Outpatient management protocol of skin tattoos with simple chemo/dermabrasion technique

Abstract

Background As the incidence of tattoo placement continues to increase, so does the demand for tattoo removal. Treatment of tattoos with various different methods often yields unsatisfactory results and are costly to the patients. Ideal method should be highly effective for removal of tattoos without significant scars or permanent pigmentary change to the skin. Objective We present our clinical experience on cosmetic tattoo removal and the important issues practitioners should consider in the management of tattoos. Patients and methods We have established a cost effective management protocol that could be followed and performed as an outpatient. This protocol consist of three parts, preoperative skin preparation utilizing all-trans retinoic acid, secondly an operative surgical procedure of simple dermabrasion followed by a third stage of intensive postoperative skin care protocol with local application of anti-scar formation ointments. 12 male patients were treated under local or general anesthesia with this protocol. Results Tattoo pigment was removed successfully in all 12 patients. One patient each developed hypertrophic scar and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which subsequently improved. Conclusion Chemo/dermabrasion was successful with a high rate of tattoo removal (100%) and less incidence of hypertrophic scar formation of the treated skin.