Can Raised Tattoo Be Removed?

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?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by stephliongirl in sydney, australia

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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

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

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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.

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.