Micropigmentation: tattooing for medical purposes

Abstract

Background: Micropigmentation, also known widely as tattooing, is being commonly used esthetically to camouflage various medical conditions related to dermatology and plastic surgery.

Objective: The aim was to review the procedure of tattooing and its various latest medical indications.

Methods: Peer review of the literature on micropigmentation through a MEDLINE search was done to enumerate its various medical indications.

Results: The literature review revealed widespread acceptance of micropigmentation for a spectrum of diseases of cosmetic importance, especially in mucosal vitiligo. Micropigmentation is also being used for various medical indications, such as burn scars, alopecia areata, and nipple-areola reconstruction.

Conclusions: The procedure is relatively easy, provides permanent camouflage, and is generally devoid of any significant adverse effects. However, a number of infections can be transmitted from one patient to another if the universal precautions for sterilization of instruments used for micropigmentation are not adhered to.