Tattoo Removal on Upper Sternum - Excision or Laser?

Question

I Need to Get a 5cm X 5cm Tattoo on my Upper Sternum Removed. Is Laser Better or Excision? I'm an asian in mid 20s, and I'd like to know the best options to remove my tattoo. Also, when is the best time of the year to get excision or laser?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Your tattoo is not small and if it is excised on the chest bone, there is a chance of developing a thick painful overhealing scar such as a hypertrophic scar or keloid. Therefore, laser hair removal is worthwhile, not surgery. Laser hair removal consists of many monthly treatments, more than eight, commonly.

Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD · Answer

I absolutely recommend tattoo removal using a laser rather than excision. Excisions will always leave scars, and you risk having a worse appearance than before you attempted to remove the tattoo. In experienced hands, a physician can remove your tattoo using a pigment laser such as the Q-Switch Alexandrite and you shouldn't see it after a series of sessions. Success varies on a variety of factors, such as how much ink was used, how deep in the skin it was placed, and what color the tattoo is. 

	 

	Hope this helps! Best of luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Laser tattoo treatment is indicated.

	With excision you will likely 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  keloid or hypertrophic scarring, wound  healing problems and/or spreading of the  scars are common in this area.

	Best wishes.

Daniel Berg, MD · Answer

Excision of a large tattoo will often leave a large scar whether it was allowed to heal after removal or sutured (might need skin graft or flap if large).  In addition, the chest is one of the high-risk locations for abnormal scarring and may develop a keloid (thick, itchy or painful scar).

	Multiple treatments are usually necessary for a large tattoo but if the inks are expected to fade with laser (I'd consult with a tattoo laser expert) that may be a good choice to investigate

Tattoo Removal on Upper Sternum - Excision or Laser?

Answers (4)

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