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Tattoo formation from absorbable synthetic suture and successful removal with Q-switched ruby laser
L J Bernstein1, D A Palaia, D Bank
1Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, NY 10016, USA.
Background:
Traumatic tattoos result from accidental or unintentional deposition of exogenous pigment within injured skin. Pigments may consist of heavy metals, vegetable matter, or commercial dyes.
Objective:
The clinical and histologic description of a traumatic tattoo resulting from a surgical procedure using undyed, braided, synthetic, absorbable suture material and its removal with the Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 28 nsec).
Methods:
The pigmented linear lesion was biopsied and processed using standard histological methods. Subsequently, the area was treated on two occasions with the Q-switched ruby laser.
Results:
The pigmented lesion was completely removed with the Q-switched laser treatments.
Conclusion:
We report on the occurrence of a traumatic tattoo resulting from synthetic suture material and complete removal with the Q-switched ruby laser.