Hello,

I have a tattoo on the calf of my leg and have been having laser procedures for about the last year with little results. I was considering having it removed by excision if possible and was wondering if plastic surgeons would be the ones doing this procedure. After searching the internet there is little to no information on Physicans advertising performing this procedure. I was wondering if there is a specific Plastic Surgeon to contact about this or any other tips on getting this procedure done thanks.

Hello there!

Welcome to our forums!

You really want to consider the SIZE of the tattoo that you would like excised. If it is any bigger than say the size of a half dollar, you're talking about a pretty big procedure with bigger complication risks. Have you considered seeing a different plastic surgeon who may use a stronger/different kind of laser for these tattoo removal treatments? It's possible that the doctor you are currently working with is using an older laser that may not be able to produce the kind of results you want. I would look into that first before considering the much more costly and intensive excision method.

The tattoo is about 3" x 1.5" and the laser sessions cost about $240 per session, with about to have 5th session with very very little progress made so far. The office I currently am going to say they have had tattoos that took 20 sessions and still not completely gone. Which would result in nearly $5k spent and not completely gone. All the local offices advertising tattoo removal mention the same lasers as I am currently be treated with.

I have been able to find very very little information about tattoo exicisons, the best so far was from a blog of a girl in a similar situation, http://regrettingink.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/

She lists $1100 as the total cost of her procedure and her tattoo measured 4″ by 3″. I'm going to ask next appointment about their opinion but any information about recovery time for such an operation would be very helpful. The tattoo is located in the middle of the right calf of my leg and is the meatiest part with extra skin. I'm getting that tattoo removed for future professional obligations and my current employment involves a lot of walking. If I do have this procedure when I would hope to I will have 3-4 weeks before going back to work and wondering if this would be enough time to be able to function without complete discomfort.

Thank you very much for your response : )

Dasboot,

I would still advise you to find out the exact make and model of the laser machine your doctor is using and let us know what it is. With that information, I could let you know what a better and stronger treatment option would be. In my personal opinion, having the tattoo removed by laser will make you much happier in the long run than to have a permanent scar in its place.