Method for improving outcome of skin tattoo and tattoo removal procedures

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel methods of improving the overall outcome of skin tattoos when applying the skin tattoos, comprising applying a polysiloxane-based material, such as a polysiloxane-based film or polysiloxane ointment, to the newly created tattoos to improve comfort, provide a barrier function, promote wet healing, and provide the effects of preventing and reducing scar formation. The invention also relates to a novel method for improving the overall outcome when removing skin tattoos, comprising applying a polysiloxane-based material to the site of the tattoos as a pre-treatment for laser tattooing.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 392,696, filed on July 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the application of tattoos and the removal of tattoos, and more particularly to new methods for improving the results of skin tattoos when applying tattoos and removing skin tattoos. Background Art

[0004] Tattooing is an ancient custom believed to have originated from tribal identity. Essentially every culture around the world has tattooed in one way or another for a variety of reasons. In modern times, other reasons include cosmetic applications. Examples include: false nipples and areolas after mastectomy, camouflage of traumatic hypopigmentation, and permanent makeup for the face.

[0005] Regardless of the reason, all tattoos involve penetrating the upper layers of the skin and depositing ink into the skin tissue. Professional inks may be made from iron oxides, metal salts, or plastics. Homemade or traditional tattoo inks may be made from pen ink, soot, dust, blood, or other ingredients. The effect is achieved by deep abrasion of the skin manually with a sharp instrument, or by using a vibrating mechanical needle-like device. Unintentional tattoos are created traumatically by mechanisms such as blasting or grinding that drive debris into the wound. When penetration is deep enough, the pigment particles in the ink become trapped in the collagen structure of the dermis and therefore last a lifetime.

[0006] After a tattoo, the skin goes through two basic phases of recovery. The acute wound phase is characterized by discomfort and irritation; exudation, erythema, and edema may occur and last for several days. The extended phase is the healing phase, during which the acute symptoms gradually subside and the skin stabilizes after a few weeks.

[0007] As with any human endeavor, permanence of decision does not always equal permanence of result. Not surprisingly, tattoo removal is a common procedure. The simplest and crudest method is dermabrasion, in which the pigmented dermis is mechanically removed, leaving the area to simply heal. A more sophisticated method uses lasers. Laser tattoo removal works by breaking up the pigment particles in situ so that the body can remove the fragments over time through natural processes. Dermabrasion almost always leaves a noticeable scar, while laser removal usually does not.

[0008] When proper laser protocols and patient aftercare are used, it is very rare for patients to experience scarring from laser treatments.

[0009] The present invention relates to acute and long-term tattoo post-care methods for treating newly created tattoos on human skin, thereby increasing the likelihood of optimal results. In addition, the methods of the present invention also improve the results when tattoos are removed by laser technology by providing a more cosmetically attractive scar-free skin matrix for depigmentation. This can be achieved by using the methods of the present invention to prevent scar formation when the tattoo is applied, as well as pre-treating for laser tattoo removal to reduce existing scars prior to laser tattoo removal.

[0010] Description of the Prior Art

[0011] Known acute and long-term tattoo aftercare methods are as varied as the people who give and receive tattoo aftercare. They range from no care to ointments to simple plastic films and polymer films coated with adhesives.

[0012] Lack of care often results in dry, slow, and painful healing. Dry healing, which results in eschar formation, is known to increase scarring in wound healing. In addition to lack of care, a simple ointment, such as petroleum jelly, is applied to the tattoo application site to provide some occlusion and moist environment. This technique has little effect on pain and can be tedious and untidy to administer. In addition to the ointment, a simple cellophane membrane, such as The membrane is then taped in place. While this method is less messy and provides some closure, it is cumbersome and uncomfortable. In addition, the barrier function is questionable if it is not adequately protected.

[0013] The next level of care is to use a polyurethane ("PU") film that is secured in place over the tattoo application site with an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA"). Products used for this purpose include Dermatize Pro, Saniderm, and KeyEntre. These products provide a moist environment for the wound to heal and act as a barrier to contamination. With these products, the barrier function is more effective and leakage of exudate is greatly avoided. However, PU / PSA films do little to improve comfort and may even be uncomfortable, especially after removal. Some of these products claim to reduce the likelihood of scarring. It is believed that there is no basis for this claim other than simply avoiding eschar formation.

