Transient immunoreactivity after laser tattoo removal: report of two cases.
OBJECTIVE
Laser tattoo removal is one of most commonly used indications for medical lasers. Professional tattoos contain a multitude of potentially immunogenic chemicals that are released or modified by laser treatment. We studied potential immunologic reactions following laser tattoo removal.


METHODS
Case report of two patients with immunologic reactions after laser tattoo removal.


RESULTS
Two patients developed transient immunoreactivity that presented as regional lymphadenopathy after laser tattoo removal of professional black and blue-green tattoos. These reactions resolved without any complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Tattoo pigments released or modified by laser therapy may trigger transient immunoreactivity in susceptible individuals.
Izikson
Leonid
L
MGH Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology Center and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, BHX 630, Bartlett Hall, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02445, USA. lizikson@partners.org
Avram
Mathew
M
Anderson
R Rox
RR
D000328:Adult; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D013653:Tattooing
D004396:Coloring Agents