Can The Tattoo On My Foot Be Removed and Skin Grafted?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am curious about surgical excision of the tattoo on my foot. I have done 6 laser treatments with little progress. It is rather painful and disappointing to see it barely change. They initially said I would need 17 treatments on my foot, but I fear I’ll need more since it still looks like this after 6. Is excision possible for this area? If so, what does the process and healing involve? These are pictures after treatment that’s why there’s blisters etc. please let me know!

A:That is far too large of an area on the foot (50% of its dorsal surface) to consider elective skin grafting. That would probably cause more problems than it would solve given the proximity of the extensor tendons.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon