Is there anyone who does tattoo excision?

Question

I have a piece on the inside of my left bicep that I've had 10 q-switch yag sessions on, and it's still not where I am satisfied. I am living in Arkansas, but I can travel. I'm in CA about once every 3 months, as I own property there. I'm going back in February for another session on the laser, but at this point, I don't want to go through another 12 laser sessions. I understand that there will be a scar, but to me that is preferable to the tattoo. I also understand the skin laxity issue.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in tattoo removal. We use a combination of Q switch laser wavelengths to help reduce tattoo visibility. For resistant tattoos, we use tattoo excision as an alternate modality. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Firstly, it would be nice to see a photo of your tattoo to assess size and location and skin laxity.  Tattoo excision is possible either in a single stage or multiple stages, but it depends on the size and location of the tattoo.  If you are really fit, an area like the bicep doesn't have a lot of skin laxity and has high tension which would make closure of a larger defect more difficult and can often heal with a widened scar.  Google brachioplasty scar.  You might also considering trying a Picosure treatment as we've had success in clearing tattoos that were previously treated with other lasers and become recalcitrant.   Good luck.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dr. Raffy a plastic surgeon excises tattoo and also performs laser tattoo removal and he is considered an expert. He can be contacted on the link below and is at Kare Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica CA.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

Sometimes tattoo excision can work well.  It depends on the size and width of the tattoo, as well as how much skin laxity there is in the area.  Sometimes it is possible to do a staged excision whereby the tattoo is excised in two separate sessions, if it is too large to remove in one session.  Many tattoos are simply too large to excise.

Is there anyone who does tattoo excision?

Answers (4)

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