BACKGROUND: Absorption spectra of common tattoo pigments, their reaction to irradiation at 532 and 752 nm, and correlation with their titanium and iron component are important to the selection of an optimal laser device. OBJECTIVE: The objectives were (1) to establish the absorption spectra of common tattoo pigments and India ink and (2) to determine their response to laser irradiation at 532 and 752 nm and correlate this to their composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of 28 tattoo pigments and India ink were mixed in agar and analyzed with a spectrophotometer. These agar plates were irradiated with Q-switched wavelengths of 532 and 752 nm. RESULTS: The highest absorbance of red was in the complementary spectrum, while blue, yellow, and orange had peaks in the adjacent portion of the visible light spectrum. There is great variability in the absorbance of green tattoo material. Pigment darkening was noted at both wavelengths in all iron-containing pigments except black. It was variable in those containing titanium. Pigments tested responded with either clearance or darkening at 532 nm; however, response at 752 nm was more limited. CONCLUSION: (1) Tattoo pigment absorption spectra can explain why some colors are more resistant to removal. (2) Pigment darkening is a complex process.
BACKGROUND: Absorption spectra of common tattoo pigments, their reaction to irradiation at 532 and 752 nm, and correlation with their titanium and iron component are important to the selection of an optimal laser device. OBJECTIVE: The objectives were (1) to establish the absorption spectra of common tattoo pigments and India ink and (2) to determine their response to laser irradiation at 532 and 752 nm and correlate this to their composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of 28 tattoo pigments and India ink were mixed in agar and analyzed with a spectrophotometer. These agar plates were irradiated with Q-switched wavelengths of 532 and 752 nm. RESULTS: The highest absorbance of red was in the complementary spectrum, while blue, yellow, and orange had peaks in the adjacent portion of the visible light spectrum. There is great variability in the absorbance of green tattoo material. Pigment darkening was noted at both wavelengths in all iron-containing pigments except black. It was variable in those containing titanium. Pigments tested responded with either clearance or darkening at 532 nm; however, response at 752 nm was more limited. CONCLUSION: (1) Tattoo pigment absorption spectra can explain why some colors are more resistant to removal. (2) Pigment darkening is a complex process.
Authors: Parvez S Islam; Christopher Chang; Carlo Selmi; Elena Generali; Arthur Huntley; Suzanne S Teuber; M Eric Gershwin Journal: Clin Rev Allergy Immunol Date: 2016-04 Impact factor: 8.667
Authors: Marike Leijs; Hannah Schaefer; Albert Rübben; Claudio Cacchi; Thomas Rustemeyer; Sebastiaan van der Bent Journal: Curr Oncol Date: 2021-11-15 Impact factor: 3.677