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Tattoo Excision

asked 1 year ago by Apo6740 in Apo, AE
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 501 times
Tags: belly button, excision, scar, tattoo

I have a tattoo around my bellybutton can i get it excised and hide scars in my bellybutton? I asked my plastic surgeon and he said it would cause unsightly scars, but I have a bellybutton it can be hidden in...so I guess I just do not understand why.

2 answers to Tattoo Excision

+1

Tattoo excision

It is possible that the size of the tattoo and the excision necessary is too great to hide it in the umbilicus. Usually, an excision around an item must be longer in length than width in order to create a flat line scar during the closure of the skin without puckering up the ends of the skin which would be permanent and unsightly. So even if the tattoo is the size of a dime, the length of the scar could be as long as three dimes put together in a row and this might be too long to hide... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Tattoo excision

No, what you are considering is probably not a good option. 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. Complications such as wound healing problems and/or spreading of the scar may occur. I would suggest laser tattoo treatment.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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