Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal: What to Expect During the Process

Laser tattoo removal is often seen as one of the most effective current methods for erasing unwanted ink. But many wonder – does the process come with side effects? The short answer is yes: most patients can expect at least minor blistering, swelling, peeling, and scabbing around the treated area in the weeks following a laser session. Despite potential short-term effects, when done properly by an experienced professional, laser removal is considered quite safe.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:

• How laser tattoo removal works
• The most common side effects and what causes them
• Tips to help manage pain and discomfort
• Steps you can take to lower your risk of complications
• Realistic timelines for healing after each session

Grasping what is normal versus abnormal will lead to more realistic expectations about the laser removal process. Let’s start from the beginning – understanding the mechanics behind lasers seeking and destroying tattoo pigment.

How Does Laser Light Remove Tattoo Ink?

A laser removal device emits intense pulses of light at specific wavelengths designed to target tattoo pigment embedded deep in the dermis layer of skin. The focused light breaks pigment particles into much smaller fragments which are then absorbed by the body’s immune system and safely eliminated over time.

With repeated sessions (usually 6-10 for professional tattoos), the layers of fragmented ink gradually diminish until little to none remain detectable. Black ink is the easiest to eliminate, followed by other lighter colors. The number of treatments depends on the size, location, type, and age of a tattoo.

What Are The Most Common Side Effects After Each Session?

While the technology has improved vastly in recent years, laser removal can still damage some healthy skin surrounding unwanted ink. This causes several common inflammatory reactions:

Blistering & Peeling – The treated area often reddens initially and forms fluid-filled blisters within 24 hours post-procedure. These protective blisters represent damaged tissue and will later turn into scabs as they heal.

Crusting & Flaking – During the week following treatment after blisters pop and release plasma fluid, a protective dry “crust” will form over the raw skin while new fresh layers regenerate underneath. The dark crust will eventually peel off to reveal fresh skin once healing is completed.

Bruising & Swelling – Some minor bruising and swelling around the treated tattoo is normal and peaks around 3 days post-treatment. Discomfort usually lasts under a week before these side effects begin improving. Rolling swelling into a treated area with an ice pack for 10 minutes a few times a day can provide relief. Ibuprofen is also helpful for pain management.

Pinpoint Bleeding – Where blisters erupt, minor capillary bleeding from damaged vessels may emerge. Simply dab away oozing fluid from broken blisters using sterile gauze or a soft cloth, and apply antibacterial ointment if needed until the bleeding stops.

Infection Risk – Take proper aftercare very seriously to avoid the rarer chance of bacterial skin infection. Signs include excessive oozing, increasing swelling and redness, pus, foul odor, and fever. Call your clinic promptly or seek medical care if you suspect the infection took hold after laser treatment.

Did You Know? According to a article published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 97.5% of surveyed laser technicians said greater than 75% of their patients experienced expected side effects after tattoo removal treatment without major complications. So you are not alone!

How Long Should It Take Treated Skin To Heal?

On average, allow 2 to 6 weeks after each laser session for your body to fully heal treated skin through the inflammatory phases. Healthy regeneration relies on properly caring for the area in the interim period.

With multiple treatments scheduled either 8 weeks apart or longer, it may take over a year to see results after all ink is hopefully erased. Have patience – visible improvements often lag what is occurring gradually beneath the skin where remnants are still slowly dispersing.

Can Laser Tattoo Removal Cause Scarring?

The risks of scarring are relatively low with today’s high-quality Q-switched tattoo-removing lasers when operated at correct intensity levels. Consultations help technicians personalize settings to your skin tone and ink colors.

Hypopigmentation (bleached skin) or raised scar tissue formation may result in the following scenarios:

• The patient fails to follow aftercare guidelines
• Overly aggressive laser settings burn skin
• The individual has adverse reactions and picks scar
• Underlying skin issues present

Choose an experienced laser tattoo removal provider with excellent credentials, many years in practice working on all skin types, the latest devices, and a 5-star patient rating. Avoid technicians who crank up laser power to unsafe levels to try to finish faster. Reputable clinics care more about your skin integrity than rushing the process.

What Factors Affect Potential Side Effects and Healing Times?

• Ink Colors – Darker pigment is easiest to break up while bright colors take more effort and need higher intensity. Varied healing with more inflammation often occurs with multicolor tattoos.
• Location – Sensitive or thin-skinned areas more prone to irritation include the spine, chest, feet, fingers, or near joints. Give extra aftercare to these zones.
• Size & Age – Larger, dense professional tattoos are more traumatic for the skin compared to smaller amateur ones. Newer ink also responds better with less damage to achieve removal.
• Skin Tone – Pale skin risks blistering easier while darker ethnic skin may experience hypopigmentation. Technicians adjust settings accordingly per Fitzpatrick skin type.
• Aftercare – Closely follow all post-treatment guidelines from cleaning to avoiding sun exposure which can impede healing and cause scarring.

Conclusion – Laser Tattoo Removal Requires Commitment and Patience

In closing, understand that laser tattoo removal is a medical procedure causing controlled injury to the skin to ultimately destroy unwanted ink. Some amount of side effects are expected with each visit before the skin fully mends, often requiring weeks until the next appointment. Over the long run, laser removal performed properly by specialists remains widely regarded as the gold standard for permanent tattoo eradication.