TABLE 1.

Description of physical modalities

Chemical destruction: puncture or incision of the skin with subsequent application of tannic acid and/or silver nitrate to tattoo; phenol solution or trichloracetic acid application to the tattoo

Cryosurgery: liquid nitrogen application to the tattoo

Dermabrasion: use of a rapidly spinning wheel or wire brush to abrade the skin

Salabrasion: abrading superficial dermis with common table salt and abrasive pad

Thermal destruction: use of thermal cautery, electrocautery, or infrared coagulation to destroy tattoo pigment