Tattoo Removal Surgery
There are a variety of strategies to remove unwanted tattoos. One of the most successful is surgical excision. This is particularly suited to smaller tattoos, and those on areas with a degree of loose flesh. Laser tattoo removal is not always successful, and if there is the possibility of a surgical treatment it is often more desirable. Most tattoo excision procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic in the clinic.
After numbing the area with a careful injection of local anaesthetic, surgery is performed to excise the tattoo. Depending on the particular situation, the wound will then be stitched up, or else plastic surgical techniques using skin grafts or local flaps of skin can be used to close the defect.
Surgical tattoo removal has the advantage of certainty of result – there is no waiting to see how well the tattoo might fade as it is definitively excised. It also has the advantage of complete removal in one stage (unless it has been planned as a two or three stage procedure).
Anaesthetic
Local
Procedure Length
1 hour
Facility Stay
Day Case
Cost
From £925* depending on size
Downtime
Light exercise can resume after 2-4 weeks
Available in-house at Purity Bridge
Yes
Anaesthetic
Local
Procedure Length
1 hour
Facility Stay
Day Case
Cost
From £925* depending on size
Downtime
Light exercise can resume after 2-4 weeks
Available in-house at Purity Bridge
Yes
The length of tattoo removal treatment depends on the size, colour and location of the tattoo.
We do not offer laser tattoo removal at Purity Bridge but can treat some tattoos by surgical excision.
Most patients experience redness, swelling and mild discomfort for a few days after treatment.
Multiple treatments are may be required for larger tattoos.
Light activities can often be resumed almost immediately, but more strenuous activities may need to be avoided for a short period.
Your surgeon will provide individual guidance based on your treatment.
Potential side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blistering, pigment changes and, rarely, scarring.
Your clinician will discuss these risks and provide detailed aftercare instructions.
The number of sessions required varies significantly depending on the size of the tattoo.
Small tattoos can often be removed in a single procedure.
Surgical removal of a tattoo will leave a scar. This usually heals well. The size of the scar will depend on the size of the tattoo.
