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In vivo Characterization of Colored Tattoo Ink Distribution in Human Skin Using Noninvasive Two-Photon Tomography
David A Lopez Guardado1, Tatiana B Lepekhina1, Stepan D Korkishko1
1Laboratory of Laser Molecular Imaging and Machine Learning, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russian Federation.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology
|January 21, 2026
Summary
Picosecond-pulsed two-photon excited fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (TPE-FLIM) non-invasively visualizes tattoo ink distribution in human skin. This advanced imaging reveals ink pigments within dermal and epidermal cells, acting as long-term reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biomedical Optics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Multicolored tattoos are popular, but tattoo ink behavior in skin is poorly understood.
- Limited in vivo imaging techniques hinder research on tattoo ink distribution, accumulation, and long-term effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To non-invasively visualize the deposition and cellular uptake of tattoo ink pigments in human skin in vivo.
- To investigate the long-term fate and distribution of tattoo inks within skin layers and cells.
- To assess the potential of TPE-FLIM for distinguishing ink pigments from melanin and visualizing specific skin cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized picosecond-pulsed two-photon excited fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (TPE-FLIM) for in vivo imaging of tattoo inks.
- Visualized pigment deposition in human skin at depths up to ≈150 µm.
- Employed phasor analysis combined with TPE autofluorescence imaging to differentiate ink pigments from melanin.
Main Results:
- Tattoo ink agglomerates were observed from the stratum corneum to the reticular dermis.
- Pigments were predominantly found in dermal cells (mast cells, macrophages, fibroblasts) and epidermal cells (keratinocytes, dendritic cells, basal cells).
- TPE-FLIM successfully visualized otherwise undetectable cells like dendritic cells and fibroblasts, and distinguished ink from melanin.
Conclusions:
- TPE-FLIM provides unprecedented in vivo insights into tattoo ink deposition, cellular uptake, and long-term accumulation in human skin.
- Dermal and epidermal cells serve as long-term reservoirs for tattoo pigments, with continuous low-level release observed.
- This technique holds significant potential for clinical dermatology in managing tattoo-related complications.
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