Surgical tattoo excision for tattoo on forearm 2.5 inches long, 1.5 inch tall? (Photo)

Question

I am desperately wanting a small tattoo on my forearm removed by means of surgical excision. The tattoo is on my mid to upper/lower forearm, depending on which you want to call it, nearer to my wrist and hand than my elbow. The whole tattoo including the shield outline is no more than 2.75 inches long and about 1.5 inches tall. Is surgical excision a possibility for me? And could anymore give me a rough estimate of the price for this procedure? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you so much.

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

I perform surgical excision of tattoos quite a bit. I'm saying from experience that it's a wide tattoo which will not heal well. If you were to only remove the part that says "have faith" then I might be able to help but all of it will be very hard. Sorry

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This would leave bad scars and be very difficult to remove surgically.  Laser treatments will help.  Best, Dr. Emer.

James Shire, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Surgical excision of your tattoo would not be advised. The tattoo is too large and the location and positioning would lead to an unsightly scar and possible contractures that could limit function. The tattoo is black and will respond extemely well to laser. I recommend a Picosure laser that can completely remove your tattoo in half the time, about 4 - 8 sessions with no scarring.

David S. Rosenberg, MD · Answer

Laser tattoo removal is the best way to get rid of this tattoo.   I know you want it gone right away but using a laser is a much better way to go.  The scar in that area would be wide and possibly raisedtake care!DSR

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

I have excised many tattoos but I don't think that excision would be a good choice for this tattoo.  It is too large for excision in my opinion.  The color appears to be black, which typically responds well to laser treatment.  I would recommend that you consider laser treatment.

Surgical tattoo excision for tattoo on forearm 2.5 inches long, 1.5 inch tall? (Photo)

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Surgical tattoo excision for tattoo on forearm 2.5 inches long, 1.5 inch tall? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Don't cut!!

Answer: Don't cut!!

Answer: Laser vs. Excision for Tattoo

Answer: Laser vs. Excision for Tattoo

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.