Can we remove tattoos with non-thermal atmospheric plasma?

Abstract

Current methods for tattoo removal are long, costly and have drawbacks such as scarring among others. Looking for alternatives, here we assess the feasibility of non-thermal plasma (NTP) as a standalone method for the removal of tattoos. We report the results of atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment of real tattoo inks suspensions in water and in gelatin (liquid or as a solid film), selected as a model of skin. Analysis of the residual color and the temperature effect in all the samples after plasma treatment reveals significant differences between water and the skin model. Kinetic considerations and the extension of our results to more realistic scenarios allow us to conclude that NTP cannot compete with the current laser technology in a real application.