I have a tattoo on my upper arm where the outlines are scarred and raised (1yo). Tattoo excision? (photo)

Question

it is about 15cm by 10cm big, little less,i've read that when a tattoo is scarred that means the ink was placed too deep and it will be hard to remove a tattoo, it will fade,but not remove. And if the ink would disappear 100% i would still have the raised scars. So my question:Is staged Excision possible? If so,how many sessions ? And can i improve the appereance of the surgery scar later on?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I don't recommend excision for this. Laser tattoo removal is the gold standard for tattoo removal. Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

Many tattoos are significantly scarred before tattoo removal. It may make it a bit more stubborn, but, nearly ALWAYS the ink can be removed. Scarring can be improved with many methods, just as ablative laser treatments. A plastic surgeon would likely have to evaluate both your tattoo and skin, in person, to see if staged excision is a reasonable option, but, of course, excising the tattoo would leave additional scarring. Hope that helps :)

I have a tattoo on my upper arm where the outlines are scarred and raised (1yo). Tattoo excision? (photo)

Answers (2)