Imaging of intradermal tattoos by optical coherence tomography

  1. Hanan Morsy1,
  2. Mette Mogensen1,
  3. Lars Thrane2,
  4. Gregor B. E. Jemec1

Article first published online: 22 JUL 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2007.00249.x

Issue

Skin Research and Technology

Skin Research and Technology

Volume 13, Issue 4, pages 444–448, November 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Morsy, H., Mogensen, M., Thrane, L. and Jemec, G. B. E. (2007), Imaging of intradermal tattoos by optical coherence tomography. Skin Research and Technology, 13: 444–448. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2007.00249.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Dermatology, Roskilde Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

  2. 2

    Risø National Laboratory, Optics and Plasma Research Department, Roskilde, Denmark

*Address: Hanan Morsy Department of Dermatology Roskilde Hospital DK-4000 Roskilde Denmark Tel: +45 4732 2116 Fax: +45 4732 2128 e-mail:hanan_morsy2003@yahoo.com

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 22 JUL 2007
  2. Article first published online: 22 JUL 2007
  3. Accepted for publication 10 January 2007

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Keywords:

  • tattoo;
  • optical coherence tomography

Background/purpose: Tattoos have become increasingly popular followed by a growing demand for tattoo removal, and yet there is little knowledge and monitoring of tattoo pigment deposition in skin layers. The purpose of this pilot study is to describe optical coherence tomography image characteristics of intradermal tattoos.

Methods: We included five black tattoos in 3 female volunteers, 39, 35 and 30 years old. In vivo imaging of tattoo pigments in the skin is possible with optical coherence tomography (OCT), a novel non-invasive, in vivo optical imaging technology with a resolution and a penetration in skin high enough for visualization of tattoo pigment in the dermis.

Results: In optical coherence tomography images tattoo pigments clusters appear as dark, homogenous vertical columns and structures in the papillary dermis. OCT-scanned normal skin (without tattoos) appeared to be free of this dark structure.

Conclusion: We have demonstrated that OCT can be used to visualize clusters of light absorbing pigments in a predictable manner.

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