Can a tattoo removal on my neck cause phrenic nerve damage?

Question

I’ve been to er 8-9 times, shortness of breath, chest feels like it’s going to explode, pain in upper abdomen, jaws clenched, numbness in face and tongue, sharp stabbing pains in left side of chest . Everything checks out to be fine. I do have gerd but I feel it’s not that. Symptoms getting worse weekly/daily. I have been getting a tattoo removed from my neck for the last year and that’s when everything started going wrong with stabbing chest pains too if stomach pains now my jaw and face.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be removed with laser tattoo removal. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. If it's new, you'll want to wait until it's competely healed (around 4-6 weeks) Best, Dr. Emer

Emil Shakov, MD · Answer

The phrenic nerve when damaged will stop your diaphragm or breathing muscle from moving and is easily identifiable on Xray.  Also, the nerve travels around the heart where it could get damaged during heart surgery.  Laser tattoo only treats the surface of the skin and dermis with no effect in the deep structures of the neck.
It sounds like a panic attack you may be experiencing.

Can a tattoo removal on my neck cause phrenic nerve damage?

Answers (2)