Microneedle Patch for Tattoo Removal via Chemical Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tattoo removal methods, such as laser treatments and chemical solutions, are costly, complex, and can cause skin damage, with residual pigments and chemicals potentially being carcinogenic and remaining in the body.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle patch is used to penetrate the skin with an aqueous solution that dissolves tattoo pigments, which are then removed using negative pressure, minimizing skin and body damage and ensuring the solution's temporary presence in the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser methods are used to remove tattoos, then tattoo pigments can be shattered and removed, but skin damage and high cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser (optical/thermal system) with a mechanical microneedle delivery system that physically transports chemical removers into the skin and extracts pigment fragments mechanically through suction, eliminating thermal damage while maintaining removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chemical removers as intermediaries that facilitate pigment breakdown and extraction. The microneedles deliver these chemical agents directly to pigment locations, and the same microneedles then mechanically extract the dissolved pigment, creating a two-stage intermediary process that avoids direct thermal damage
2Ease of operation
If chemical removers are applied as cream to the skin, then application is simple, but effectiveness is reduced and non-tattooed skin is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chemical remover application into discrete microneedle delivery points that precisely target tattoo pigment locations. Each microneedle acts as an independent delivery channel, allowing selective application only where pigment exists, avoiding damage to non-tattooed skin while maintaining simple patch-based application
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle patch automatically delivers the chemical remover through its own structure when applied to the skin. The microneedles penetrate and deposit the solution without requiring external application tools or complex procedures, combining simplicity with precision targeting
3Reliability
If chemical removers are applied using tattoo machines, then tattoo pigments can be treated, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chemical delivery function and the extraction function into a single microneedle patch device. The same microneedles that deliver the chemical remover also perform the extraction of dissolved pigment through integrated suction channels, eliminating the need for separate application and removal steps and significantly improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle patch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers chemical removers, allows dwell time for chemical action, and extracts pigment fragments through integrated suction. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate devices and steps, reducing both time and cost
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method allows for simple, cost-effective tattoo removal without depositing pigments or chemicals in the body, reducing the risk of skin damage and health hazards, and can be performed by non-medically trained personnel.
Implementation Method 1
introducing, particularly by manual pressure, a solution, preferably aqueous, to dissolve the color pigments through the microneedles of the patch into the skin
Implementation Method 2
The color pigments are removed by the microneedles of the patch by means of negative pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The application relates to a method for removing tattoos comprising the steps of positioning a microneedle patch (1) on a tattooed area of the skin, wherein the microneedles (2) penetrate the tattooed skin layer; introducing, in particular by manual pressure, a solution, especially aqueous, for dissolving the color pigments through the microneedles of the patch into the skin; allowing the introduced solution to act for a duration of 15 to 45 min, preferably 20 to 40 min, particularly preferably 25 to 35 min; removing the color pigments, in particular by extraction using negative pressure, through the microneedles of the patch.