Tattoo removal for military. Is surgery recommended?

Hi, I need a tattoo removed from the base of my neck for the navy. It is about 1 inch by 3.5 inches. Obviously, the quicker the better as it is for the service. Im leaning towards surgery but want some opinions from professionals. Thank you

Answers from doctors (4)


Tattoo removal with a laser takes time and patience. Treatments are minimum of 6 weeks apart and can take multiple treatments. Excision can be an option if scarring isn't of concern. I would recommend a plastic surgeon. If the skin edges cannot be brought together, skin grafting may be needed. This will be cosmetic and expensive.

Answered by Clean Slate Tattoo Removal at Vein Specialties (View Profile)

Tattoo removal with a laser takes time and patience. Treatments are minimum of 6 weeks apart and can take multiple treatments. Excision can be an option if scarring isn't of concern. I would recommend a plastic surgeon. If the skin edges cannot be brought together, skin grafting may be needed. This will be cosmetic and expensive.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Published on Feb 26, 2016

Q-switched lasers are recommended. The best thing to do is start ASAP. Many ppl wait too long, then they want to rush, rush, rush. It's your body that removes the ink. Can you heal a broken leg in 3 days?

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6658_1438620511.jpg
Answered by Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Q-switched lasers are recommended. The best thing to do is start ASAP. Many ppl wait too long, then they want to rush, rush, rush. It's your body that removes the ink. Can you heal a broken leg in 3 days?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Change of Art Laser Tattoo Removal

Published on Apr 26, 2011

Depending on how soon you want to join the Navy will impact your decision for selecting a tattoo removal procedure.
Surgery is definitely the quickest way to permanently remove your tattoo. However, there will be a surgical scar.
Laser removal will break up the tattoo, creating an immune response which actually clears the ink.
This process takes time.
Generally, professional tattoos take about 10-12 sessions, spaced at 6-8 week intervals depending on the clinic.
I schedule at an 8 week interval because I believe allowing more time between sessions gives the best outcome in skin recovery and minimizes complications.
Potential long term complications with laser removal include hypo or hyper pigmentation, textural changes, and scaring. Also. There is no
Guarantee you will get to complete removal, although most clients do achieve satisfactory outcomes .

So from your note below, the time factor is going to drive your choice of procedure.
Good luck! Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Sharon Blondeau

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6585_1437713802.jpg
Answered by Change of Art Laser Tattoo Removal

Depending on how soon you want to join the Navy will impact your decision for selecting a tattoo removal procedure.
Surgery is definitely the quickest way to permanently remove your tattoo. However, there will be a surgical scar.
Laser removal will break up the tattoo, creating an immune response which actually clears the ink.
This process takes time.
Generally, professional tattoos take about 10-12 sessions, spaced at 6-8 week intervals depending on the clinic.
I schedule at an 8 week interval because I believe allowing more time between sessions gives the best outcome in skin recovery and minimizes complications.
Potential long term complications with laser removal include hypo or hyper pigmentation, textural changes, and scaring. Also. There is no
Guarantee you will get to complete removal, although most clients do achieve satisfactory outcomes .

So from your note below, the time factor is going to drive your choice of procedure.
Good luck! Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Sharon Blondeau

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Apr 26, 2011

We would recommend highly that you avoid surgery. The scars we see from
tattoo removal surgery are horrible and lifelong. While we understand
your desire to start military service, we think that you will regret the
decision to have a tattoo surgically removed for the rest of your life.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6573_1439482825.jpg
Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

We would recommend highly that you avoid surgery. The scars we see from
tattoo removal surgery are horrible and lifelong. While we understand
your desire to start military service, we think that you will regret the
decision to have a tattoo surgically removed for the rest of your life.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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