[Effects of tattoo removal and results after salabrasion]

22 patients have been treated with a three minutes salabrasion, once for repeatedly, on skin areas around 41 tattoos. Following long-term results could be established with tattoos performed by laymen on forearm, upper arm or posterior, a single salabrasion produced perfectly acceptable to good results in the removal of tattoos. As to be expected, repeated salabrasion and additional skin surgery improved the results in removing tattoos. Frequently, single or repeated salabrasion resulted in hypopigmentation of the interfollicular epidermis with a more or less intensive skin-colored to brownish pigmentation of the follicle regions. The general impression of hyperpigmentation only occurred occasionally after single salabrasion and was independent of location. Single or repeated salabrasion resulted in an emphasis of the surface structure and increased wrinkling of the skin in due course, but never in scar formation.