The office treatment of tattoos: a simple and effective method.

A simplified method for the treatment of tattoos is described. The method is based on an older method called the "French method" known to tattoo artists. The treatment consists of superficial dermabrasion of the skin followed by application of a tannic acid solution which is then "rubbed" into the skin by the dermabrasion wheel. The treatment site is then "painted" with a silver nitrate stick. A heavy eschar forms which separates in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. The method incorporates the use of equipment that is present in the usual plastic surgical office. The method has produced excellent improvement in tattoos, with obliteration of the tattoo in the majority of cases. This report covers 85 patients with 207 tattoos treated over an 11-year period. The method is presented as a treatment of tattoos that are too large for simple excision. Details of the treatment are presented.

Traumatic lipomas/pseudolipomas.

The occurrence of lipomas following trauma is reported in three cases with a review of the literature including 36 additional cases. This condition is usually related to massive trauma in the hip, buttock, and thigh area that is most frequently secondary to a motor vehicle accident. It is most common in the female and may be attributed to the characteristic hip, buttock, thigh fat deposition of the female. The "tumor" usually follows heavy bruising and/or hematoma of the region and is clinically noticeable approximately 6 months thereafter. Initial treatment is preventive by drainage of the hematoma and compression of the site. Late treatment is surgical excision of the tumor.