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Tattoo removal: tannic acid method of Variot
E M van der Velden1, H B van der Walle, A D Groote
1Department of Dermatovenereology, University Hospital Rotterdam, Dijkzigt, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Dermatology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
A novel tattoo removal method using tannic acid and silver nitrate effectively removes amateur tattoos of any size. While less effective for professional tattoos, it shows comparable results to cryotherapy without systemic side effects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
Background:
- Existing tattoo removal methods like surgery, cryosurgery, laser, and dermabrasion often leave the skin altered.
- No current method fully restores skin to its pre-tattoo state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new tattoo removal technique combining a tattoo machine, tannic acid, and silver nitrate.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of this method for different tattoo types and sizes.
Main Methods:
- Tattoo removal was performed using a combination of a tattoo machine, tannic acid, and silver nitrate.
- Pretreatment biopsies were analyzed to correlate pigment depth with treatment success.
Main Results:
- The technique was highly effective for amateur tattoos of all sizes.
- Professional tattoos yielded less satisfactory results.
- No correlation was found between pigment depth and treatment success.
- No systemic liver side effects were observed from tannic acid at the used concentrations.
Conclusions:
- This tannic acid and silver nitrate combination method is effective for removing amateur tattoos.
- The results are comparable to established treatments like cryotherapy, infrared coagulation, and focal salabrasion.