Light and electron microscopic analysis of tattoos treated by Q-switched ruby laser

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/1523-1747.ep12478570· OSTI ID:5379979

Taylor, C R; Anderson, R R; Gange, R W; Michaud, N A; Flotte, T J ^[1]

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1. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (USA)

Short-pulse laser exposures can be used to alter pigmented structures in tissue by selective photothermolysis. Potential mechanisms of human tattoo pigment lightening with Q-switched ruby laser were explored by light and electron microscopy. Significant variation existed between and within tattoos. Electron microscopy of untreated tattoos revealed membrane-bound pigment granules, predominantly within fibroblasts and macrophages, and occasionally in mast cells. These granules contained pigment particles ranging from 2-in diameter. Immediately after exposure, dose-related injury was observed in cells containing pigment. Some pigment particles were smaller and lamellated. At fluences greater than or equal to 3 J/cm2, dermal vacuoles and homogenization of collagen bundles immediately adjacent to extracellular pigment were occasionally observed. A brisk neutrophilic infiltrate was apparent by 24 h. Eleven days later, the pigment was again intracellular. Half of the biopsies at 150 d revealed a mild persistent lymphocytic infiltrate. There was no fibrosis except for one case of clinical scarring. These findings confirm that short-pulse radiation can be used to selectively disrupt cells containing tattoo pigments. The physial alteration of pigment granules, redistribution, and elimination appear to account for clinical lightening of the tattoos.

• OSTI ID: 5379979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOPSY
BODY
CONNECTIVE TISSUE CELLS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
FIBROBLASTS
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
MACROPHAGES
MAMMALS
MAN
MAST CELLS
MICROSCOPY
ORGANS
PHAGOCYTES
PIGMENTS
PRIMATES
RADIATIONS
RUBY LASERS
SENSITIVITY
SKIN
SOLID STATE LASERS
SOMATIC CELLS
VERTEBRATES