Many tattoos can be considered for removal.

If you are considering having a tattoo removed, visit Dr Richard Sadove to discuss options for tattoo removal and reasonable expectations. Most patients consult via Zoom appointments.

You may be a candidate for tattoo removal if:

• Are physically healthy
• Don’t smoke
• Have realistic expectations
• Accept the fact that a scar will replace the tattoo

The average cost of a small laser tattoo removal is $423, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It is important to consider the type of procedure being performed. Options such as large surgical excisions and skin grafting are likely to be more expensive than laser treatments.

Patients should also consider the large number of laser treatments that may be necessary to treat a particular tattoo. Ten laser treatments may require a full year. Large, colorful and elaborately designed tattoos are likely to require more removal sessions with lasers, and will, therefore, be more expensive to remove. Many tattoos can be surgically removed in one treatment, others may need more. Most health insurance does not cover tattoo removal surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

Tattoo removal costs may include:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Procedure costs
• Facility costsif skin grafts are required
• Anesthesia feesif skin grafts are required
• Prescriptions for medicationif skin grafts are required
• Medical tests

When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for tattoo removal, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the procedure. Dr Richard Sadove’s experience is over 30 years.

The success and safety of your tattoo removal procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Most consultations are remote after you send quality photos of your tattoo.

During your tattoo removal consultation be prepared to discuss:

• Your tattoo removal goals
• Any medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Dr Sadove will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of tattoo removal and any risks or potential complications

Be sure to ask Dr Sadove questions. It’s very important to understand all aspects of your tattoo removal procedure.

It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr Sadove. He is very easy to speak with him.

Use this checklist as a guide during your tattoo removal consultation:

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Were you specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery?
• How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
• What specific training do you have in tattoo removal?
• Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• How can I expect my tattoo removal procedure to look over time?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my procedure?

The decision to have a tattoo removed is extremely personal. Only you can decide if the benefits of tattoo removal will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of tattoo removal are acceptable.

Dr Richard Sadove will explain in detail the risks associated with tattoo removal. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The potential risks of tattoo removal include, but are not limited to:

• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Possible need for further surgery
• Skin discoloration that may be permanent
• Suboptimal aesthetic result
• Unfavorable scarring

These risks and others will be fully discussed with you prior to your consent to perform the procedure. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

No matter which type of tattoo removal procedure you have performed, you will have a gauze bandage applied to the area after the procedure is done. Your surgeon will discuss with you how to care for the area after the procedure is done. Typically, this will require no more than washing the area daily with soap and water and applying a new gauze dressing.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for you surgical sites following the procedure
• Medications to apply or to take orally to aid healing and reduce risk of infection
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

• What medications will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after the procedure? When will they be removed?
• When can I bathe or shower?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow up?

The results of tattoo removal are variable depending on the treatment option used for your case. Some treatment options require several sessions, so results will not be immediate. Each session will show some progress toward the final result, though the number of treatments needed to achieve your final result may vary.

Results for tattoo removal are variable and dependent on factors such as:

• The area of the body the tattoo is located in
• The size of the tattoo
• The complexity of the design of the tattoo

For optimal results, it is important that you take proper care of the wounds following your tattoo removal procedure. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and clean the wound with soap and water daily.

Complete removal of the tattoo is the ultimate goal for any tattoo removal procedures. However, patients should have realistic expectations based on the factors referenced above. Regardless of which treatment is used, it may not be possible to completely remove the entire tattoo. For patients who have their tattoo removed using surgical excision, it’s important to understand that there will be a surgical scar left behind.

Tattoo removal involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a doctor like DrSadove that you can trust who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).