Can these tattoos be removed surgically? (Photos)

Question

I have butterfly tattoos about 2x2 I want them removed surgically, there on the side of my stomach , I don’t want to go to 2-3 years of laser, I’m willing to do extensive scar treatment to get the scar to what I want it to look like. Which’s ones can be removed surgically? I plan to go to a skilled plastic surgeon, and skilled dermatologist for scar treatment . I just really want these gone without my stomach looking too crazy

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Yes, surgical tattoo removal may be an option for small tattoos, including tattoos measuring approximately 2 × 2 inches. However, whether yours can be removed in one procedure depends on their exact size, location, shape, skin elasticity, and how much surrounding skin can be safely removed and closed.

Surgical excision involves cutting out the tattooed skin and stitching the remaining edges together. The main advantage is that the tattoo can potentially be removed in a single procedure rather than requiring multiple laser sessions over several years. The trade-off is that you will have a permanent surgical scar in place of the tattoo. For a tattoo of this size, the resulting scar may be considerably longer than the tattoo's original dimensions, depending on its shape and the way the incision is closed.

Because your tattoos are on the side of your abdomen, skin laxity and tension in that area will be important considerations. If there is enough flexibility in the surrounding skin, a surgeon may be able to remove the tattoo and close the wound directly. If the skin is tight, removing the entire tattoo at once may create excessive tension, potentially increasing the risk of wound separation, widened scars, or other healing complications. In some cases, staged excision may be considered, although that would involve more than one procedure.

I understand that you are willing to undergo extensive scar treatment to achieve a result you are comfortable with. It is important to know, though, that scar treatments can improve the appearance of a scar but cannot guarantee that it will become barely noticeable. Your personal tendency to form raised, thick, or widened scars is particularly relevant when weighing this option.

Laser tattoo removal is another approach, and it does not always require two or three years. The number of sessions and total treatment time depend on the ink colors, depth, density, and your skin's response. A combination of laser treatment and surgical excision may also be worth discussing in selected cases.

My recommendation: Have a board-certified plastic surgeon assess each tattoo individually and explain the likely scar length, whether complete excision is feasible, and the risks of wound healing. A dermatologist experienced in scar management can then discuss realistic options if the scar becomes raised, discolored, or widened.

Ultimately, surgical removal may offer a faster route to eliminating the tattoo ink, but it exchanges the tattoo for a surgical scar. The key is deciding whether that trade-off is likely to give you a result you will feel more comfortable with.

Can these tattoos be removed surgically? (Photos)

Answers (1)

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