Tattoo Excision on Finger? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I'm a 28 y/o African American women with a finger tattoo that needs to be removed. Due to a recent job promotion I've been asked to get the tattoo removed. I've had 2 laser consults and it will take longer (1-2 years)than my timeline given from employers. Would excision be okay or are there other options available? Any recommendations for M.D. located in Dallas Metroplex? Willing to travel to Austin or Houston if absolutely necessary. Thanks.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, it looks as if your best bet is going to be laser tattoo removal. Excision will leave a bigger scar than the tattoo. The PicoSure laser is currently the best on the market working 3x faster than all other lasers. It's also ideal for all skin types and tattoo colors. I would try to find a practitioner that has the PicoSure device. 
My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Chad M. Hivnor, MD · Answer

To remove the entire area via excision would leave a scar that will be more visible and noticeable for the rest of your life.  It covers too much area of the finger.  There are now picosecond lasers that would be ideal to use with this color and location will resolve.  Picosecond lasers will also resolve the tattoo quicker than traditional nanosecond lasers.  With your dark skin a Picoway laser with 1064 nm picosecond laser is ideally suited. Good luck and congratulations on your promotion.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

I have excised many tattoos including on the finger but I don't think that surgical excision would be recommended for this tattoo.  It is too large and covers too much of the finger surface area.  My recommendation would be to continue with laser treatment.  In an African-American patient, the laser which is generally recommended is a YAG laser (1064 nm wavelength) because this has the least chance of causing injury to the skin.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

By combining picosure laser with r20 this can be r20 where two treatments can be done in the same visit the tattoo could be removed in 4 sessions over a 6 month period without scarring.The fee will be comparable or less than an excision by a plastic surgeon

Tattoo Excision on Finger? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Finger tattoo

Answer: Finger tattoo

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Tattoo Excision on Finger? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Finger tattoo

Answer: Finger tattoo

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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.