Houston's Premium Laser Tattoo Removal Clinic

Houston Laser Tattoo Removal | Laser Tattoo Removal Houston

book-free-consultation-premium-tattoo-removal
  • Home
  • About Laser Tattoo Removal
    • How Tattoo Removal Works
    • Tattoo Removal Services
    • Before & After Pictures
    • Our Advanced Technology
    • Laser Tattoo Removal Videos
    • Educational Information
      • Chemistry of Tattoo Ink
      • How does Tattooing work?
      • Medical Aspects of Laser Tattoo Removal
      • Laser Physics
      • Concepts in Laser Tattoo Removal
  • Your Treatment
    • Aftercare Guide
    • Before Your Appointment
    • FAQs Laser Tattoo Removal
    • Finance Your Treatments
    • Specials
    • Treatment Cost
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Virtual Tour
  • Blog
  • Gift Cards

Laser Tattoo Removal the Truth about Side Effects

December 19, 2015 By Premium Tattoo Removal 2 Comments

There are several reasons why so many people have tattoos these days. For some they commemorate a special event or act as a tribute to friends or family members, while other people want to express their passions or simply appreciate a stunning piece of art. But there may come a time where you regret your tattoo and getting it removed is the only option. Laser technology is the most efficient and effective way of going about this, but it is natural to have questions or concerns about the side effects, some of which will be completely unfounded. Read on to find out the true laser tattoo removal side effects…

Frosting

During laser treatment, your skin will naturally turn a frosty white color. This is caused by the carbon dioxide being released as a result of laser penetration and surfaces on the upper layer of the skin and usually only subsides after twenty minutes.

Blistering

During the removal process, the laser will heat up ink particles in your skin, which can cause tiny blood vessels to break around the tattoo. As a result, superficial blisters containing water and ink may appear. In fact, blisters are quite normal and an indication that the healing process has begun. They might not look too pretty and could be tender to touch, but blisters should take between 3-14 days to heal up completely, providing you don’t burst them!

Scabbing

Yet another sign that the tattoo removal is working, scabs often collect fragmented ink particles and usually appear 8 to 72 hours after the area has been treated. When the scab falls off, the top layer of ink will come with it. Picking at or peeling off scabs can increase the risk of scarring, so however tempting it might be, try to avoid this. A lot will depend on the size and location of your tattoo, but most scabs will disappear within two weeks.

Swelling

Our body’s natural defense system will react to things like illness or infection in a number of different ways. But while swelling usually occurs after being bitten by an insect or twisting your ankle, it can also happen after undergoing laser tattoo removal treatment. The heat from the laser will catalyze swelling, but just like any other type of swelling, this will go down once your immune system realizes there is nothing wrong. If anything, be grateful that your body is alert and aware of potential dangers.

Discomfort

While a lot will depend on your personal pain threshold, it is fair to say that the majority of people will experience discomfort to a certain degree. The level of discomfort also depends a lot on where the tattoo is located; tattoos on more fleshy areas of the body will hurt less as the flesh acts as a cushion, whereas tattoos on areas such as the wrist, feet, face and fingers could make you wince a little more than if your tattoo was on your thigh! In general, the discomfort is commonly compared to an elastic band being slapped against your skin.

Itching

Again, this should be seen as a good sign, as your immune system is kicking in and starting to heal the affected area. An itching sensation is common, but just like any other type of skin irritation, you must try your hardest not to scratch the area. Scratching could impact on the effectiveness of removal. You may also break the skin and create a wound, which will lead to additional scarring or risk infection. Generally, you should not apply creams or lotions to the area, but if the itching is unbearable, ask your laser operator for advice.

Scarring

Given the technological and medical advances in laser tattoo removal, permanent scarring is rare and occurs in less than two per cent of cases. If scarring does happen, it usually isn’t that noticeable and can be minimized with Vitamin E oil or over the counter silicone patches. Just make sure your skin has fully healed from the treatment before applying cosmetic products. In order to minimize the chance of scarring after treatment, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep each night and quit cigarettes if you happen to smoke. These measures will boost your body’s immune system and help the process of pigment elimination and skin repair. Also, try to avoid direct exposure to the sun, 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.

Hypopigmentation

Conversely, hypopigmentation is where your skin’s normal pigmentation has been removed. As a result, lighter patches of skin will be visible where the tattoo once was. It can sometimes take months or even years for your skin’s pigment to appear normal again. For some people, it may never be the same. However, both hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are bound to be more tolerable than the actual tattoo.

