Othman S, Elfanagely O, Klifto K, Fowler C, Pugliese DJ, Kovach SJ. Surgical Excision and Reconstruction of Tattoo Following Hypersensitivity.
EPLASTY 2022;
22:e15. [PMID:
35811643 PMCID:
PMC9118029]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hypersensitivity reaction in a tattoo secondary to red ink is a relatively rare complication, particularly as the biochemical composition of tattoo dye has been refined. Most hypersensitivity reactions are amenable to conservative management, but less common is the necessity for full surgical excision and reconstruction.
METHODS
A 50-year-old female patient with a chronic tattoo granuloma causing excessive pruritus, erythema, and ulceration, refractory to conservative and minimally invasive techniques, underwent full surgical excision and skin-graft reconstruction of the areas affected by the red dye. Additionally, literature was reviewed for similar reports requiring excision.
RESULTS
The patient reports complete symptomatic resolution and satisfaction with the result. The literature reveals a small set of cases reporting a necessity for surgical excision following red-ink hypersensitivity.
CONCLUSIONS
Tattoo hypersensitivity secondary to a red ink-induced allergic reaction is relatively rare. Most cases are amenable to conservative treatment; however, surgical excision and reconstruction provides a viable option in cases refractory to traditional and less invasive management.
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