• Medical Lasers
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.106-110
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• 2021

Background and Objectives As the popularity of tattooing has increased, the number of people regretting their tattoos, and therefore seeking tattoo removal services has also increased. This study aimed to highlight the reasons for tattoo regrets. We explore herein, the reasons for seeking tattoo removal at a specialized laser center in South America. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of over 757 surveys, including patients who sought tattoo removal services between August 2017 and February 2020. The surveys were conducted using questionnaires which were sent to the patients through email and WhatsApp messages. Results Sixty percent of the patients seeking tattoo erasing services were women (α=0.001), an average of 30 years, with a high educational level (46.6% of them were university or tertiary). Most of the tattoos (89%) had a professional origin, 60% were done with black color and 65% were in exposed areas. More than half of the patients (51%) gave dissatisfaction as the main reason for erasing their tattoos. More than half of patients (51.2%) regretted their tattoos between the same day of being tattooed and five years later. Conclusion In the present study, in South America, tattoo regrets were mostly common among educated (university or tertiary level) women in their 30s. The most preferred color for a tattoo was black. Exposed areas, especially the arms, were preferred more than the covered areas. Most of the participants regretted their tattoos within five years of being tattooed.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.31-36
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• 2021

Background and Objectives Several predicted optimal parameters for laser treatment have been suggested, making the settings subject to variation. Thus, picosecond lasers may require more data and studies to optimize the laser parameters, increase the efficacy of each session, and minimize the total number of sessions. This study evaluated the results of picosecond laser tattoo removal in variable locations, focusing on the aesthetic outcome, number of procedures, and adverse effects. Materials and Methods Nine patients who underwent picosecond laser treatment from February 2014 to July 2020 were enrolled. Before the procedures, the required number of sessions was estimated using the Kirby-Desai scale. At the end of the treatment, the patients assessed their satisfaction. The patient and two plastic surgeons assessed the clearance of the tattoo. Results The mean of the clearance was 86.6% in both the patient and investigators assessment. The patients reported satisfaction for an average score of 5.1 ± 0.78 for the aesthetic outcome, 4.5 ± 0.78 for pain, 4.1 ± 0.92 for the number of procedures, and 4.7 ± 0.97 for adverse effects. The average number of actual procedures was 6.7 ± 1.20. The average Kirby-Desai score was 7.1 ± 1.45. Their correlation coefficient was 0.803, which is considered a strong positive correlation. Conclusion Picosecond lasers have a remarkable ability to degrade smaller tattoo pigments through a photoacoustic effect. Moreover, a picosecond laser treatment for tattoo removal can be a safe and effective method. Picosecond lasers are a promising technology with the potential to optimize the treatment of tattoos.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.18-20
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• 2021

TCA is widely used in cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, tattoo removal, and also in gynecological procedures for managing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. However, storage of high concentration of TCA in a gynecology office is a potential hazard, as it may accidentally cause severe chemical burns. We report a case of deep dermal TCA chemical burn on genital area, which occured accidentally and resulted from misuse of high concentration (90%) of TCA coated vaginal gauze packing dressing during gynecological procedures.