ABSTRACT
References 515
1. INTRODUCTION
Decorative tattoos appear to fulfill an inherent need as evidenced by their popularity
throughout time and across many cultures and continents (1). Removal of these personal
markings as well as traumatic tattoos [e.g., asphalt (Fig. 25.1), pencil lead, gun powder]
and tattoos placed for identification purposes [e.g., radiation port sites, gang members
(Fig. 25.2), prisoners of war] is often desired. Unfortunately, in the past, tattoo was
usually replaced by an equally undesirable scar.
