Consider getting a tattoo erased or perhaps you no longer find the design to be as appealing.

Or perhaps the tattoo artist made an error and was unable to correct it to your satisfaction.

Whatever your motivations, sorrow over a tattoo may prompt you to think about laser tattoo removal, the most effective way to get rid of unsightly ink.

When you receive a tattoo, a tiny mechanical needle injects color into your skin’s dermis, which is the topmost layer (dermis).

Because lasers can penetrate the epidermis and break down the pigment so that your body can either absorb or excrete it, laser tattoo removal is effective.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

✅ The most frequent side effect of laser tattoo removal is blistering, however, these blisters normally go away in two weeks.

✅ You can hasten the healing process and reduce your risk of problems by adhering to your aftercare instructions. 

✅ Refrain from popping or picking at any blisters you develop.

 

The method for tattoo removal that is most efficient is laser removal. Nevertheless, the procedure necessitates some recuperation time. Additionally, it may cause skin discoloration, edema, and blisters as side effects.

After laser tattoo removal, blistering is pretty typical, especially in those with darker skin. Blisters are also more likely to form if you ignore your dermatologist’s aftercare instructions. Continue reading to find out more about tattoo removal blisters and how to speed up their recovery.

 

Can removing tattoos by laser cause blisters?

Blisters after tattoo removal are real and do happen.

Q-switched lasers, which specialists deemed the safest for this technique, were generally utilized in the past for laser tattoo removal. These lasers break the tattoo particles by using very brief pulse durations.

The pulse duration of more contemporary picosecond lasers is significantly shorter. Since they can more effectively target the tattoo pigment, they have a smaller impact on the skin around the tattoo. Picosecond lasers have become the industry standard for tattoo removal because they are more efficient and require fewer treatments.

Rapid, intense light pulses that the laser emits cause the pigment particles to break apart during the laser tattoo removal procedure. Blisters may develop as a result of the heat, particularly when high-intensity lasers are utilized.

This is due to the fact that blisters are your body’s response to skin burns or friction. To aid in the healing of the wounded skin, they produce a shield over it.

Blisters following laser tattoo removal may be impossible to totally avoid, however having the process done by a board-certified dermatologist can help to reduce your risk of developing blisters or suffering other negative effects.

 

What is the duration of the blisters?

Blisters for tattoo removal typically appear a few hours after a laser therapy session. Removal may require 4 to 15 sessions, depending on the color, age, and style of your tattoo. dependable source

The blisters typically last a week or two, and the treated region may exhibit some crusting and scab as well.

Be sure to always adhere to your dermatologist’s aftercare recommendations. After getting a tattoo erased, taking proper care of your skin can not only help avoid blisters but also hasten the healing process.

 

How to treat skin that has blistered

More advice on how to treat blisters left behind after tattoo removal can be found by your dermatologist. The following recommendations will typically be included in aftercare instructions for skin that has blistered:

  • Refrain from popping the blisters because doing so increases the chance of infection.
  • Leave the bandage on your skin for the full 24 hours, or for the time period that your dermatologist recommended.
  • After removing the first covering, gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water, pat it dries gently, and then apply a thin coating of the supplied antibacterial ointment.

This cream should be applied three to four times daily.

  • Up until the blisters have healed, keep using ointment and wrapping your skin in a bandage.

Other general pointers to aid you in recovering from laser tattoo removal include:

  • Wait till your skin has healed before soaking it in water. This covers swimming, hot tubs, and baths.
  • To reduce swelling, keep the affected area of your body upright.
  • To ease any pain for 24 hours following tattoo removal, use cold compresses as needed.
  • If necessary, take an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Refrain from picking at your scabs or blisters.
  • Wait till the wound is totally healed before shaving the area.
  • After laser tattoo removal, wait at least 48 hours before using lotions, makeup, or other skin care products, or until your blisters are fully healed, whichever comes first.
  • Refrain from scratching it if your skin starts to itch. Consult your dermatologist or another medical expert for guidance on the best time and type of cream to use.
  • After removing the bandage, cover the treated area with broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading outside.

Additional negative effects

In addition to discomfort and burning, lasers can result in a variety of other potential side effects. Also, keep in mind that there may be a greater risk of negative effects from laser removal for tattoos that are more vivid and intricate. Tattoo removal may cause temporary side effects like discomfort, skin discoloration, pinpoint bleeding, swelling, crusting, and an allergic reaction resembling hives.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, your skin may begin to recover as soon as 5 days following the treatment if you don’t develop blistering. It usually takes a week or two for blisters after tattoo removal to completely heal.

The skin behind the dead skin cells may first appear pale pink, white, and different from your normal skin tone. This color shift is merely transient. Within around 4 weeks, the skin ought to recover completely. According to any aftercare recommendations, you can hasten the healing process and lower your risk of infection and other problems.

Following laser tattoo removal, you can also suffer a delayed reaction or side effects that take longer to manifest. You might observe, for example, hyperpigmentation, which makes the skin appear darker, or hypopigmentation, which makes the skin appear lighter.  Localized bumps or raised patches have an allergic reaction, have darkening or lightening of the tattoo pigment, lingering tattoo pigment, abnormal skin texture, and in some cases scarring.

Darker skin types may be more susceptible to hypopigmentation, or lighter skin, as a result of laser tattoo removal. You might wish to discuss this with the expert who will be removing the tattoo in advance. You might also think about hiring a specialist with knowledge of laser tattoo removal on darker skin.

Deeper dermal penetrating lasers can help reduce your risk for both skin damage and hyperpigmentation.

Although it’s common to suffer some side effects after laser tattoo removal, you should be aware of some symptoms that call for medical treatment right away.

If your skin hasn’t healed after two weeks or if you see any of the following, it’s a good idea to contact your care team:

  • skin that feels hot or tender to the touch
  • leaking or pus
  • increased pain, swelling, or irritation
  • a huge blister (bulla)
  • streaks spreading from the treated region
  • fever or chills
  • an overall feeling of bad health.

 

 

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