Tattoo Removal Q&A
76%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
53 Reviews
Tattoo Removalbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Tattoo Removal Cost: $625

Learn about Tattoo Removal

352 people and 123 doctors are talking about Tattoo Removal

Get Free Email Updates

Can Raised Tattoo Be Removed?

asked 2 years ago by stephliongirl in sydney, australia
Latest answer by Sanusi Umar, MD
Question viewed 2,106 times
Tags: back, raised, tattoo

I have a large design on my back--all black--with areas that are raised. It was done professionally (though badly) and I am looking into having it removed. Do the raised areas mean the ink is darker and thus may not be able to be removed?

4 answers to Can Raised Tattoo Be Removed?

+1

Removing raised skin

The raised skin is a scar. These scars are caused by excessive tissue formation. The dermatologist who removed the tattoo should see it and suggest treatment.
Sanusi Umar, MD

Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.finetouchdermatology.com

+2

Treatment of raised tattoos

You should be examined in consultation to determine if the raised texture is an unusual allergic reaction to the pigment, or if you are producing more collagen in the dermis as a reaction to the trauma of the tattoo needle. The latter might be called either a hypertrophic scar, if the thickening is limited to the shape of the tattoo design, or a keloid, if the thickening spreads out beyond the design. Both allergic reactions to pigment and overhealing scars can be treated by... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+2

Tattoo and scar removal

Raised scars indicate that you may have keloid or hypertrophic scarring tendencies. These can be very difficult to treat although there are options. There are two issues here: Pigment removal scar management The problem is that pigment removal can trigger more scar tissue formation. I would first recommend trying a test area with laser removal followed by scar managment with pressure or laser or intalesional injections may be an approach to your problem.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Removing raised tattoos is not possible

If your skin is raised from having a tattoo, I would suspect that this is scar tissue built up from the injury to the skin from the procedure.  I doubt this can be corrected without further scarring unfortunately. 
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question