Tattoo Removal

If you are considering a tattoo, it is important to keep in mind that they are a permanent part of your skin.  Because tattoos are created with permanent ink being placed underneath the skin, they are a lifelong fixture unless you later decide to have them removed.  Having a tattoo removed involves surgery, which is very expensive and carries it’s own risks.  As with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications.  If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, it’s best to make sure that you really want the tattoo in order to avoid having to later go through surgery just to remove it.    

If you have a tattoo that you would like to have removed, the first step is to make an appointment with your family doctor or perhaps a dermatologist.  Upon inspection, a physician will be able to inform you of the procedure required in order to remove the tattoo.  In most cases, the doctor will also be able to tell you how long the procedure will take and what level of discomfort will follow the surgery.  The answers to these questions will largely be determined by the size, complexity and location of the tattoo.  As one would expect, certain parts of the body are more sensitive than others and may be more susceptible to pain.
                        
Once you have decided to go through with the tattoo removal, an appointment will be made for the procedure.  This may be an out-patient procedure or, if complications arise, the patient may be held in the hospital for further treatment and/or observation.  With any surgery, there is always the possibility for infection or other problems.  Before deciding to undergo any procedure, including one that consists of tattoo removal, the patient should be made aware of every possible risk and should feel free to ask their doctor any questions that they may have pertaining to the surgery.

One of the biggest questions that a tattoo removal patient may have relates to whether or not the removal will result in a scar.  The truth is that there are very little surgeries, if any, that can be performed without leaving any type of skin damage.  The degree of this damage will again depend largely upon the complexity and size of the tattoo and what lengths the surgeon will have to go to in order to remove it.

Paying for a tattoo removal is not a procedure that is likely to be deemed as necessary and, therefore, will not be covered by most medical insurance companies.  This may be considered as a form of cosmetic surgery, which will often be the financial responsibility of the patient.  In this case, many hospitals offer a convenient monthly payment plan which can be inquired about in the billing/payment office.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only.  The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for tattoo placement.  Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.