Standard preoperative marking pen

What is the standard preoperative marking pen?  Surgical pen, Sharpie, ball point pen, ?????  I had a Sharpie used during preoperative marking (in VNUS Closure surgery) and the ink was pushed into the open wound, resulting in a surgical tattoo.  Can this be removed...and how?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

The standard surgical marking pen uses methylene blue or gentian violet, both compatible with living tissue.  Sharpie pens offer a non smuge benefit and more durability and are less often used.  If you have been permanently tattooed by the Sharpie pen, You may require a minor procedure to excise the pigment.  I am not sure of lasers will be effective.

[jan881]

Excise?  Meaning cut?  I have 25 areas that were tattooed.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Wow!