[0014] Tattoo aftercare using cellophane film or PU / PSA film usually does not exceed two days. In addition, people usually do not want to cover up newly created tattoos for longer than necessary (usually no more than one or two days) because they usually want to show their newly created tattoos as soon as possible.

[0015] Silicone-based sheet and gel products are known to be effective in preventing or reducing (together or individually "managing") skin scarring at wound / surgical sites. There are many scar management products on the market. Bio-Med Sciences, Inc. of Allentown, Pennsylvania manufactures and markets and Branded scar management products, including self-adhesive patches and dressings (for this purpose, the terms "patch" or "dressing" may be used interchangeably). My U.S. Patents #4832009, #5656279, #5980923, and #7087135 (which patents are incorporated herein by reference) describe wound dressings and scar management products utilizing interpenetrating polymer networks ("IPNs") of polysiloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0016] Bio-Med Sciences, Inc. also manufactures and sells other scar management and skin care products under various brands and in various forms, including silicone-lined thermoplastic splints as described in my U.S. Patent #5759560, silicone-lined textiles as described in my U.S. Patent #8084051, and silicone liquid and semi-solid silicone paste applicator sticks. My U.S. Patent #5759560 and my U.S. Patent #8084051 are also incorporated herein by reference. Bio-Med Sciences, Inc. also sells an anti-wrinkle product for reducing the appearance of fine lines as disclosed in my U.S. Patent #9414970B2, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] Silicone-based sheet and silicone-based gel products have not been used for acute and long-term tattoo post-care of newly created tattoos. Summary of the invention

[0018] In an effort to improve upon the prior art, I have discovered that applying silicone materials (including silicone materials in the form of silicone films, silicone ointments, silicone fluids, silicone pastes, or silicone sheets) to a newly applied tattoo during acute tattoo aftercare and / or long-term tattoo aftercare not only improves comfort, provides a barrier function, and promotes wet healing, but also provides a cosmetically effective scar prevention and reduction effect at the tattoo site. By reducing and preventing scar formation, the overall outcome of the tattoo is improved.

[0019] Furthermore, I have found that, with respect to tattoo removal, applying a silicone material (including a silicone material in the form of a silicone film, silicone ointment, silicone liquid, silicone paste, or silicone sheet) to the tattoo to be removed as a pretreatment for laser tattoo removal can optimize the aesthetic state of the tattoo removal site after tattoo removal by laser tattoo removal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the overall design of a preferred tattoo dressing 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown, the tattoo dressing 100 comprising a silicone matrix 105 .

[0021] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a dual layer design of another preferred tattoo dressing 200 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown having a skin contacting silicone surface 210 and an outer distal layer 220 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the present invention includes a dressing 100 having a silicone matrix 105. The dressing 100 has a skin contacting surface 110 and an outer surface 120. Figure 2 In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown, the dressing 200 has a layer 205 composed of a silicone matrix. The dressing 200 has a skin contacting surface 210, a distal non-skin contacting backing layer 215 and an outer distal surface 220.

[0023] The inventive acute and long-term aftercare methods of the present invention enhance and improve the final result of a tattoo. For example, it is believed that the healing environment created by the present invention allows a newly created tattoo site to heal better than the healing environment created by the aftercare currently used for tattoo aftercare, as well as allowing the tattoo to have better color (e.g., brighter and more defined).

[0024] Preferably, the skin contact layer of the dressing comprises a polysiloxane-based material, such as polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polyorganosiloxane, polysiloxane gel, or polysiloxane elastomer. The dressing may also have additional layers on the skin contact layer, such as an interpenetrating polymer network ("IPN"), or a polymer that forms an interpenetrating polymer network ("IPN") with the skin contact layer, or an outer backing layer, such as a woven fabric, foam, nonwoven film, mesh, thermoplastic material, or a material other than a woven fabric. The dressing may include Scar management dressings, Scar management bandages, or any of the dressings described in my U.S. Patent Nos. 4,832,009, 5,656,279, 5,980,923, 7,087,135, 5,759,560, and 8,084,051, all of which have scar reducing and preventing effects.

