Laser tattoo removal expert Dr. Will Kirby recently published a paper in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology that takes an in-depth look at tattoo inks and potential allergic reactions that tattoo inks may cause. From the paper's introduction:

Tattoo artists use many compounds to create tattoo pigment and several allergic reactions can occur as a result of these additives. The compositions of many inks have been identified; however, as new mixtures are created it becomes difficult to identify the specific ingredients in a particular ink. Allergic reactions to a particular pigment can manifest in several ways including allergic contact dermatitis and photoallergic dermatitis. Subsequently, tattoo ink or pigment allergy reactions can be classified as acute inflammatory reactions, allergic hypersensitivities, and granulomatous, lichenoid, and pseudolymphomatous types of reactions. This paper will review the clinical manifestations and the most common compounds associated with cutaneous reactions to tattoo ink.

The rest of the tattoo ink allergy paper discusses tattoo ink composition and the variety of potential allergies related to those ingredients.

Dr. TATTOFF prides itself on being the leading experts on laser tattoo removal, and that means understanding the entire tattooing process as well. We look forward to seeing you at a Dr. TATTOFF clinic soon for laser tattoo removal!

Dr. TATTOFF was recently asked to lend our tattoo removal infographics to a new text book on technical communication. The specific chapter focuses on providing clear explanations of certain procedures. Laser tattoo removal may seem like a simple concept, but the actual physiological process of selective photothermolysis using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is rather involved. During our free initial consultations with patients at Dr. TATTOFF, it's our goal to provide tattoo removal information in a clear and concise manner, and make the process as easy to understand as possible. We're thrilled to have been recognized for this and are proud to be featured in this text book!

When exploring tattoo removal options, one of the most common questions is "How many laser tattoo removal treatments do I need?" At Dr. TATTOFF one of the reasons we're known as the laser tattoo removal experts is due to our ability to accurately estimate how many treatments it will take to remove a tattoo before you begin your treatments. While certainly part of our accuracy comes from the experience of having performed tens of thousands of treatments, a larger part of that accuracy is due to our use of the Kirby-Desai tattoo removal scale. Developed by Dr. TATTOFF's very own Dr. Will Kirby, the Kirby-Desai tattoo removal scale was first published earlier this year and has quickly become recognized as the gold-standard for determining how many laser tattoo removal treatments it will take to remove a tattoo. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recently published an article about the Kirby-Desai tattoo removal scale in its magazine, DermLine.

From the article:

Scale Quantifies Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions Required

A recently published numerical scale can help dermatologists assess how many laser treatments it will take to remove a tattoo. The Kirby-Desai Scale was developed by Will Kirby, D.O., FAOCD; Alpesh Desai, D.O., FAOCD; Tejas Desai, D.O., FAOCD; and first-year resident Francisca Kartono, D.O. In their study published in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the scale was determined to be a practical tool to assess the number of laser tattoo-removal sessions required.

Dr. Will Kirby is featured in an article about tattoo removal in this month's issue of Student Health 101. From the article:

Dr. Will Kirby, a dermatologist and medical director at the Dr. TATTOFF laser removal center, says he sees many college-aged patients who want their tattoos removed because of concerns about professionalism in the workplace. "That is a big concern, especially with the economy changing," Dr. Kirby explains. "There is some workplace discrimination, but then a lot of people have tattoos that are not in places where you'd see them." He adds that many people opt to remove tattoos of an ex's name or fraternity or sorority letters. So, if you're planning to get a tattoo, it's wise to think about what images you will want to have with you for the rest of your life. "On average, whatever you're going to pay for the tattoo, it takes 10 times that much to remove it," says Dr. Kirby.

As the industry leaders, it's a pleasure for us to provide helpful information on laser tattoo removal and laser hair removal to the general public. We look forward to seeing you at a Dr. TATTOFF clinic soon!