Cosmetic and reconstructive medical tattooing.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cosmetic and reconstructive medical tattooing techniques are being used with a higher frequency than ever before. The volume of scientific research into its basics, however, is too small to prevent the present occurrence of complications. This review shows that most of the recent articles on the subject are in fact case reports and that many of the complications described result from the failure to conduct more research. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings include few and relatively unimportant new techniques, studies describing tattoo removal with laser, magnetic displacement and chemical irritants, more findings about infections and allergies, and complications with high field-strength magnetic resonance imaging scans. SUMMARY: Recent literature contains very few useful studies because generally they are not supported by sufficient scientific research.

Dermatography as an adjunctive treatment of uni- and bilateral scars in combination with pseudo-hair formation after craniosurgery.

This article describes the use of dermatography as a method to reduce large cosmetically unacceptable scars in the temporo-occipital region after craniosurgery. Over a period of 15 years, 17 patients were treated in two to five 1-hour sessions without local anesthesia. The results show that dermatography is effective in providing a lasting cosmetically satisfactory effect, with subtle pseudo-hair formation and color pigments stably deposited. At the same time, the hypertrophic scars themselves are reduced and flattened, with their tissue made supple.