Perfluorodecalin-infused patch in picosecond and Q-switched laser-assisted tattoo removal: Safety in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types

Background: The topical transparent perfluorodecalin-infused (PFD) silicone patch has been demonstrated to reduce epidermal whitening produced in association with laser-assisted tattoo removal. This optical clearing agent has enabled multiple laser passes to be made in one treatment session. Previous studies using the PFD patch have showed enhanced clearance with picosecond and Q-Switched lasers on blue/black tattoos in Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. We sought to explore the safety and efficacy of using the PFD patch with Q-Switched and picosecond lasers in Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. Study Design/Materials and Method: A retrospective, single institution chart review was used to assess the safety of treating tattoos using the PFD patch with Q-Switched and picosecond lasers in Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. A total of 14 patients, ages 23–66 with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI were treated with the PFD patches and liquid PFD using the picosecond (532, 785, and 1064 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm). The treated tattoos contained blue, black, red, green, purple, and pink ink. Patient reported adverse events were evaluated. Results: The PFD patch and liquid PFD were used with the picosecond (532, 785, 1064 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) lasers to treat tattoos safely in 14 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. Furthermore, the PFD patch was used safely when treating tattoo containing blue, black, red, green, purple and pink ink. Multiple passes were better tolerated in patients when using the PFD patch. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Our retrospective chart review supports the safety and efficacy of the PFD patch in protecting the epidermis from thermal injury during laser-assisted tattoo removal of multicolored tattoos in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:23–26, 2019.