Treatment of tattoo allergy with ablative fractional resurfacing: a novel paradigm for tattoo removal.

Abstract

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. We describe two patients with tattoo allergies, referred to us for treatment. 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. 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. This uncontrolled observational series is based on two patients. 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.