Tattoo Removal: Q&A
Ask a QuestionExcision Tattoo Removal
I live on long Island and am having a hard time finding a surgeon who will do multiple excisions. I can't live with this tattoo. Its very large and brand new. I need it gone. Laser is not an option because of its size. almost 8"x5" in size. It looks very large due to swelling. I can live with 7 giant scars then to have this on my forearm.
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10 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
josephk81
in Long Island, NY
+4
Surgical excision can have excellent results
While laser may be the most common option for tattoo removal, it is quite costly and certainly does not 100% remove the ink. I have had beautiful success at staged surgical excisions of large tattoos that patients were quite happy with. This also avoids the possibility of allergy to tattoo pigments before and after laser therapy. The major negatives are that it definitely takes time if done correctly- several months depending on the size of the tattoo and you have to be...
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+4
Tattoo Excision
Tattoo excision is a common treatment - especially after failed laser treatment. In most cases, you will have to have serial excision. What this means is that as much of the tattoo is excised that will allow minimal tension on the closure. After the area heals, another excision is performed using the same incision/scar, but removing another ring of tissue. This process is repeated until the entire tattoo is completely removed. Good luck.
+3
Surgical removal of tattoo
Such a large tattoo on the forearm needs to be removed either by serial excisions (excising, waiting for relaxation, then re-excising) or with use of tissue expansion. Laser removal can be attempted over multiple session and if that is not satisfactory you can proceed to surgery.
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+2
Laser tattoo removal
There are many larger tattoos that have been effectively removed or significantly faded by laser treatment. Serial excisions can be done but there is a risk of a painful raised hypertrophic scar. Try the laser first.
+1
Tattoo removal - Laser vs. excision
Tattoo laser technology has made significant advances in recent years that less treatment sessions may be required compared to what we had in the past. Q-swtiched Nd:Yag laser is the gold standard. Ink particles deposited underneath the skin get vaporized by Q-switched laser and taken up by scavenger cells of our immune system. Excisional removal should be the last resort as the cosmetic outcome is by far superior with tattoo laser removal.
+1
Tattoo Removal Options
Hi there-
With technological advancements in lasers, there is no question that particularly with a large tattoo, your best option for removal would be through a laser treatments.
Specific lasers are required, as not just any would work, but this would be your best bet.
+1
Tattoo excision
In the past, abrasion techniques and surgical excision were the only options. But, lasers are really the way to go right now to remove tattoos.
+1
Excision of Tattoo
We agree with the panel that lasers should be the first option. We have seen several tattoo removal procedures done with grafting and the patients have not agreed with you that they would be ok living with the scars. They are horrified when they see the scars.
Why are laser treatments not an option as we treat areas as large as a full back at our practice?
+1
Removing a Very Large Tattoo
I firmly agree that the BEST way to treat tattoos, and especially large tattoos, is with various lasers. The choice of lasers would depend on the colors of the tattoo and the depth of pigments.
Surgical management of tattoos by and large have rightfully fallen to a second tier choice.Dermabrasion / salabrasion (sanding of the tattoo) leave incomplete removal with widespread, ugly scarring. Serial excisions may be done but are time consuming and depending on the size and location may not...
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+1
Tattoo excision
Be careful you do not trade one problem for a worse problem. Excision of your tattoo will obviously result in a scar that may be unsightly. Several excisions (staged) may be necessary because of the tightness of the skin in this area.
Skin grafting is a major procedure with significant potential risks and complications, involving the recipient and donor sites. Again, the resulting cosmetic results leaves much to be desired.
I would suggest you continue to look into laser...
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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