Quantitative Monitoring of Tattoo Contrast Variations after 755-nm Laser Treatments in In Vivo Tattoo Models

Smart Tattoo Sensors 2.0: A Ten-Year Progress Report through a Narrative Review

The increased interest in sensing tattoos reflects a shift in wearable technology, emphasizing their flexible, skin-adherent nature. These devices, driven by advancements in nanotechnology and materials science, offer highly sensitive and customizable sensors. The growing body of research in this area indicates a rising curiosity in their design and applications, with potential uses ranging from vital sign monitoring to biomarker detection. Sensing tattoos present a promising avenue in wearable healthcare technology, attracting attention from researchers, clinicians, and technology enthusiasts. The objective of this study is to analyze the development, application, and integration of the sensing tattoos in the health domain. A review was conducted on PubMed and Scopus, applying a standard checklist and a qualification process. The outcome reported 37 studies. Sensing tattoos hold transformative potential in health monitoring and physiological sensing, driven by their focus on affordability, user-friendly design, and versatile sensorization solutions. Despite their promise, ongoing refinement is essential, addressing limitations in adhesion, signal quality, biocompatibility, and regulatory complexities. Identified opportunities, including non-invasive health monitoring, multiplexed detection, and cost-effective fabrication methods, open avenues for personalized healthcare applications. However, bridging gaps in medical device standards, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance is imperative for seamless integration. A key theme calls for a holistic, user-centric approach, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Balancing innovation with practicality, prioritizing ethics, and fostering collaboration are crucial for the evolution of these technologies. The dynamic state of the field is evident, with active exploration of new frontiers. This overview also provides a roadmap, urging scholars, industry players, and regulators to collectively contribute to the responsible integration of sensing tattoos into daily life.

Immune Response in Laser Tattoo Removal: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The immune response to laser tattoo removal poses a significant challenge in its management, primarily due to its unpredictable nature, which can range from mild hypersensitivity reactions to severe anaphylaxis. Such responses can potentially hinder the effectiveness of laser tattoo removal procedures. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the immune response to tattoo removal using laser techniques is of utmost importance to develop more efficient management strategies. This study aims to address this need by analyzing eight carefully selected articles obtained through a thorough literature review. Methods: To explore the immune response associated with laser techniques in tattoo removal, we employed a rigorous research methodology. A thorough literature review was conducted using reputable search engines such as Google Scholar, SagePub, and PubMed to collect relevant articles. Initially, 788 potential articles were identified through this process. Following meticulous scrutiny, only eight articles that met stringent inclusion criteria were selected for our study. This meticulous selection process ensures that the information presented here is derived from high-quality and pertinent research. Results: Based on the analysis of the eight selected articles, our findings illuminate the various immune responses that emerge following tattoo removal using laser techniques. These responses include hypersensitivity reactions, allergic manifestations, and, in certain instances, anaphylaxis. Hypersensitivity reactions typically manifested as erythema, edema, and pruritus, while allergic responses were observed in the form of urticaria. In summary, our study highlights that the immune response to laser tattoo removal primarily elicits hypersensitivity and, in some cases, anaphylaxis reactions. Conclusion: Our study underscores the significance of clinicians being vigilant regarding potential immune responses during laser tattoo removal. It is crucial to closely monitor patients to promptly address any adverse reactions. Further research holds the potential to enhance our understanding, paving the way for improved management strategies that can enhance patient safety and treatment success.

Comparative study of 1064 nm nanosecond, 1064 nm picosecond, 755 nm, and 595 nm lasers for tattoo removal: An essential role by macrophage

OBJECTIVES

Tattoo removal is in high demand, and many types of lasers can be used for tattoo removal. Macrophages play an important role in the persistence of tattoos. However, comparative studies of the efficacy of tattoo removal with different lasers versus the relationship between the destruction of pigment particles or recruitment of macrophages after laser treatment are lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tattoo models were established on the rat dorsal surface and randomly treated with 1064 nm nanosecond, 1064 nm picosecond, 755 nm, and 595 nm lasers for one session. Clinical photographic evaluation, melanin index, hematoxylin and eosin staining, identification of macrophages by CD68 staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted at different time points.

RESULTS

Regardless of the pulse duration, all lasers included were effective for the removal of black tattoos, with 1064 nm lasers having the best efficacy, followed by 755 and 595 nm lasers. The diameter of the pigment particles and recruitment of dermal macrophages correlated with the efficacy of tattoo removal.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the 1064 nm lasers were found to be the most effective for black tattoo removal. However, there was no significant difference between the 1064 nm picosecond and the nanosecond lasers. Macrophage recruitment plays an essential role in pigment metabolism during laser-tattoo removal.

Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Laser with Nanosecond Pulse in Tattoo Treatment: A Double-Center Retrospective Study

Tattoo removal is a well-established procedure in dermatology. Lasers represent the gold standard in the management of this condition nowadays. In this study, we report our experience on the use of a Q-switched nanosecond source. A total of 52 patients were consecutively enrolled in performing tattoo removal at Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro and Tor Vergata University of Rome. Black and blue tattoos were treated with a 1064 nm laser, with a pulse duration of 6 ns and a fluence up to 10 J/cm², while colored tattoos were treated with sessions of 532 nm laser, with a pulse duration of 6 ns and a fluence up to 5 J/cm². Up to nine treatments with a minimum interval of 8 weeks between each session were performed. A six-month follow-up visit assessed patient satisfaction (Visual Analogue Scale). Overall clinical result was assessed with a clinical evaluation by two blinded dermatologists using a 5-point scale, comparing pictures before treatment and at follow up. A total of 52 patients were included and analyzed: 30 females (57.7%) and 22 males (42.3%). Mean age was 43.7 ± 12.7 years. According to Fitzpatrick’s skin classification, 16 individuals (30.8%) were type II, 15 (28.8%) were type III, and 21 (40.4%) were type IV. Most of the treated tattoos were carried out by professionals. The mean number of sessions required to obtain a result was 4.6 ± 2.5, and the final tattoo removal rate was 60% or higher, with 51.9% of the patients reporting highest satisfaction scores Q-Switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered today as the gold-standard treatment for tattoo removal. Our results confirm literature findings of the safety and effectiveness of these devices.