How Can A Surgical Scar On The Chest Be Removed?

Posted on Mon, 22 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 May 2017 Answered on

Thu, 8 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doctor.

I am having a 23 year old surgery scar on my chest. I am thinking to cover it up with a tattoo by a professional artist. Would it have any negative effects on the skin? I have a rough and thick skin and never faced any allergies.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is fine to comouflage a scar with a tattoo.

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.

It is absolutely fine to camouflage a surgical scar by a tattoo. Since a scar cannot be erased completely this is a very viable option for a cosmetically bothersome scar and a professional tattoo can not only make a scar less noticeable but in fact appealing, if done properly. A lot of people do it.
Yes, there is a small risk of allergy to the due ink and of a foreign body granulomatous reaction to tattoo particles but that cannot be predicted beforehand.

All the best
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (29 minutes later)

Thanks doctor. If at all there is any need for surgery in the future and had to make a cut through this area, would it have any complications?

And will such allergies be treatable with medicines or does it have major complications?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding side effects of tattoo

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

A new surgical scar through the tattoo would obviously distort the tattoo.
Though rare, but if in case you develop allergic contact dermatitis or foreign body granulomatous reaction at the site of tattoo then apart from the medications you might also need to undergo sessions of a tattoo removal laser.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar