Permanent cosmetics.

Plastic surgery practices have become more accepting of the implantation of permanent cosmetics over the last few years. Many plastic surgery practices have added the implantation of permanent cosmetics into their offered services. Many clients who would not have considered having permanent cosmetics implanted because of having to go to a tattoo parlor are now having the procedures performed. The most popular procedures being performed are the implantation of permanent eyeliner followed by eyebrows and lip liner. Other implantations of permanent cosmetics are the full-lip applications, eye shadow application, cheek blush, and a beauty mark implantation. Micro pigmentation can be used for nipple coloration following reconstruction or camouflaging skin pigmentation problems due to trauma, birthmarks, cancer, etc. This article focuses on the use of micro pigmentation for the use of permanent cosmetics (WebMD, 2009).

Lumbar epidural catheter placement in the presence of low back tattoos: a review of the safety concerns.

Current fashion in body art includes low back tattoos of varying designs and colors, a trend that presents unique concerns for anesthesia providers. Does the placement of epidural catheters risk the introduction of tattoo pigment dyes into the epidural space through the process of coring? Are there specific risks associated with tattoo dyes and epidural needle placement? We performed a comprehensive review of the literature using multiple search databases with the intent to form guidelines for practice using a level of evidence taxonomy. The available evidence does not identify any specific risks associated with epidural catheter placement through low back tattoos, although tissue coring with tissue transport to deeper sites has been confirmed. Continued investigation is necessary before comprehensive practice guidelines regarding the practice of placing epidural needles and catheters through lumbar tattoos can be developed. We suggest avoidance of piercing tattoos when performing epidural punctures until there is sound evidence of short-term and long-term safety.

Patient satisfaction and time-saving implications of a nurse-led nipple and areola reconstitution service following breast reconstruction.

Nipple tattooing is a safe and effective technique for restoration of the nipple-areola complex following breast reconstruction and has a positive impact on patient well-being and body image. This procedure is usually performed by a surgeon, but following appropriate training, a nurse-led nipple tattooing service was established in our unit in December 2005. All 14 patients who had undergone nipple tattooing over a 6 month period were contacted by telephone and questioned about their cosmetic results and satisfaction with the service. Hundred percent of patients were 'satisfied' with their tattoo and all patients rated the nurse-led service as 'excellent'. It was estimated that 20h of consultant time was saved. Our study demonstrates that a nurse-led service is associated with both excellent cosmetic outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction. It also results in a significant saving of consultant time allowing more effective use of clinic and theatre resources.

The patient's experience of a nurse-led nipple tattoo service: a successful program in Warwickshire.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Although once the preserve of tattoo artists, units within the UK have increasingly begun making use of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to perform areola tattooing. Bringing the technique within the Breast Unit enhances continuity of care and makes use of skills that can be provided by the CNS. Our CNS is involved with both the patients' oncological management and the areola tattoo service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CNS-led service was investigated and patients' experiences of nipple tattooing were assessed. We present the results of a postal questionnaire and a prospective clinical audit of the procedure. RESULTS: Forty tattoos were done over a 2-year period with one self-limiting complication. Patient satisfaction was high both with the outcome and the experience of the procedure. Fading of the tattoo is a consistent finding frequently requiring further shading. CONCLUSION: Overall the patient's experience of a nurse lead 'in-house' tattoo service has been highly satisfactory and this is reflected by their high confidence rating and ease of access to the nurse. We believe that the role of the CNS in oncological treatment and reconstructions helps integrate the multidisciplinary experience for the patient.

Nipple-areola tattooing as part of breast reconstruction.

Tattooing of the nipple-areola complex has become standard procedure in reconstruction following a mastectomy. It is generally performed as the final stage of breast reconstruction. We began performing the procedure in 1991 and have treated more than 1,000 patients. The purpose of this article is to report on updated techniques since nipple-areola tattooing was first performed.

Body adornment: piercings and tattoos.

Body adornment through tattoos and piercings is on the increase, making adverse side effects more common. Practitioners should be prepared to give advice, either before the event, or post-procedure in written and oral forms. The aim of this article is to inform practitioners of the sites and types of piercings, likely adverse side effects and estimated healing times.

Tattoos: counseling the adolescent.

In Western society, approximately 3% to 5% of the population has at least one decorative tattoo, and the number of new tattoos has increased dramatically over the last decade. Tattooing is becoming increasingly popular among adolescents. Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are in key positions to counsel preadolescents and adolescents about tattoos. PNPs should be knowledgeable about the care, potential adverse reactions, risks of blood-borne diseases, and removal of tattoos. PNPs should also have an understanding of who gets tattoos, why they get tattoos, and what type of regulations exist related to tattooing in the United States.

Adolescents and tattoos: marks of identity or deviancy?

Are tattoos on adolescents only gang-related? Not according to this study with 105 tattooed adolescents; 69% were high school students with A or B grades. Of the other 537 teenagers who participated in this study in five suburban high schools and one large urban school district, over a third are considering tattooing. Understanding rationale and risks, as well as concerns if they later request laser therapy removal, is important for dermatology nurses.