites can sometimes be undertaken.

For more information about this condition, please contact the Solais team below...