Aesthetic tattoos as a treatment adjunct for scars from burns & trauma: A literature review and treatment approach
Published Date: 04th May 2022
Publication Authors: Cappuyns L, Khaw R, Shokrollahi K
Poster presentation for the BBA Annual Meeting, May 2022. Full conference programme available here: https://www.britishburnassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BBA-Bristol-4-6.5.22-Full-Programme-.pdf
Introduction
Aesthetic tattoos are extremely common in the UK and around the world. Medical tattoos have been employed in a variety of subspecialties across burns and plastic surgery as well as dermatology. Common examples of medical tattooing include micropigmentation to camouflage the appearance of scalp scars by tattooing an illusion of hair and also micropigmentation of vermillion scars following cleft lip procedures. Medical tattooing involves similar techniques used by high-street tattooists
Aim
To establish a preliminary resource for clinicians and patients including sign-posting based on our literature review and experience with 4 patients acquiring aesthetic tattoos for scar camouflage
Conclusion
There is a lack of literature on safety or outcomes of aesthetic tattoos for scar camouflage and hence medical professionals are not easily able to advise patient regarding this. However this unconventional approach to camouflage scars can play a significant role in ending a cycle of diminishing returns from medical interventions including use of standard cosmetic camouflage. This adjunctive intervention may also positively impact on patient’s self-esteem. Further consideration is needed to make this scar treatment adjunct more accessible to patients. More work is necessary including an understanding of what medical interventions might facilitate tattooing on scars
Cappuyns, L; Khaw, R; Shokrollahi, K. (2022). Aesthetic tattoos as a treatment adjunct for scars from burns & trauma: A literature review and treatment approach. Conference poster from British Burns Association Annual Meeting, 4th-6th May 2022.
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