Layered Dermabrasion: A Simple Controlled Method For The Treatment Of Tattoos

摘要

Objectives: Many methods of decorative skin tattoos removal have been attempted with varying rates of success. An innovative technique of combined operative and postoperative therapeutic method to remove such kind of tattoos is presented. Methods: The study was conducted from 2002 till 2006. All patients with skin decorative tattoos were treated according to a standard surgical technique and protocol. Layered dermabrasion of the tattoos consists of deeper dermabrasion of the tattooed skin accompanied with superficial dermabrasion of the surrounding normal (non-tattooed) skin. Post operative skin care consists of applying different types of anti-scaring ointments with a silicone sheath. Results: There were 26 male patients with decorative skin tattoos. The success rate was remarkable with high satisfaction rate by all patients. Post operative hypertrohic scarring rate was less than 9%. Conclusion: Layered dermabrasion is a simple dermabrasion method which helps in treating decorative skin tattoos very efficiently. Such technique, with adequate post operative anti-scarring skin care, will ensure efficient removal of the tattoo pigments with loss of its features once the treated skin heals. Introduction Decorative skin tattoos represent colored foreign –body implantation into various depths of the dermis. As the desire for tattoo removal increases, researchers continue to explore safe, innovative and efficacious methods of tattoo removal (1,2,3). A technique for tattoo removal which produces selective removal of each tattoo pigment, with minimal risk of Layered Dermabrasion. A simple controlled method for the treatment of Tattoos scarring, is needed. Treatment options for tattoos are well described in the literature and must be individualized to each patient by the treating physician (4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16). Most popular therapeutic technique of tattoos removals is utilizing laser therapy (17,18,19,20,21,22,23). Lasers continue to be a reliable and efficacious tool in treating amateur, professional, cosmetic and traumatic tattoos. However the financial cost of laser treatment prevents patients from undergoing such treatment (21, 23). Another popular method of tattoo removal is dermabrasion, where the surgeon scrapes away the outermost layer of skin with a rough wire brush, or a burr containing diamond particles, attached to a motorized handle (24, 26). Dermabrasion surgical technique stimulates the production and growth of new collagen and skin tissue in which skin cells are more plentiful and better vascularized. Layered dermabrasion is a method incorporates the use of equipment that is present in the usual plastic surgical office. The method is presented as a treatment of tattoos that are too large for simple excision. The surgeon can dermabrade deeply, if needed, and remove the skin pigments followed by more superficial dermabrasion of the surrounding normal skin. Once the skin heals, the residual skin scar will have a different shape from its previous tattoo. This method has produced excellent improvement in removal of skin tattoos, with acceptable obliteration of the original tattoo shape with high patient's satisfaction. Methods Patient's data were collected from the year 2002 till 2006. Twenty-six patients with a mean age of 26 years participated with 34 tattoos treated over a 4 years period (Fig-1). Both types of amateur and professional tattoos were encountered. Local and general anesthesias were used depending on the size of the tattoo. A classical dermabrasion instruments with diamond head where used in this procedure. Layered dermabrasion of the tattoo first was performed till complete removal of all pigments. Pattern of dermal bleeding did help in assessing depth of skin layers removal. The skin was continuously moistened with wet gauze soaked with a mixture of saline and 1/200,000 epinephrine. Following complete removal of the tattoo, superficial dermabrasion of the normal skin was carried out in an irreg