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Histopathological findings in blepharopigmentation (eyelid tattoo)
J J Hurwitz1, S Brownstein, S K Mishkin
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, Montreal.
Summary
Iron oxide pigment in eyelid tattoos persists long-term, primarily within skin cells and muscle tissue. Histopathology shows no significant adverse effects on treated eyelid tissues.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Eyelid tattooing involves injecting pigments into the skin.
- Understanding pigment behavior and tissue interaction is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term fate and tissue integration of iron oxide pigments used in eyelid margin tattooing.
Main Methods:
- Three patients underwent eyelid margin tattooing with iron oxide pigment.
- Tissue specimens were surgically excised at 1 hour, 5 days, and 18 months post-tattooing.
- Histopathological examination assessed pigment distribution and tissue effects.
Main Results:
- Pigment persisted as free granules in epidermis and dermis at 1 hour and 5 days.
- After 18 months, pigment was mainly within dermal macrophages and focally in muscle tissue.
- No substantial deleterious effects were observed in the treated eyelid tissues.
Conclusions:
- Iron oxide pigments exhibit long-term persistence in eyelid tissues.
- The pigment is primarily phagocytosed by macrophages over time.
- Eyelid tattooing with iron oxide appears safe with no significant adverse tissue reactions observed in this study.