[0025] In use, the tattoo dressing of the present invention can be applied to the tattoo site immediately or soon after the tattoo is applied for the acute stage of healing (i.e., for acute tattoo aftercare), and if necessary, for acute tattoo aftercare and the long-term stage of healing (i.e., for long-term tattoo aftercare), so that the polysilicone material of the skin contact layer of the tattoo dressing contacts the tattoo site to provide a comfortable, closed barrier while preventing or reducing skin scarring, thereby allowing the newly created tattoo site to heal better than the healing environment created by the aftercare currently used for tattoo aftercare, and making the tattoo color better (e.g., brighter and clearer).

[0026] Furthermore, in use, after the acute stage of healing (i.e., after acute tattoo aftercare), the tattoo dressing of the present invention can be applied to the tattoo site for the long-term stage of healing (i.e., long-term tattoo aftercare), so that the polysilicone material of the skin contact layer of the tattoo dressing contacts the tattoo site to provide a comfortable, closed barrier while preventing or reducing skin scarring, thereby allowing the newly created tattoo site to heal better than the healing environment created by the aftercare currently used for tattoo aftercare, and making the tattoo color better (e.g., brighter and clearer).

[0027] Furthermore, in use, the tattoo dressing of the present invention can be applied to a tattoo site as a pretreatment for laser tattoo removal, so that the polysiloxane-based material of the skin contact layer of the tattoo dressing contacts the tattoo site to reduce existing scars at the tattoo site before laser tattoo removal, thereby optimizing the aesthetic state of the tattoo site after tattoo removal by laser tattoo removal.

[0028] Generally, according to the present invention, a tattoo is applied to a person's skin, and immediately or shortly after the tattoo is applied, a silicone skin contacting surface of a silicone material (such silicone skin contacting surface includes an outer surface of a silicone material (the silicone material includes, for example, a silicone film, a silicone liquid, a silicone ointment, a silicone paste or a silicone sheet), which outer surface is placed at and in contact with the tattoo site) is placed at and in contact with the tattoo site, such that the silicone skin contacting surface of the silicone material contacts the tattoo to provide a comfortable, closed barrier while preventing or reducing skin scarring. Maintaining the silicone-based skin-contacting surface of the silicone-based material in contact with the newly created tattoo for at least about one day, preferably several days, more preferably one week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks allows the newly created tattoo site to heal better than the healing environment created by current aftercare for tattoos, and allows the tattoo to have better color (e.g., brighter and clearer), thereby enhancing and improving the final result of the tattoo.

[0029] Furthermore, generally speaking, according to the present invention, a tattoo is applied to a person's skin and after the acute phase of healing (i.e., after acute tattoo aftercare), a silicone skin contacting surface of a silicone material (such silicone skin contacting surface comprises an outer surface of a silicone material (the silicone material comprises, for example, a silicone film, a silicone liquid, a silicone ointment, a silicone paste or a silicone sheet) which is placed at and in contact with the tattoo site) is placed at and in contact with the tattoo site such that the silicone skin contacting surface of the silicone material is in contact with the tattoo for the long-term phase of healing (i.e., long-term tattoo aftercare), thereby providing a comfortable, closed barrier while preventing or reducing skin scarring. Maintaining the silicone-based skin-contacting surface of the silicone-based material in contact with the newly created tattoo for at least about one day, preferably several days, more preferably one week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks allows the newly created tattoo site to heal better than the healing environment created by current aftercare for tattoos, and allows the tattoo to have better color (e.g., brighter and clearer), thereby enhancing and improving the final result of the tattoo.

[0030] Furthermore, generally speaking, according to the present invention, with respect to tattoo removal, a silicone skin contacting surface of a silicone material (such silicone skin contacting surface comprises an outer surface of a silicone material (a silicone material comprises, for example, a silicone film, a silicone liquid, a silicone ointment, a silicone paste or a silicone sheet) which is placed on and in contact with the tattoo to be removed) is placed on and in contact with the tattoo to be removed so that the silicone skin contacting surface of the silicone material is in contact with the tattoo to be removed to reduce existing scars at the tattoo site prior to laser tattoo removal. The silicone skin contacting surface of the silicone material is kept in contact with the tattoo to be removed for at least about one day, preferably several days, more preferably one week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks. After this pretreatment, laser tattoo removal is used to remove the tattoo, leaving the tattoo-removed area in an optimal aesthetic condition due to the absence of the tattoo and due to the application of the silicone-based skin contact surface of the silicone-based material according to the present invention to the tattoo area as a pretreatment for laser tattoo removal to remove or reduce pre-existing scars that were created at the tattoo area when the tattoo was applied prior to laser tattoo removal.

