Dependence of light absorption on temperature changes in tattoo pigments

Abstract

Purpose: to study the quantitative intensity of optical density and light absorption of the electromagnetic radiation with tattoo pigment aqueous solution depending on its temperature.

Material and methods. One hundred twenty-three of the most common commercial tattoo pigments were selected for the trial; 369 samples of aqueous solutions were made of them. Optical density of each pigment sample was determined at 14 and 77 °C. Then, each sample was exposed to optical radiation (IPL xenon lamp with pulsed light) at 14 and 77 °C.

Results and discussion. Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths 532 and 1064 nm increased tattoo pigment destruction from 78,27 to 84,37 % under temperature rise from 14 to 77 °C.

Conclusion. Electromagnetic radiation of the optical range with wavelengths 532 and 1064 nm cannot destroy all tattoo pigments; however, optical density of solutions changes under temperature rise which promotes destruction of coloring agents.