Common side effects that can occur with Laser Tattoo Removal
While tattoos are more popular than ever, if you have changed your mind about one of yours, you can now have it removed faster and safer than ever, with the world’s most advanced Laser Tattoo Removal technology - PicoSure® Pro.
While this technology is the best there is, like any treatment, there are some normal side-effects that many people experience, which we explain in detail here so you know what to expect as part of your treatment.
Frosting
During the Laser Tattoo Removal treatment, the tattooed skin will naturally turn a frosty white colour. You’ll see this happen, and it’s a normal part of the process. It’s caused by carbon dioxide surfacing on the upper layer of the skin as it is released by the Laser treatment. This frosting is superficial and usually subsides after about twenty minutes.
Blistering
The Laser Tattoo Removal process can cause tiny blood vessels around the tattoo to break. As a result, superficial blisters containing water and sometimes ink can form on the surface of the skin. This is a normal side effect of the process, and actually indicates that the skin’s healing process has begun. While these may be tender to touch, and of course affect the appearance of the area temporarily, they should heal up naturally within 3 - 14 days, provided they are not burst.
If blisters are large or in the way, they can be punctured using a sterile needle to drain away some of the fluid. However is it important to not remove the sister skin as this acts as a barrier to protect the skin, helping it heal. Keep any blisters covered to avoid infection until fully healed.
Scabbing
Again while you may not like the appearance, scabs also indicate that the tattoo removal process is working, and your skin in healing. Scabs often collect fragmented ink, and usually appear 8 - 72 hours after treatment. When the scabs falls off, any ink attached will come off with it. We recommend you avoid picking or peeling off any scabs to reduce the risk of scarring, however tempting it might be! While there may be some variation due to size and location, generally most scabs will disappear within two weeks.
Swelling
Swelling is one of the body’s natural defenses, and can happen after Laser Tattoo Removal treatment, in the same way that it might happen after an insect bite or a bump to any part of the body. The heat of the treatment may initiate some swelling, which will reduce naturally once the immune system realises there is no threat.
Discomfort
While we all tend to feel pain to different degrees, the majority of people do feel some discomfort during Laser Tattoo Removal therapy. The area being treated also affects the level of discomfort. In the same way that getting a tattoo on a fleshier area of the body hurts less as the flesh acts like a cushion, Laser Tattoo Removal also works the same way. Tattoo removal on areas with less natural padding, such as the wrists, feet, face or hands, will usually feel more uncomfortable than on an area such the thigh.
Many clients compare the sensation of Laser Tattoo Removal to getting the tattoo, or to the sensation of an elastic band being snapped against the skin. The good news is that the PicoSure® Pro Laser Tattoo technology that we use is the most advanced in the world - meaning is delivers the best results in the shortest time possible, meaning discomfort is minimised to the greatest extent that technology allows.
Itching
Itching is a common side effect of Laser Tattoo Removal, and again it’s a natural response from the body’s immune system as it goes about its work of healing. As with any skin irritation, it’s important to try not to scratch the area, as this could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Scratching could potentially break the skin and create a wound, which would then run a risk of scarring or infection. We advise you to avoid applying creams or lotion to the area, with the exception of Aloe Vera. If you are finding the itching to be intense, please contact us for advice.
Scarring
Medical and cosmetic Laser technology is now so advanced that permanent scarring is very rare, occurring in less than two percent of cases. If scarring does occur, it is likely to be minimal and can be treated with Vitamin E oil or over-the-counter silicone patches, once the skin has fully healed. In order to minimise the risk of scarring, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep each night, and if you happen to smoke, quitting cigarettes will also aid healing. All of these measures boost the body’s immune system and support the neural processes that eliminate the ink and repair the skin.
Avoiding direct exposure to the sun further reduces any risk of scarring, as ultraviolet radiation can harm your skin’s pigmentation and increase the risk of scarring due to greater sensitivity. Keloid scars, which are raised, thickened areas of skin can appear up to 3 to 6 months after treatment, but these are very rare.
Hyperpigmentation
In some cases, Laser Tattoo removal can affect the skin’s natural pigment or melanin. One possible consequence is called hyperpigmentation - essentially patches of darkened skin. This condition is more common among people with darker skin tones, and those with tanned skin. The condition usually resolves itself in time. If you have a concern about this, please speak with your Clinician.
Hypopigmentation
At the other end of scale is hypopigmentation, where the skin’s normal pigmentation has been removed, resulting in a lighter patch of skin where the tattoo was. Typically, it can take months or years for the pigmentation to return to normal, and for some, the pigmentation may not return. While this is a slight risk, it is to be balanced against the tattoo itself, which many people will still prefer to remove.
Infection
Because PicoSure® Pro Laser Tattoo Removal doesn’t actually break or burn the skin, the risk of infection is low, particularly if you follow the aftercare instructions that will be set out by your Clinician. The risk of infection increases if you scratch or pick skin, or burst blisters, so our advice is always to avoid doing this. In the event of infection, we invite you to contact us or your GP for advice.
Muscle soreness
Again this is unlikely, but in the event that you do feel some muscle soreness around the area, we suggest using a cold compress of ice wrapped in a clean cloth to soothe the area. Do not place ice directly against the skin as this can cause burning. We also advise against any products such as Deep Heat that could irritate the area. Cold, Paracetamol, and Aloe Vera are recommended for any soreness.
We hope you find this guide to some common side effects of Laser Tattoo Removal helpful. Your Clinician will explain the risks and offer you advice on pre-treatment and post-treatment care, which you can review here.
Here at FADE, our Clinicians are certified with VTCT Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology, VTCT Level 4 Heat Light and Laser and advanced Tattoo Removal training from Cynosure, the world’s leading Laser Tattoo Technology, so you can be sure you’re receiving the best treatment available. We are always here to advise and answer any questions. While we want to fully inform you of any side effects, we are happy to say that we have successfully treated thousands of happy clients, and we look forward to helping you on your Laser Tattoo Removal journey.