[0031] The following examples illustrate various preferred embodiments of the invention; these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0032] Embodiment 1:

[0033] A tattoo is applied to the skin of a person. Then, immediately or shortly after the tattoo is applied, a silicone gel film is applied to and in contact with the tattoo site on the skin of the person (i.e., the site on the skin of the person where the tattoo is located), preferably by dispensing a silicone gel film of an Oleeva Scar Stick from Bio-Med Sciences Inc. containing a silicone gel having preferably greater than 50 w / w% polydimethylsiloxane onto the surface of the newly created tattoo to cover the tattoo. The silicone gel film is applied to and in contact with the tattoo site, preferably repeated several times a day for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably one week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks, to enhance and improve the final result of the tattoo.

[0034] Embodiment 2:

[0035] A tattoo is applied to the skin of a person. Then, immediately or shortly after the tattoo is applied, Oleeva Fabric from Bio-MedSciences, Inc. (as described in my U.S. Patent 7,087,135) is applied to the surface of the newly created tattoo and left in place for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably about a week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks to enhance and improve the final result of the tattoo.

[0036] Embodiment 3:

[0037] A tattoo is applied to the skin of a person. Then, immediately or shortly after the tattoo is applied, Oleeva Clear from Bio-MedSciences, Inc. (as described in my U.S. Patents 5,656,279 and 5,980,923) is applied to the surface of the newly created tattoo and left on the site for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably one week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks to enhance and improve the final result of the tattoo.

[0038] Embodiment 4:

[0039] A tattoo is applied to the skin of the person. Then, immediately or shortly after the tattoo is applied, the silicone gel film is preferably applied to the skin of the person by dispensing the silicone gel film from the Oleeva Scar Stick onto the surface of the newly created tattoo and in contact with the newly created tattoo surface. The application of the silicone gel film onto and in contact with the newly created tattoo is repeated several times per day for at least 1 day, preferably several days, at which time the tattoo site is continued to be treated by replacing the application of the silicone gel film with the application of Oleeva Fabric (as described in my U.S. Patent 7,087,135) or Oleeva Clear (as described in my U.S. Patents 5,656,279 and 5,980,923), applying Oleeva Fabric or Oleeva Clear to the surface of the tattoo site for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably one week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks to enhance and improve the final result of the tattoo.

[0040] Embodiment 5:

[0041] A tattoo is applied to the skin of a person. Then, after the acute phase of healing of the tattoo site (i.e., after acute tattoo aftercare), a silicone gel film containing a silicone gel preferably having greater than 50 w / w% polydimethylsiloxane is applied to the surface of the newly created tattoo to cover the tattoo during the long-term phase of healing of the tattoo site (i.e., during long-term aftercare). The silicone gel film is applied to the tattoo site and in contact with the tattoo site, preferably repeated several times a day, for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably one week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks to enhance and improve the final result of the tattoo.

[0042] Embodiment 6:

[0043] A tattoo is applied to a person's skin. Then, after the acute phase of healing of the tattoo site (i.e., after acute tattoo aftercare), a self-adhesive silicone sheet (i.e., a self-adhesive silicone sheet) is applied to the tattoo surface and maintained at the site for at least 1 day, preferably for several days, more preferably for about a week, even more preferably for two weeks, and even more preferably for several weeks during the long-term phase of healing of the tattoo site (i.e., during long-term aftercare) to enhance and improve the final result of the tattoo.

[0044] Embodiment 7:

[0045] As a pre-treatment for laser tattoo removal, the silicone gel film of Oleeva Scar Stick containing silicone gel (preferably having greater than 50 w / w% of polydimethylsiloxane) from Bio-Med Sciences, Inc. is preferably applied to and in contact with the surface of the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal by dispensing the film onto the surface of the tattoo to cover the tattoo. Applying and in contact with the surface of the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal is preferably repeated several times a day for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably about a week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks before the laser tattoo removal procedure to enhance and improve the final result of the treatment site.

