Surgical Tattoo Removal

The ideal candidates for surgical tattoo removal are healthy men and women who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes. Typically only smaller tattoos can be surgically excised. This is dependent on the laxity of the skin in the area to be treated. Your candidacy for this particular procedure will be determined during consultation with Dr. Barr.

It may be possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your surgical tattoo removal procedure. You should be prepared to discuss all possibilities during your consultation with Dr. Barr.

Your procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting room and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

Local anaesthetic will be injected into the area to numb it prior to excision. Dr. Barr will then carefully surgically excise the skin with the tattoo and close the incision with sutures.

During office hours our Patient Coordinators and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns following your surgery. After hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager.

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using Medicard which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. Please note that this company is not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery. For more information on how financing can help you afford your procedure, visit:

MEDICARD
www.medicard.com
1-888-689-9876

Fax, online, phone application
Approval within 1 business day
Payment terms: 6 months to 5 years
No down payment
Rates based on overall credit history (11.9% – 25%)
No penalties for early payments

Surgical tattoo removal is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore not covered by private or provincial insurance such as OHIP.

The facility fee, surgeon, nurses, anaesthesia and anaesthetist, surgical supplies, and equipment used are all covered in the fees.

You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your medical insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, these medications will be at an additional cost to you.

There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5,000 and a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000.
This deposit is payable upon scheduling a surgery date.  This fee is non-refundable should you change, reschedule or cancel your surgery within 4 weeks of the surgery date.

Payment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:

• Cash
• Certified Cheques
• Mastercard or VISA
• E-transfers
• Financing plan

Dr. Barr’s extensive experience in performing this procedure will help to ensure that your post-operative recovery is minimized. Your skin may feel tight. The application of cold packs and taking prescribed pain medications or antibiotics will assist in continued recovery and the use of a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or higher to avoid excessive scarring. Your progress will be monitored by Dr. Barr and his medical team through a series of follow up visits.

Dr. Barr takes every precaution to ensure your scarring is as minimal as possible. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of scarring from the incisions. Once your incisions have healed there are products that can be used to minimize the redness in scars as well as improve the texture. Reusable silicone strips as well as medical grade topical scar creams are available for purchase that will help to reduce the discolouration found in new scars. Precautions that should be taken to minimize scarring will be discussed during consultation.