Tattoo removal: comparative study of six methods in the pig.

Six methods of tattoo removal were compared on tattoos of the same design made on a pig by a professional tattoo artist. Once the tattoos were healed and mature, each method was tried three times at 3-week intervals. Biopsies were taken before and after the treatment was completed to determine the depth of the pigment. Standardized color photographs were used to compare the gross appearance. The six methods of removal tried were (1) split-thickness tangential excision and dextranomer dressings, (2) superficial dermabrasion, (3) dermabrasion and dextranomer dressings, (4) salabrasion, (5) tannic acid solution overtattooing, and (6) CO2 laser. The removal of pigment with tannic acid overtattooing and laser were far more complete than the other techniques. Both techniques left acceptable scars. The overall appearance of the CO2 laser-treated tattoos was deemed the most cosmetically acceptable.