[0046] Then, after the pretreatment is completed and the silicone gel is removed from the tattoo, laser tattoo removal is used to remove the tattoo, leaving the tattooed area in an optimal aesthetic state because there is no tattoo and because the silicone tattoo dressing of the present invention is applied to the tattooed area as a pretreatment for laser tattoo removal to remove or reduce pre-existing scars that were created at the tattooed area when the tattoo was applied prior to laser tattoo removal.

[0047] Example 8: As a pre-treatment for laser tattoo removal, prior to the laser tattoo removal procedure, Oleeva Fabric from Bio-Med Sciences, Inc. (as described in my U.S. Patent 7,087,135) is applied to the surface of the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal and maintained at the tattoo site for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably about a week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks to enhance and improve the final result of the treated site. Then, after the pre-treatment is completed and the silicone tattoo dressing is removed from the tattoo, the tattoo is removed using laser tattoo removal, leaving the tattooed site in an optimal aesthetic state because of the absence of the tattoo and because the silicone tattoo dressing of the present invention is applied to the tattoo site as a pre-treatment for laser tattoo removal to remove or reduce pre-existing scars that were created at the tattoo site when the tattoo was applied prior to laser tattoo removal.

[0048] Embodiment 9:

[0049] As a pre-treatment for laser tattoo removal, prior to the laser tattoo removal procedure, Oleeva Clear from Bio-MedSciences, Inc. (as described in my U.S. Patents 5,656,279 and 5,980,923) is applied to the surface of the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal and maintained at the tattoo site for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably about a week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks to enhance and improve the final result of the treated site. Then, after the pre-treatment is completed and the silicone tattoo dressing is removed from the tattoo, the tattoo is removed using laser tattoo removal, leaving the tattooed site in an optimal aesthetic condition because of the absence of the tattoo and because the silicone tattoo dressing of the present invention is applied to the tattoo site as a pre-treatment for laser tattoo removal to remove or reduce pre-existing scars that were created at the tattoo site when the tattoo was applied prior to laser tattoo removal.

[0050] Embodiment 10:

[0051] As a pre-treatment to laser tattoo removal, the silicone gel film is preferably applied to the surface of the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal by dispensing the silicone gel film of the Oleeva Scar Stick onto the surface of the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal. The application of the silicone gel film to the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal and in contact with the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal is preferably repeated several times daily for at least 1 day, preferably several days, prior to the laser tattoo removal procedure, at which time the tattoo site is continued to be treated by replacing the application of the silicone gel film with the application of Oleeva Fabric (as described in my U.S. Patent 7,087,135) or Oleeva Clear (as described in my U.S. Patents 5,656,279 and 5,980,923), which is applied to the surface of the tattoo site for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably about a week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks to enhance and improve the final result of the treated site. Then, after the pretreatment is completed and the silicone tattoo dressing is removed from the tattoo, laser tattoo removal is used to remove the tattoo, leaving the tattooed area in an optimal aesthetic state because of the absence of the tattoo and because the silicone tattoo dressing of the present invention is applied to the tattooed area as a pretreatment for laser tattoo removal to remove or reduce pre-existing scars that were created at the tattooed area when the tattoo was applied prior to laser tattoo removal.

[0052] Embodiment 11:

[0053] As a pre-treatment for laser tattoo removal, the silicone gel film is preferably applied to the surface of the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal by dispensing the silicone gel film from the Oleeva scar stick onto the surface of the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal. Applying the silicone gel film to and in contact with the tattoo to be removed by laser tattoo removal is preferably repeated several times a day for at least 1 day, preferably several days, prior to the laser tattoo removal procedure, at which time the tattoo site is continued to be treated by replacing the application of the silicone gel film with the application of a self-adhesive silicone sheet (i.e., a self-adhesive silicone sheet) applied to the surface of the tattoo site for at least 1 day, preferably several days, more preferably about a week, even more preferably two weeks, and even more preferably several weeks to enhance and improve the final result of the treated site. Then, after the pretreatment is completed and the silicone tattoo dressing is removed from the tattoo, laser tattoo removal is used to remove the tattoo, leaving the tattooed area in an optimal aesthetic state because of the absence of the tattoo and because the silicone tattoo dressing of the present invention is applied to the tattooed area as a pretreatment for laser tattoo removal to remove or reduce pre-existing scars that were created at the tattooed area when the tattoo was applied prior to laser tattoo removal.

