What are the risks and side effects of a laser tattoo removal?

What are the risks and side effects of laser tattoo removal?

Before considering using a laser to remove your tattoo, we have to know the risks and side effects of a laser tattoo removal treatment.  For most of the people who undergo laser tattoo removal, a series of laser treatments is required to remove the tattoo completely. This increases the exposure to laser light, thus increasing the risk of associated complications. Additionally, the series of treatments can become very costly.

Unlike other treatments, the laser procedure can also be uncomfortable and may cause the individual to experience pain in the area treated. To minimize this, an injection to provide local anesthesia may be provided before treatment. Additionally, the laser light has the potential to harm the eyes and affect eyesight.

It should be recommended for individuals to wear protective eye goggles for this reason. Infection of the skin can sometimes occur due to laser tattoo removal, particularly when an area of the treatment is neglected.

Patients need to protect the area of skin that has been treated – this will reduce the risk of bacterial entry and subsequent infection. Adequate aftercare following the treatment is essential for this reason.

  • What are the risks and side effects of a laser tattoo removal?

How to minimize the risk of laser tattoo removal?

Luckily, we still have solutions to minimize the side effects and risks. The aftercare following laser removal of a tattoo is essential to minimize the risk of complications. Keeping the skin clean by washing it appropriately regularly in the days following the procedure is recommended. Using a petrolatum ointment can also assist in the healing process of the skin. The area should remain covered with a sterile bandage for approximately one week after each session.

What are the common risks of tattoo removal?

The decision to have a tattoo removed is extremely personal. Only you can decide if the benefits of tattoo removal will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of tattoo removal are acceptable. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with tattoo removal. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The potential risks of tattoo removal include, but are not limited to:

  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Possible need for further surgery
  • Skin discoloration that may be permanent
  • Suboptimal aesthetic result
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Bleeding
  • Ink color change
  • Pigmentation change
  • Eye injury
  • Hair removal
  • Blisters
  • What Type of Tattoo Is Easier to Remove Old or New

These risks and others will be fully discussed with you before you consent to perform the procedure. You must address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Laser Removal?

  • Scabbing: Like blistering, scabs contain tattoo ink particles, forming within eight hours to three days after your session. Fortunately, they’ll heal in about two weeks.
  • Itching: Itchiness is a sign that the body is healing, as itching is your body’s immune system targeting a weakened area. It’s best to avoid scratching the spot. Consult your technician for advice.
  • Frosting: While the white foam coming from your tattoo looks odd, it’s a result of the heat from the laser penetration releasing carbon dioxide from your skin.
  • Swelling: Heat can sometimes cause swelling that will go back down once your body’s immune system realizes there’s no danger.
  • Scarring: Scarring is a very uncommon side effect, only appearing in less than two percent of patients receiving laser tattoo removal. Always follow the aftercare advice of your technician. Drink plenty of water, avoid direct sunlight, and get lots of sleep to prevent scarring.
  • Hyper and hypopigmentation: Both hyper and hypopigmentation are the result of skin changing color and can often occur as a consequence of an inexperienced technician. Hyperpigmentation is excess melanin formation and is found in patients with a medium skin tone. Luckily, it will heal over time. Hypopigmentation is the lightening of the skin and may take longer to heal, but can be reversed by following aftercare instructions.