Excision Tattoo Removal - Cut That Sucker Right Out!

Due to technological advances that have taken place over the decades, there are many ways one can get rid off unwanted tattoos. An older method used by medical professionals is excision tattoo removal, and although it is an invasive procedure, it is opted for by many. However, as with any method, there are pros and cons involved. So what do you think? Would you cut that sucker right out of there? Here are some things that should be considered before undergoing this procedure.

What Is Excision?
Excision means to remove by cutting, and hence, it is the basic principle of this technique. It is a surgical procedure that requires actual removal of the skin itself. Referred to as "full thickness removal", it is a process in which both the dermis and epidermis are removed.

The Procedure
First, a local anaesthetic is injected into the affected area to numb it. Then, there are two ways in which the operation can be preformed. Either a small balloon is placed under the skin and inflated to gradually stretch the tattooed area. Then the skin is cut away and the wound is closed with sutures. Or the skin is simply cut in small patches and sutured together. It should be noted that while excision is most effective on smaller tattoos, larger ones can also be removed. In this case, the skin at the center of the tattoo is removed and allowed to heal completely. During the following sessions, the remaining skin is excised, moving outwards bit by bit. This may take months to complete, depending on the size and may require a skin graft to cover the large patch.

The Pros
Excision tattoo removal produces immediate results. With the success rate being as high as 95%, complete removal of ink pigment is highly plausible. Extraction will additionally be quick and simple, especially for smaller tattoos. Furthermore, there is minimal blood loss, as it is controlled by electrocautery. This involves the use of heated needles to seal off the affected blood vessels.

The Cons
Although this is a technique that is tried and tested and widely used, it does come with it's own fair share of risks. Permanent scarring will usually occur due to the scalpel incisions and can extend beyond the area of the tattoo. Also, if the ink pigment is deeply embedded, it will require a larger, deeper incision, making it more painful and longer to heal. Before and after the procedure, the affected area must be protected from sun exposure, otherwise pigmentation problems can occur. And because the risk of infection is highest in this type of removal, the utmost care must be taken to keep the area clean and germ free.

When it comes to tattoo removal, excision can be quite an effective method. This is because it involves the actual removal of the skin and ink. Unfortunately, it's success comes with a price: indefinite scarring. Truth be told, there are less invasive methods worth looking in to.