While looking for insights from real people regarding laser tattoo removal, you can come across some pretty graphic pictures of blisters, swelling, and redness surrounding tattoos treated by lasers. It’s enough to give you second thoughts about having laser tattoo removal treatments. Do these photos portray normal reactions to laser treatment, and is it possible for such horrendous looking wounds to heal without scarring?

Blisters, scabs, some swelling, and redness around the treated area is normal. The amount and size of the blisters is dependent mostly on the colors of your tattoo. Reds, yellows, and oranges tend to develop large blisters similar to the effects of a 2^nd degree burn. Blues and greens tend to blister as well, though typically not as severely as reds, yellows, and oranges. Black in can blister though it is not as common as other colors. Another cause of blistering can be sensitivity to the laser itself. Some patients may blister more than others.

Scabbing, inflammation, and redness are almost a certainty with laser tattoo removal. The redness and inflammation are actually signs that are looked for immediately after the laser has touched the skin. These signs indicate that the immune system is responding to the broken up ink.

So do these blistered, scabbed areas heal without scarring? As long as you follow the aftercare instructions provided to you by the doctor or laser specialist, complete healing should occur. Patients who have a history of keloid or abnormal scarring do have a greater risk for developing scars, however, for the majority of patients scarring is extremely rare.

As always if you have any questions either before starting laser tattoo removal treatments or after the treatment, do not hesitate to contact the office. Our staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have.