Tattoo Removal - Patient Evaluation and Pre-Treatment Concerns
A thorough history and examination are essential in establishing the type of tattoo and the skin type of patient prior to treatment. Previous isotretinoin treatment, systemic gold therapy, herpes infection, keloidal tendencies, and sun exposure habits should be considered, as additional precautionary measures may be needed. Standardized digital photography is helpful in recording the baseline appearance, and any subsequent improvement. The patient's treatment objective and expectation should be counseled, and treatment options, expected outcome, potential risks, downtime, and postoperative care should be discussed. There should be adequate opportunity for patients to have all their questions answered. Obtaining informed consent with a clear outline of risks and benefits prior to tattoo removal is essential, and protects both the clinician and patient. Establishing realistic patient expectations through good rapport is helpful in achieving a satisfactory outcome. Multiple laser treatments are usually required to remove a tattoo via selective photothermolysis, with an average number of 7-10 treatments are often needed.
Read more at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4411606/
