• Medical Lasers
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.31-36
• /
• 2021

Background and Objectives Several predicted optimal parameters for laser treatment have been suggested, making the settings subject to variation. Thus, picosecond lasers may require more data and studies to optimize the laser parameters, increase the efficacy of each session, and minimize the total number of sessions. This study evaluated the results of picosecond laser tattoo removal in variable locations, focusing on the aesthetic outcome, number of procedures, and adverse effects. Materials and Methods Nine patients who underwent picosecond laser treatment from February 2014 to July 2020 were enrolled. Before the procedures, the required number of sessions was estimated using the Kirby-Desai scale. At the end of the treatment, the patients assessed their satisfaction. The patient and two plastic surgeons assessed the clearance of the tattoo. Results The mean of the clearance was 86.6% in both the patient and investigators assessment. The patients reported satisfaction for an average score of 5.1 ± 0.78 for the aesthetic outcome, 4.5 ± 0.78 for pain, 4.1 ± 0.92 for the number of procedures, and 4.7 ± 0.97 for adverse effects. The average number of actual procedures was 6.7 ± 1.20. The average Kirby-Desai score was 7.1 ± 1.45. Their correlation coefficient was 0.803, which is considered a strong positive correlation. Conclusion Picosecond lasers have a remarkable ability to degrade smaller tattoo pigments through a photoacoustic effect. Moreover, a picosecond laser treatment for tattoo removal can be a safe and effective method. Picosecond lasers are a promising technology with the potential to optimize the treatment of tattoos.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.149-176
• /
• 2022

South Korean law strictly prohibits engagement in medical activities by non-medical practitioners. In the country, tattooing is classified as a medical practice, and non-medical practitioners who engage in it are penalized because they are unauthorized to carry out this procedure. In reality, however, people rarely seek tattooing services from medical personnel. Arguing that their freedom of job selection is violated, non-medical personnel who make a living as tattoo artists reject the characterization of the procedure as a form of medical treatment and demand the decriminalization of tattooing by non-medical practitioners. Nevertheless, tattooing can cause health- and hygiene-related dangers when it is not performed by medical professionals because it involves penetration into the skin using needles. Hence, stringent management is necessary for infection prevention. The gap between reality and the law gives rise to the need for proactive thinking about the institutionalization of tattoo practice by non-medical personnel. Policymakers should reflect on the fact that only minimal tattooing services are currently performed by medical staff while also accounting for health and safety. On this basis, this study examined tattoo-related legislation in South Korea to determine whether the procedure corresponds to medical practice and identify ways to solve problems that occur from the perspective of health care. As a response that promotes safety and reflects reality, this research proposed a three-phase approach.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.95-107
• /
• 2004

The prosthodontic treatment of Class II division 2 malocclusions is challenging. Ideally, these malocclusions should be identified at an early age and corrected with orthodontic treatment; otherwise, the individual develops a habitual position characterized by deep overbite and significant retruded position of mandibular condyle at the TMjoint fossa. This article describes a clinical protocol for the occlusal rehabilitation of patients with Class II div.2 malocclusions. Within this protocol, an occlusal splint was used to locate the most suitable maxillary-mandibular relationship for function and range of motion. The splint increased the vertical dimension and reduced pain on TMjoints. After transfer this relationship to an articulator for fabrication of provisional restorations, the CR position and centric prematurity contact between maxilla and mandible was used to determine the tentative vertical dimension of occlusion(VDO). The amount of elevation of VDO was decided on the articulated model. The provisional restorations were accurately transfered to a patient's mouth in clinical procedures using tattoo points. The final restoration was delivered after some trial periods with provisional restorations. The theory behind this protocol and its associated clinical procedures is presented along with a discussion.