Emergency Removal

36 y/o male in Navy with two tear-shaped tattoos beneath L. eye.  Needed
emergency removal and camouflage of these within 2-4 weeks due to
reassignment.  Because of prolonged healing and redness with glycolic gel
which I had tried in the past, I opted for a gentler aloe vera/lactic acid
gel.  All procedures included the following:
1)  Microdermabrasion of area followed by topical anesthesia with TAG #45 Gel
2)  Camouflage using Softap Tahitian Tan
3)  Post-op wound care with Liprotek #7 Medicated balm

Seven photos are attached which reflect procedures done on the following dates:
June 30,1999:  Consultation and test removal gel lower tear
July 4, 1999:  Pigment removal with Aloe Vera/Buffered lactic acid gel
Camouflage with Tahitian Tan by Softap
July 14,1999:  Pigment removal with Aloe Vera/Buffered lactic acid gel
Camouflage with Tahitian Tan by Softap
Aug  1, 1999:  Pigment removal with Hydrogen peroxide/Lactic acid
solution
Camouflage with Tahitian Tan by Softap

Observations:  1)  Traditional tattoo ink is very difficult to
remove/camouflage and requires a process.  This removal process has been
facilitated due to the gentleness of the aloe vera/buffered lactic acid gel
and the fast healing time of this patient.  He appreciated the Liprotek
ointment because it was easy to apply and provided post-op pain control and
sunscreen as well as anti-oxidants.

2)  The redness associated with glycolic gel "removers" was
not a problem with the aloe vera/buffered lactic acid gel.  It seemed much
gentler to the skin.
3)  The hydrogen peroxide/lactic acid solution is very
"reactive" and only needs to be placed very superficially into the skin
with a hand tool rather than by machine.
4)  Tattoo removal and camouflage involving the face should
be approached with great caution and careful attention to the skin changes
during removal.  Also, the closer one gets to the eye the higher the
likelihood of adverse effects.  One must stay away from the eye.

It should be noted that some people are not candidates for laser tattoo
removal due to lack of time and/or money.  It should be emphasized that
skin damage and scarring may result and technicians need careful education
when apply removal solutions to the skin.  Lastly, insurance companies will
not insure use of acids of any strength used to remove tattoos.  In
closing, the technician should not try to camouflage skin that is healing
just because the client wants to get rid of the redness.

 

Linda H. Dixon M.D.
Anesthesiology
1569 Aalapapa Drive
Kailua, Hawai'i  96734
808/263-7747 tel
808/261-9070 fax