Hyperpigmentation

During laser removal, pulses of different light wavelengths are used to remove the tattoo ink. However, it can also affect your skin’s natural pigment or melanin. A consequence of this is known as hyperpigmentation, which are essentially patches of darkened skin. This condition is typically seen on people with darker skin and active tans which will usually resolve itself. However, there are cosmetic products available to help even out skin tones.

Infection

Seeing as laser removal treatment doesn’t actually break the surface of your skin, the risk of infection is low, especially if you follow the aftercare instructions set out by the laser technician. The risk of infection is increased if you burst blisters or pick at scabs, so avoid both of these. In the event of infection, contact the laser technician or your doctor.

Muscle soreness

Laser tattoo removal does not generally affect your muscles, so this side effect is uncommon. But a lot will depend on the treatment area and you could develop a little bit of soreness. If it feels tender, you can always apply a cold compress of ice or a pack of frozen vegetables from the freezer wrapped in a clean cloth. Applying ice directly can burn your skin while muscular pain relief products like Deep Heat shouldn’t be used.

Summary

Even though there are quite a few possible side effects to laser tattoo removal, most of the aforementioned issues are uncommon with most patients. What’s more, if problems do occur, the majority of them are treatable or not too distressing. Just remember to follow the advice your laser technician provides before and after the procedure, as this will improve the treatment’s effectiveness and minimize the risk of suffering from side effects. In many respects, it is just like getting a tattoo, but in the end you’ll be left with unblemished skin rather than a permanent piece of ink.

Trackbacks

  1. Risks of Non-Laser Tattoo Removal Methods - Houston's Premium Tattoo Removal Clinic says:
    June 17, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    […] may experience some side effects such as blistering, scabbing, swelling, but these are signs that the treatment is working and the […]

    Reply
  2. Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cause Skin Cancer says:
    December 18, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    […] issues are uncommon with the majority patients. If you do happen to suffer from any of the above, nearly all issues are treatable and not that uncomfortable. However, it is highly recommended to follow the guidance and advice of your laser technician, as […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Specials Premium Premium Tattoo Removal

Book a Free Consulatation

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • We cannot guarantee the date you select. We will contact you to confirm availability.

KHOU-11-News-Premium-Tattoo-Removal
Video-Butten-KHOU-News
Request  price quote for laser tattoo removal

Recent Blog Posts

  • Tattoo Pigments Are Not as Permanent as We Thought

    September 25, 2018
  • Can You Get a Tattoo After Laser Tattoo Removal?

    September 5, 2018
  • 10 Reasons Why Your Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment isn’t Working

    February 9, 2018
  • Introduction to Laser in Medicine

    October 30, 2017
  • Can Tattoos Change the Way You Sweat?

    September 16, 2017
  • Eyebrow Laser Tattoo Removal

    June 28, 2017
  • Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cause Skin Cancer?

    December 9, 2016
  • What You Shouldn’t Do Before Your Laser Tattoo Removal Session

    October 25, 2016
  • What Kind of Ink is Used for Tattoos?

    September 23, 2016
  • Risks of Non-Laser Tattoo Removal Methods

    June 17, 2016
  • Can You Get Laser Tattoo Removal On Your Face or Neck?

    June 10, 2016
  • The Laser Tattoo Removal Healing Process

    May 5, 2016
  • How often can you get Laser Tattoo Removal?

    April 23, 2016
  • Laser Tattoo Removal before a Cover-Up Tattoo

    March 6, 2016
  • Do Tattoo Removal Creams really Work?

    February 21, 2016
  • Free Radiation Mark Removal

    February 10, 2016
  • Laser Tattoo Removal on Dark or Black Skin

    February 5, 2016
  • What is the White Frosting caused by Laser Tattoo Removal?

    January 15, 2016
  • Things you didn’t Know about Laser Tattoo Removal

    December 11, 2015
  • Is it Painful to Get Tattoos Removed?

    November 23, 2015
  • Is it Safe to have Laser Tattoo Removal while Pregnant?

    November 23, 2015

Clinic Hours

Monday-Friday 8am-8pm

Saturday 9am-2pm

Sunday Closed

100%-Guarantee Tattoo Removal

Copyright © 2023 Premium Tattoo Removal| 3033 Chimney Rock Rd, 77056 Houston TX | Privacy Policy