Who may legally perform tattoo or keloid removal?

• A. Only physicians
• B. Certified tattoo artists
• C. Registered nurses
• D. Dentists

Answer: (A)

Tattoo removal and keloid removal are medical procedures that involve breaking the skin, managing sterile technique, and handling potential complications such as infection, bleeding, or scarring. Because of these risks and the need for trained medical supervision, these tasks fall under licensed medical practice and require a physician’s oversight.

Certified tattoo artists do not have medical licensure or formal training to perform medical removals. Registered nurses and dentists have specific scopes of practice, but they typically cannot independently perform invasive tattoo or keloid removal without physician supervision or authorization. In Nassau County, as in many jurisdictions, the authority to perform these procedures is reserved for physicians due to the medical nature and potential risks involved.

So, the only legally appropriate provider to perform tattoo or keloid removal is a physician, given the procedure’s medical complexity and need for appropriate medical oversight.