Objectives The high sensitivity of ultrasound and thyroglobulin determination for follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer allows early detection of nonpalpable recurrences. Intraoperative localization of these small foci in previously dissected necks is a surgical challenge. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided tattooing (US-tattoo) with a charcoal suspension for localizing nonpalpable cervical recurrences after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. Subjects and Methods Between March 2009 and December 2010, we retrospectively reviewed 19 patients who underwent US-tattoo with injection of a charcoal suspension for recurrent thyroid papillary cancer on central neck compartment after thyroidectomy. All patients underwent the surgical dissection after US-tattoo. The complications and effectiveness of US-tattoo were evaluated. Results The technical success rate of US-tattoo for suspicious lesions was 100%. There was no complication with regard to US-tattoo. During surgery, all but one tattooed lesions were detected by surgeons. On final pathologic reports, all recurrence lesions but two cases were successfully removed. Conclusion Preoperative US-tattoo is a safe and effective method for successful reoperation of central neck compartment recurrences after thyroidectomy.