Geeta Garg1, Gurvinder P Thami. 1. Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Micropigmentation, also known widely as tattooing, is being commonly used esthetically to camouflage various medical conditions related to dermatology and plastic surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to review the procedure of tattooing and its various latest medical indications. METHODS: Peer review of the literature on micropigmentation through a MEDLINE search was done to enumerate its various medical indications. RESULTS: The literature review revealed widespread acceptance of micropigmentation for a spectrum of diseases of cosmetic importance, especially in mucosal vitiligo. Micropigmentation is also being used for various medical indications, such as burn scars, alopecia areata, and nipple-areola reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure is relatively easy, provides permanent camouflage, and is generally devoid of any significant adverse effects. However, a number of infections can be transmitted from one patient to another if the universal precautions for sterilization of instruments used for micropigmentation are not adhered to.
BACKGROUND: Micropigmentation, also known widely as tattooing, is being commonly used esthetically to camouflage various medical conditions related to dermatology and plastic surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to review the procedure of tattooing and its various latest medical indications. METHODS: Peer review of the literature on micropigmentation through a MEDLINE search was done to enumerate its various medical indications. RESULTS: The literature review revealed widespread acceptance of micropigmentation for a spectrum of diseases of cosmetic importance, especially in mucosal vitiligo. Micropigmentation is also being used for various medical indications, such as burn scars, alopecia areata, and nipple-areola reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure is relatively easy, provides permanent camouflage, and is generally devoid of any significant adverse effects. However, a number of infections can be transmitted from one patient to another if the universal precautions for sterilization of instruments used for micropigmentation are not adhered to.