Traumatic tattoo removal: comparison of four treatment methods in an animal model with correlation to clinical experience.

The acute or emergency treatment of traumatic tattoos has been based on the principles of immediate and thorough removal of all particles. The delayed treatment of traumatic tattoos has classically been with overgrafting or dermabrasion. We developed an animal model for traumatic tattoos. Two levels of wounds were made (shallow and deep). Each group consisted of five guinea pigs with one consistent level of wounding. Four treatment methods were applied: carbon dioxide laser, argon laser, overgrafting, and dermabrasion. The results were evaluated by trained observers on a gross basis. Although no statistically significant differences were found within these small groups, clinical experience in a small group of patients suggests that carbon dioxide laser may prove to be useful in the delayed treatment of traumatic tattoos. Eight patients have been treated over a 4-year period. Satisfactory total or subtotal foreign body removal of various agents (road tar, cement, cooper particles) has been achieved.