Rapid, high-fluence multi-pass q-switched laser treatment of tattoos with a transparent perfluorodecalin-infused patch: A pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Perfluorodecalin (PFD) has previously been shown to rapidly dissipate the opaque, white micro-bubble layer formed after exposure of tattoos to Q-switched lasers [1]. The current pilot study was conducted to qualitatively determine if the use of a transparent PFD-infused silicone patch would result in more rapid clearance of tattoos than conventional through-air techniques.


METHODS
Black or dark blue tattoos were divided into two halves in a single-site IRB-approved study with 17 subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III. One half of each tattoo served as its own control and was treated with one pass of a standard Q-switched Alexandrite laser (755 nm). The other half of the tattoo was treated directly through a transparent perfluorodecalin (PFD) infused patch (ON Light Sciences, Dublin, CA). The rapid whitening reduction effect of the Patch routinely allowed three to four laser passes in a total of approximately 5 minutes. Both sides were treated at highest tolerated fluence, but the optical clearing, index-matching, and epidermal protection properties of the PFD Patch allowed significantly higher fluence compared to the control side. Standard photographs were taken at baseline, immediately prior to treatment with the PFD Patch in place, and finally before and after each treatment session. Treatments were administered at 4- to 6-week intervals.


RESULTS
In a majority of subjects (11 of 17), tattoos treated through a transparent PFD-infused patch showed more rapid tattoo clearance with higher patient and clinician satisfaction than conventional treatment. In no case did the control side fade faster than the PFD Patch side. No unanticipated adverse events were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Rapid multi-pass treatment of tattoos with highest tolerated fluence facilitated by a transparent PFD-infused patch clears tattoos more rapidly than conventional methods.
Nashville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery, 345 23rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203.
Brian S
BS
Biesman
Nashville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery, 345 23rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203.
Michael P
MP
O'Neil
Nashville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery, 345 23rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203.
Cara
C
Costner
D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013653:Tattooing
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C008805:perfluorodecalin
PFD patch; epidermal protection; laser tattoo removal; optical clearing; perfluorodecalin; skin