Fractionated Ablation With Trans-Epidermal Pigment Release: A Novel Tattoo Removal Method

Tattoos continue to be an important way of emotional and/or identity expression for individuals and communities, whether obtained at a tattoo parlor or through communal rituals. Tattoos vary in their complexity, artistic skill, and overall satisfaction; however, in later years many regret the design, color choice, or the idea of a tattoo altogether. Given the uptick in patients wishing for tattoo removal, various techniques have been developed using energy-based devices such as lasers and destructive methods utilizing caustic chemicals or excision. These modalities come with limitations including incomplete tattoo removal, scarring, and dispersion of tattoo dyes into the lymphatics. Considering these limitations, other treatment modalities for tattoo removal must be explored. In this article, we discuss a new technique for tattoo removal using fractionated ablation of tattoo pigment with trans-epidermal pigment release.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(11):1103-1106     doi:10.36849/JDD.7250.