Micropigmentation: tattooing for medical purposes

Dermatol Surg. 2005 Aug;31(8 Pt 1):928-31; discussion 931.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia
  • Cicatrix
  • Humans
  • Hypopigmentation / surgery*
  • Lip
  • Nipples
  • Pigments, Biological / administration & dosage*
  • Skin Pigmentation
  • Tattooing*

Substances

  • Pigments, Biological