Template and method for removing a tattoo through patterned trans-epidermal pigment release
Embodiments of a method for removing a tattoo through patterned trans-epidermal pigment release includes determining first treatment area of skin of a patient through a primary template including primary apertures, marking the first treatment area of skin of the patient along borders of the primary apertures to outline a grid of primary tegulae, and delivering a tattoo removal fluid to the marked first exposed skin. In an alternate embodiment, a template, which may be adhered to the skin, is used during a disruption process to create a structured, patterned procedure to remove skin irregularities. The template has a plurality of needle apertures, an adhesive layer, and a release liner. The release liner may be removed, exposing the adhesive layer, so that the template, with the plurality of needle apertures, may be positioned over the skin irregularity.
1 . A method for removing a skin marking using dermal disruption, the method comprising:
scanning an area of skin of a patient to be treated, wherein the area of skin has not previously undergone dermal disruption to remove the skin marking;
determining a first treatment area of skin of a patient using a primary template, the primary template providing indicia upon the patient's skin defining primary tegulae, wherein a diameter of the primary tegulae is calculated based at least in part on information regarding pigmentation determined by the scan;
disrupting the tissue in the primary tegulae to form a first eschar in a first treatment session;
determining a second treatment area of skin for treatment subsequent to treatment of the first treatment area using a secondary template, the secondary template marking secondary tegulae interposed between primary tegulae; and
disrupting the tissue in the secondary tegulae to form a second eschar in a second treatment session.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein disrupting the tissue in the secondary tegulae isolates a plurality of remaining skin marking areas in a grid of tertiary tegulae, and wherein the method further comprises disrupting the tissue in the tertiary tegulae in a third treatment session.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the secondary tegulae are non-circular and non-polygonal.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the primary template comprises a flexible, non-stretchable sheet of material.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the primary template comprises an image projected upon the patient's skin.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of disrupting the tissue comprises applying a mechanical disruption of the tissue.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of disrupting the tissue comprises applying a temperature change to the tissue.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein a temperature of a probe used in applying the temperature change is used to control the depth of tissue disruption at least in part.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of disrupting the tissue comprises applying a chemical agent to the tissue.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of disrupting the tissue comprises applying radiation to the tissue.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the primary template comprises a reflective portion that resisting energy deposition in an area covered by the reflective portion.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of disrupting the tissue comprises applying focused waves to the tissue.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein a frequency of the focused waves is used to control the depth of tissue disruption at least in part.
14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of disrupting the tissue comprises applying focused particles to the tissue.
15 . The method of claim 1 , wherein disrupting the tissue comprises applying variable energy to the area to be treated, and wherein less pigmented areas receive relatively less energy than more deeply pigmented areas.
16 . The method of claim 1 , wherein natural features of the area to be treated are used as registration marks to orient the primary template.
17 . A method for removing a skin marking using dermal disruption, the method comprising:
scanning an area of skin of a patient to be treated, wherein the area of skin has not previously undergone dermal disruption to remove the skin marking;
providing indicia indicative of a template on skin of a patient, the template comprising indicia of a primary lattice tegulae between secondary tegulae;
disrupting the tissue within the primary lattice tegulae to form a first eschar in a first treatment session that isolates the secondary tegulae;
disrupting the tissue in the secondary tegulae to form a second eschar in a second treatment session subsequent to the first treatment session;
wherein a diameter of each of the primary lattice tegulae is calculated based at least in part on information regarding pigmentation determined by the scan.
18 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the skin marking comprises a tattoo.
19 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the skin marking comprises a skin irregularity.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the skin irregularity comprises a skin lesion.
21 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the skin irregularity comprises stretch marks.