... Abstract Clinicians in the fields of general medicine, dermatology, and plastic surgery are in their work now and then confronted with tattoo complications. Recognizing the rather few important diagnostic groups and urgencies, the medical ‘decision tree' of treatment becomes quite simple. Acute...

... Abstract The production of tattoo ink and pigments in the US is unregulated. There are no guidelines or standards issued by national agencies. However, the practice of tattooing is regulated at the state and local levels but varies widely. Adverse events are addressed when a problem is reported...

... Abstract Permanent makeup (PMU) is a descendant of tattoo ink products and used with the intention of giving the face more advantageous contours. PMU makes it possible to condense eyelashes and eyebrows with fine lines or to visually correct them with cleverly placed contour lines. Even...

... Abstract Cosmetic and medical tattooing is miniaturized tattooing of high precision and thus requires many dedicated utensils including advanced devices for marking and anatomical delineation. Symmetry is a special demand, as is aesthetic outcome, building on perfectionated detail. The artist...

... Abstract Cosmetic tattoos may cause burning sensation during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and interrupt the procedure, and thereby any diagnostic workup. Tattoos also may cause disturbing artefacts in MRI images. The sensation, which can be painful, is due to magnetic elements in the tattoo...

... Abstract The Q-switched neodymium-yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser remains the gold standard method for tattoo removal including cosmetic tattoos. Modern picosecond lasers are referenced to the Nd:YAG laser and essentially do the same job. Persons with cosmetic tattoos in the face...

... Abstract Alternatives or complements to laser tattoo removal are needed. Laser removal requires 8–12 sessions and can easily take longer than a year. Some colors cannot be removed, and scars may appear. Applied to allergic reactions in red tattoos, lasers can boost the allergy. A recently...

... Abstract Tattoo colourants are colourful nano- and microparticles, which are practically insoluble and thus permanent once installed in the dermis by the tattooist. Tattoo ink also has soluble ingredients and contaminants. Pigments can distribute via the lymph and possibly also directly...

... Abstract Doctors who are consulted about health and tattoo risks have an important role in the prevention of an individual's tattoo complications. Tattooing is a tremendous exposure of the human body to needle operation, particles, and chemicals. The risk is related to a person's health...

... Abstract Bacterial infection of tattoos remains a common complication. Pyogenic bacteria can cause infections shortly after the tattoo is made. Severity of infection varies from minor to major, ultimately with life-threatening septicemia. Viral infections may be introduced, i.e. HVB, HVC...

... Abstract Diagnosis of tattoo complications is a multi-facetted field since many clinical entities and disease mechanisms are represented. Infections, allergies, and pigment foreign body reactions with granuloma are the major groups. The clinician needs a structured approach to diagnosis...

... Abstract Tattoo complications represent a broad spectrum of clinical entities and disease mechanisms. Infections are known, but chronic inflammatory reactions have hitherto been inconsistently reported and given many interpretations and terms. A clinical classification system of distinct...

... Abstract Tattooing is a skin trauma and involves a special vulnus punctatum (with inserted tattoo ink, a vulnus venenatum), which should heal with no infection and no local complication. Local treatment in the healing phase ideally builds on the ‘moist wound' principle using plastic film...

... Abstract With a continuing increase in the number of tattoos performed worldwide, the need to treat tattoo complications is growing. Earlier treatments of chronic inflammatory tattoo reactions were dominated by a medical approach, or with no active intervention. In this chapter, we will address...

... Abstract Early methods of tattoo removal ultimately resulted in unacceptable cosmetic outcomes. While the introduction of laser technology was an improvement over the existing chemical, mechanical, and surgical procedures, the use of nonselective tattoo removal with carbon dioxide and argon...

... Abstract Studies of satisfaction with tattoo removal outcomes by laser, rated by clients themselves, including qualitative aspects, are sparse. We studied long-term results and client satisfaction with tattoo removal by Q-switched YAG laser. Client satisfaction is influenced by numerous factors...

... Abstract Tattoos, and tattoo complications as well, are colorful and visually flashy. A clinical outlook provides important clues to diagnosis by pattern recognition. This atlas,which is a report of 79 case illustrations, is made as a practical tool and vade mecum for the clinician. The atlas...

... Abstract Starting out as a professional tattooist back in 1977 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Frank Rosenkilde has personally experienced the remarkable development of tattoo machines, needles and utilities: all the way from home-made equipment to industrial products of substantially improved quality...

... Abstract This chapter will briefly explain the tools and techniques behind a good tattoo. Beside the fact that the professional tattoo artist needs to have talent for composing and drawing motives - the artistic part of his or her profession - the technical side of the process must also...