Mr Reza Nassab offers surgical tattoo removal in Manchester, with consultations at CLNQ, Deansgate Square, in the city centre and in Knutsford. The tattooed skin is cut out (excised) under local anaesthetic and the wound is closed with stitches, so the ink is removed rather than faded. Small tattoos can often be removed in a single procedure, while larger ones may need staged excision over several operations. The trade-off is a permanent, usually fine, linear scar.
How surgical excision works
Tattoo ink sits in the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. Excision removes that skin completely, together with the ink it contains. After the area is numbed with local anaesthetic, the tattoo is removed as an ellipse (a lens shape), because this allows the edges to be brought together neatly in a straight line. The wound is closed in layers with stitches. Because the whole tattoo is removed, there is no gradual fading and no leftover colour from inks that are hard to shift.
Direct and staged excision
- Direct excision: for small tattoos where the surrounding skin is loose enough to close the wound in one go; the scar is usually longer than the tattoo, often around three times its length, so it lies flat.
- Staged excision: for larger tattoos, part of the tattoo is removed at each operation, several months apart, letting the skin stretch and relax between stages.
- Too large for excision: very large tattoos, or those in areas of tight skin, may not be suitable, and Mr Nassab will explain this honestly.
Who is suitable
Excision tends to suit adults with small or narrow tattoos, tattoos on areas with some skin laxity, and people who would rather have a neat scar than attend many appointments. It is also an option when ink colours are unlikely to fade well. It is less suitable on areas where scars tend to stretch or thicken, such as the upper back, shoulders and breastbone, or for people with a history of keloid scarring. Smoking slows healing, so stopping beforehand is strongly advised.
Laser as an alternative
Some people choose laser tattoo removal, which is offered elsewhere by dermatology and laser providers and aims to fade ink over a course of sessions. Laser is not part of Mr Nassab’s practice. At consultation he can discuss whether excision is the better option for your tattoo or whether referral for laser assessment would suit you better.
Your consultation and procedure in Manchester
Consultations take place at CLNQ, Deansgate Square, Manchester, and at CLNQ in Knutsford. Mr Nassab will examine the tattoo and the surrounding skin, take photographs, and explain the likely length and position of the scar and whether one or more stages are needed. The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthetic, so you stay awake and can usually go home shortly afterwards. The procedure may be carried out at CLNQ, Deansgate Square, rather than in hospital.
Aftercare
Keep the dressing clean and dry as instructed and avoid stretching or heavy lifting that pulls on the wound. Stitches are usually removed after one to two weeks, depending on the site. Once the wound has healed, silicone gel or sheets and daily sun protection help the scar mature over 12 to 18 months. Contact the team the same day if you notice spreading redness, increasing pain, discharge or a fever. If a scar remains prominent, scar revision can be discussed.
Patients from across the North West
Patients travel to Deansgate Square from across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and the wider North West. Most people return to desk work within a day or two, although follow-up for stitch removal and wound checks takes place in Manchester, so it helps to plan these appointments. Tattoo excision is from £950; the final price depends on the size of the tattoo and the number of stages and is confirmed after assessment. The £150 consultation fee is separate, and treatment is only for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does surgical tattoo removal leave a scar?
Yes. Excision replaces the tattoo with a linear scar, which is usually fine and fades over 12 to 18 months but is permanent.
Is the procedure painful?
It is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Mild soreness afterwards is usually managed with simple painkillers.
How many operations will a large tattoo need?
It depends on the size and the skin’s laxity. Staged excision usually involves two or more procedures several months apart.
Does Mr Nassab offer laser tattoo removal?
No. Laser removal is offered by other providers. Mr Nassab can advise whether excision or a referral for laser assessment suits your tattoo.
Where does tattoo excision take place in Manchester?
Consultations are at CLNQ, Deansgate Square, and Knutsford. The procedure may be carried out at CLNQ, Deansgate Square, rather than in hospital.