[0054] Generally, as shown in Examples 1 through 11 above and used throughout this application, the silicone material having a silicone skin contacting surface remains at the tattoo site (i.e., remains at the tattoo site while the silicone skin contacting surface covers and contacts the tattoo) throughout acute and long-term tattoo aftercare, and throughout pre-treatment for tattoo removal by laser tattoo removal (including, where necessary, such as for hygienic reasons, removing any of these silicone materials that have been applied to and in contact with the tattoo, and subsequently applying a replacement silicone material having a silicone contacting surface to the tattoo site such that the silicone contacting surface of the replacement silicone material is placed on and in contact with the tattoo). The silicone material is removed from the tattoo and then a replacement silicone material is applied to the tattoo as needed to maintain a hygienic environment at the tattoo site.

[0055] As exemplified in Examples 1 to 6 and throughout this application, the present invention includes a composition for use in a method for treating a tattoo to improve the outcome of the tattoo, the composition comprising a silicone material (including a silicone material in the form of a silicone film, silicone ointment, silicone liquid, silicone paste, silicone sheet, silicone, polydimethylsiloxane, polyorganosiloxane, silicone gel or silicone elastomer), wherein the composition is applied to the tattoo and in direct contact with the tattoo immediately or shortly after the tattoo is applied to the skin of a person, and the composition is maintained in contact with the tattoo for a period of at least one day to several weeks, so that the tattoo is in optimal aesthetic condition, the color of the tattoo is better (e.g., more vivid and clearer) than a tattoo not treated according to the present invention, thereby enhancing and improving the final outcome of the tattoo.

[0056] As exemplified in Examples 7 to 11 and throughout this application, the present invention includes a composition for use in a method for treating an existing tattoo to remove an existing tattoo from human skin, the composition comprising a silicone material (including a silicone material in the form of a silicone film, silicone ointment, silicone liquid, silicone paste, silicone sheet, silicone, polydimethylsiloxane, polyorganosiloxane, silicone gel, or silicone elastomer), wherein the composition is applied to and in contact with the existing tattoo, the composition is allowed to remain in contact with the existing tattoo for a period of at least one day to several weeks, and after the composition is allowed to remain in contact with the existing tattoo for a period of at least one day to several weeks, laser tattoo removal is used to remove the existing tattoo, leaving the area where the tattoo was removed in optimal aesthetic condition.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "self-adhesive" and "self-adhesive" when used to describe silicone sheets and silicone sheets mean that the silicone sheets and silicone sheets adhere lightly to the tattoo site and surrounding skin and are easily removed when necessary. No separate adhesive is required to secure such silicone sheets and silicone sheets in place at the tattoo site.

Claims

1. A method, The following steps are involved: Applying tattoos to human skin, Immediately or shortly after applying the tattoo, applying a silicone-based material to the tattoo and in direct contact with the tattoo, and The silicone-based material is maintained in contact with the tattoo for a period of at least one day.

2. The method according to claim 1, The time period is several days.

3. The method according to claim 1, The time period is one week.

4. The method according to claim 1, The time period is two weeks.

5. The method according to claim 1, The time period is several weeks.

6. The method according to claim 1, in, Maintaining the silicone-based material in contact with the tattoo includes removing any silicone-based material that has been applied to and in contact with the tattoo and then subsequently applying a replacement silicone-based material to and in contact with the tattoo.

7. The method according to claim 6, in, Removal and subsequent application of silicone-based materials was performed several times a day.

8. The method according to claim 1, in, Placing the silicone-based material in contact with the tattoo includes removing any silicone-based material that has been applied to and in contact with the tattoo and then subsequently applying a self-adhesive silicone-based sheet to and in contact with the tattoo, the self-adhesive silicone-based sheet having a silicone-based skin-contacting surface that contacts the tattoo.

9. The method according to claim 8, in, The self-adhesive silicone-based sheet placed over and in contact with the tattoo is removed from the tattoo and subsequently replaced with a replacement self-adhesive silicone-based sheet several times a day.

10. The method according to claim 1, The polysiloxane material is polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polyorganosiloxane, polysiloxane gel, polysiloxane elastomer or polysiloxane IPN.

