Eddy M. van der Velden

Dermatography as a new treatment for alopecia areata of the eyebrows

Background Alopecia areata is considered to be an autoimmune disease. It consists of patchy hair loss of the scalp and the eyebrows, making it a disfiguring condition. This 10‐year study was designed to assess the usefulness of the treatment of the eyebrows with dermatography as a relatively quick and simple method to obtain a cosmetically satisfactory result.

Dermatography as an adjunctive treatment for cleft lip and palate patients

Abstract Purpose: To investigate dermatography as a treatment for cleft lip and palate. Methods: The results of the treatment of 19 cleft lip patients with discoloration of scars and the vermilion border after secondary cleft lip and palate surgery by dermatography and intracicatricial keloidectomy are described. Results: This group of patients has gained self-confidence after treatments, to the extent that their articulation has improved. Conclusion: Dermatography can be applied as an adjuvant treatment with good cosmetic and esthetic results.

Dermatography, a treatment for sequelae after head and neck surgery : a case report

Two patients with discolouration fo skin grafts after head and neck surgery, were treated with dermatography, a refined method of tattooing, and with intra-cicatricial keloidectomy, of which the results are described.

The decorated body of the man from Hauslabjoch

The oldest tattoos known until the discovery of the man from Hauslabjoch were those found on the bodies of the Egyptian mummies of the priestesses of Hathor (Middle Kingdom, 2040–1780 B.C.)1, 2. The new find makes the tattoing technique some 1200 years older than was assumed. In historical respect, the finds of Pasyryk (Altai mountains, 440–420 B.C.)3, 4 and Qilakitsoq (Greenland, 1475 A.D)5 are equally important in showing that tattooing techniques have been used over a very long period and with a wide geographical distribution.

Cosmetic and reconstructive medical tattooing

Purpose of reviewCosmetic and reconstructive medical tattooing techniques are being used with a higher frequency than ever before. The volume of scientific research into its basics, however, is too small to prevent the present occurrence of complications. This review shows that most of the recent articles on the subject are in fact case reports and that many of the complications described result from the failure to conduct more research. Recent findingsRecent findings include few and relatively unimportant new techniques, studies describing tattoo removal with laser, magnetic displacement and chemical irritants, more findings about infections and allergies, and complications with high field-strength magnetic resonance imaging scans. SummaryRecent literature contains very few useful studies because generally they are not supported by sufficient scientific research.

Dermatography with Penta-Monogalloyl-Glucose as a New Treatment for the Removal of Color Pigments in Eyebrows

The removal of disfiguring tattooed eyebrows of 21 patients by means of dermatography is discussed. The color pigments were removed using penta-monogalloyl-glucose, a tannic acid. No side effects were found. Local anesthesia was not necessary. Biopsies of five patients with inflammatory reactions to the tattooed pigments were taken before treatment. A 5-year follow-up showed that the results were lasting and cosmetically satisfactory.

Dermatography: 10 Years of Applications as an Adjuvant Treatment after Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

Introduction: Nipple and areola reconstruction have recently become in demand because more women are having breast surgery because of breast cancer diagnoses. Many methods for reconstructing the nipple and areola of the breast have been described and several treatment methods have been developed to improve the aesthetic results. The purpose of this paper is to describe one method, dermatography, a refined method of medical tattooing and the results obtained from this method. Materials and Methods: Over 10 years, 112 patients were treated with dermatography for nipple and areola reconstructions. Of these, 89 patients had received a unilateral reconstruction and 23 received a bilateral reconstruction. The first dermatographic treatment was given 8–12 months after the last intervention by the plastic surgeon. The average session lasted 45 minutes. Results were assessed by means of a short questionnaire. Results over time were evaluated by comparing pictures from previous sessions. Dermatography uses a modified tattooing called a dermainjector machine. Keloidectomy is the technique used to reduce keloid in postoperative scars. The needles of the dermainjector are positioned at an angle of 70–90 degrees to the scar surface. Small parts of the keloid are removed. At the same time pigmentation is performed. Results: Patients evaluated their results as satisfactory. Pigmentation over 5 years was judged to be stable with minor loss of pigment in only 6% of the patients, all of whom received radiation therapy for their cancer. Dermatography was well tolerated by the patients. None of the patients required local anesthesia. Discussion: Patients receiving total resection of their breasts are getting younger and perceiving the results as a severe deformation of their bodies. Results of reconstruction are judged very critically. We found that our patients considered the general visual aspect of the nipple and areola shape more important, and most of the patients did not consider reconstruction of the actual nipple mound to be necessary.

Anwendung von Dermatographie als Behandlungsmethode in verschiedenen medizinischen Fachbereichen

ZusammenfassungDermatographie ist die Anwendung von Tätowierungstechniken in der Medizin. In der Vergangenheit konnten hiermit keine erfolgreichen und reproduzierbaren Resultate erzielt werden. Doch in den letzten 10 Jahren hat sich die Dermatographie zu einer allgemein anwendbaren und reproduzierbaren Technik entwickelt. Diese Technik wird heutzutage verwendet, um Hautverfärbungen und Narben auf Dauer zu camouflieren. In diesem Artikel werden die technischen und medizinischen Aspekte der Dermatographie beschrieben. Außerdem wird eine Übersicht über die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Dermatographie gegeben.SummaryDermatography is the application of tattooing techniques in medicine. In the past, several techniques were tried but none led to reproducible results. Dermatography has been improved over the last ten years, providing techniques which are both generally applicable and reproducible. It is a suitable treatment modality for permanently camouflaging disturbing discolorations and scars. This paper covers technical and medical aspects of dermatography, as well the indications.

Dermatography as a New Treatment for Trichotillomania

The treatment of 38 trichotillomania patients with dermatography—medical tattooing techniques—is discussed. The location was in the eyebrows. After the completion of treatment all patients stopped plucking the eyebrows. In a five-year follow-up none of the patients showed a relapse. With dermatography, no anesthetics are necessary because the pain level is generally bearable. The cosmetic and aesthetic improvement achieved by dermatography was remarkable.