BACKGROUND: Q-switched lasers are the gold standard for tattoo treatment. Allergic tattoo reactions present a treatment dilemma. We present the application of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) as a novel method for tattoo removal. OBJECTIVE: We describe two patients with tattoo allergies, referred to us for treatment. METHODS: AFR was used in a series of treatments to remove the allergic-ink portion of a multicolored tattoo on the upper extremity of a 52-year-old man. In a 31-year-old woman with a red and black tattoo on her lower extremity, AFR was combined with a Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. RESULTS: After a series of treatments, both patients experienced significant to complete removal of the offending tattoo inks with substantial or complete resolution of their symptoms. LIMITATIONS: This uncontrolled observational series is based on two patients. CONCLUSIONS: AFR appears to be safe and effective for removal of allergic tattoos. AFR can be combined with other treatments such as Q-switched lasers. The potential for a series of AFR treatments to remove tattoos, including allergic tattoos and inks of any color, merits further study.
BACKGROUND: Q-switched lasers are the gold standard for tattoo treatment. Allergic tattoo reactions present a treatment dilemma. We present the application of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) as a novel method for tattoo removal. OBJECTIVE: We describe two patients with tattoo allergies, referred to us for treatment. METHODS: AFR was used in a series of treatments to remove the allergic-ink portion of a multicolored tattoo on the upper extremity of a 52-year-old man. In a 31-year-old woman with a red and black tattoo on her lower extremity, AFR was combined with a Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. RESULTS: After a series of treatments, both patients experienced significant to complete removal of the offending tattoo inks with substantial or complete resolution of their symptoms. LIMITATIONS: This uncontrolled observational series is based on two patients. CONCLUSIONS: AFR appears to be safe and effective for removal of allergic tattoos. AFR can be combined with other treatments such as Q-switched lasers. The potential for a series of AFR treatments to remove tattoos, including allergic tattoos and inks of any color, merits further study.