Treating traumatic tattoo by micro-incision.
OBJECTIVE
To design a micro-incision operation for treating traumatic tattoo.


METHODS
With an 11-gauge blade, a micro-incision was made on each side of the small tattoo spot and the tattoo skin was removed. For a longer tattoo particle, a longer incision was needed. The skin incision was sutured with 6-0 silk. For a complex tattoo, dermabrasion could be used first to remove the superficial one so as to expose the deep one which was removed in the same way as mentioned above. When there was a large number of tattoo particles, many operations were needed.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients were treated by this method with good to excellent result.


CONCLUSIONS
Micro-incision for treating traumatic tattoo is an effective method.
Sun
B
B
Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200011, China. hosp9th@public3.sta.net.cn
Guan
W
W
D000328:Adult; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D003869:Dermabrasion; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013653:Tattooing