Mel B reveals extreme cosmetic surgery

Mel B has gone under the knife in a dramatic bid to draw closure on her 'toxic relationship' with ex-husband Stephen Belafonte.

Rather than undergoing the less invasive but lengthy procedure of having her tattoo of Stephen's name removed by lasers, the former Spice Girl has had the chunk of skin containing the inking cut out.

The 42-year-old had the words "Stephen, till death do us part you own my heart" etched down her rib cage as a tribute to their 10-year marriage.

She’s had only her ex’s name removed, leaving the rest of the words in place.

The painful operation, which she underwent with the use of local anaesthetic, has left her with 13 stitches.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: "I wanted the tattoo removed to help close the final chapter on a toxic relationship. Even though I've taken the steps to remove Stephen's name from my body, the domestic abuse will forever remain with me."

The 'Wannabe' singer filed for divorce from the 42-year-old TV producer in March this year amid claims he had been physically and emotionally abusive towards her.

In November their divorce was finalised following a bitter court battle in which they agreed to share custody of their six-year-old daughter Madison.

Mel is also mother to daughter Phoenix, 18, with ex-husband Jimmy Gulzar, and Angel, 10, with ex-boyfriend Eddie Murphy.

Click here to view more photos of the removal.