Traumatic Tattoos Research Articles

Decorative and Traumatic Tattoo Biophysics and Removal

Decorative and traumatic tattoos represent foreign-body implantation into various depths of the dermis. Many methods of removal have been attempted with varying rates of success. Surgical excision with primary closure or grafts or flaps may be successful. Mechanical or chemical removal is useful as well. Thermic treatment including use of the argon and carbon dioxide lasers can remove tattoo pigment satisfactorily.

Traumatic tattooing.

Traumatic tattoos may be classified into abrasive and explosive types. The abrasive form leaves the pigment deposit in the more superficial layers of the skin. Explosive forms of traumatic tattooing usually have a central focus of deeply embedded detritus with more superficially placed particles radiating from the central focus. In either form, the best results are achieved by immediate meticulous care of the wound. Many instruments and abrasive devices have been used to remove the embedded pigmented debris, yet the stimplest and most successful is the sterile, hard, natural-bristle toothbrush. This can easily be sterilized, packaged, and kept available in the emergency room and in the operating room.

The Management of Traumatic Tattoos

Blast injury traumatic tattooing is a discouraging problem, because concomitant injuries so often preclude adequate preventive measures at the time of injury, and treatment is frequently less than satisfactory. The patient must be cautioned that all of the tattooing is not likely to be eliminated. We favor planned staged excisions, using deep dermabrasion as a final step.