Surgical Tattoo Removal 

Surgically removing a tattoo is the best method for complete tattoo removal.  It's also the fastest and most effective method for small tattoos.  However, there are several caveats...

1. it works best on small tattoos, not larger ones
2. a noticeable scar may remain
3. skin grafts may be necessary for larger tattoo removal
4. anesthesia may be required

Also known as excision tattoo removal, this was once one of the more popular methods for removal, but today has largely been replaced by laser tattoo removal or Intense Pulsed Light.  Even so, it's still a viable choice for the smaller tattoos.

During the excision method a surgeon numbs the area, cuts out the skin containing the tattoo pigment, then the surrounding edges of the wound are sutured back together.  Voila, no more tattoo.

As with all removal methods some pain is involved.  The amount depends upon the size of the tattoo, as well as its location.  Some parts of the body are just more sensitive than others, and sensitivity varies with the individual.

With larger tattoos the excision process is usually done in several stages, and most often requires a sedative or anesthetic.  If a skin graft is needed, larger scars may result in both the tattooed area and where the skin graft was taken.

Surgically excising larger tattoos obviously carries a higher risk of infection than with smaller body art, plus there's a much higher risk for scarring.  Greater aftercare is also required with excised larger tattoos, as well as for the area where the skin graft was taken.

Advantages of surgical tattoo removal:

1. immediate results
2. tattoo removal is complete
3. minimal bleeding
4. small tattoos can be removed in one session
5. relatively inexpensive
6. mild recovery

As you can see, if the body art you want to permanently erase is very small, then surgical tattoo removal could be a viable option for you, despite the fact that it's not used much anymore.