11. A method of removing an existing tattoo from a person's skin, The following steps are involved: applying a polysiloxane-based material over and in contact with the existing tattoo, maintaining the silicone-based material in contact with the tattoo for a period of at least one day, and After the silicone-based material is allowed to remain in contact with the tattoo for a period of time, laser tattoo removal is used to remove the tattoo.

12. The method according to claim 11, The time period is several days.

13. The method according to claim 11, The time period is one week.

14. The method according to claim 11, The time period is two weeks.

15. The method according to claim 11, The time period is several weeks.

16. The method according to claim 11, in, Maintaining the silicone-based material in contact with the tattoo includes removing any silicone-based material that has been applied to and in contact with the tattoo and then subsequently applying a replacement silicone-based material to and in contact with the tattoo.

17. The method according to claim 16, in, Removal and subsequent application of silicone-based materials was performed several times a day.

18. The method according to claim 16, in, The replacement silicone-based material that is subsequently applied to and in contact with the tattoo is a self-adhesive silicone-based sheet.

19. The method according to claim 18, in, The self-adhesive silicone-based sheet placed over and in contact with the tattoo is removed from the tattoo and subsequently replaced with a replacement self-adhesive silicone-based sheet several times a day.

20. The method according to claim 11, The polysiloxane material is polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polyorganosiloxane, polysiloxane gel, polysiloxane elastomer or polysiloxane IPN.

21. A method of treating a newly created tattoo, The following steps are involved: applying a silicone-based material onto and in contact with the newly created tattoo, and The silicone-based material is allowed to remain in contact with the newly created tattoo for a period of at least one day.

22. The method according to claim 21, The time period is several days.

23. The method according to claim 21, The time period is one week.

24. The method according to claim 21, The time period is two weeks.

25. The method according to claim 21, The time period is several weeks.

26. The method according to claim 21, in, The time period begins when the acute phase of healing at the tattoo site is complete and ranges between 1 day and several weeks.

27. The method according to claim 21, in, Bringing the silicone-based material into contact with the tattoo includes removing any silicone-based material that has been applied to and in contact with the tattoo, and then subsequently applying a replacement silicone-based material to and in contact with the tattoo.

28. The method according to claim 27, in, Removal and subsequent application of silicone-based materials was performed several times a day.

29. The method according to claim 27, in, The replacement silicone-based material that is subsequently applied to and in contact with the tattoo is a self-adhesive silicone-based sheet.

30. The method according to claim 29, in, The self-adhesive silicone-based sheet placed over and in contact with the tattoo is removed from the tattoo and subsequently replaced with a replacement self-adhesive silicone-based sheet several times a day.

31. The method according to claim 21, The polysiloxane material is polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polyorganosiloxane, polysiloxane gel, polysiloxane elastomer or polysiloxane IPN.

32. A method, The following steps are involved: Applying tattoos to human skin, Upon completion of the acute phase of healing at the tattoo site, applying a silicone-based material to and in direct contact with the tattoo during the chronic phase of healing at the tattoo site, and The silicone-based material is maintained in contact with the tattoo for a period of at least one day.

33. The method according to claim 32, The time period is several days.

34. The method according to claim 32, The time period is one week.

35. The method according to claim 32, The time period is two weeks.

36. The method according to claim 32, The time period is several weeks.

37. The method according to claim 32, in, Maintaining the silicone-based material in contact with the tattoo includes removing any silicone-based material that has been applied to and in contact with the tattoo and then subsequently applying a replacement silicone-based material to and in contact with the tattoo.

38. The method according to claim 37, in, Removal and subsequent application of silicone-based materials was performed several times a day.

39. The method according to claim 32, in, Placing the silicone-based material in contact with the tattoo includes removing any silicone-based material that has been applied to and in contact with the tattoo and then subsequently applying a self-adhesive silicone-based sheet to and in contact with the tattoo, the self-adhesive silicone-based sheet having a silicone-based skin-contacting surface that contacts the tattoo.

40. The method according to claim 39, in, The self-adhesive silicone-based sheet placed on and in contact with the tattoo is removed from the tattoo and subsequently replaced with a replacement self-adhesive silicone-based sheet several times a day.

41. The method according to claim 32, The polysiloxane material is polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polyorganosiloxane, polysiloxane gel, polysiloxane elastomer or polysiloxane IPN.

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