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Laser Tattoo Removal Healing Process: What Happens After Laser Tattoo Removal

Updated: Oct 3

This guide covers the laser tattoo removal healing process. Learn what happens every day of your healing journey:



If you have questions or concerns about your healing process, call (905) 451-4545.


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Day 1 After Laser Tattoo Removal

Immediately after laser tattoo removal, the treated area will be red and swollen and may feel warm to the touch. Patients often describe the sensation as similar to a sunburn. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, some pinpoint bleeding or blistering may occur. 

You can expect mild discomfort, which can be managed with cold compresses and topical ointments, as your healthcare provider recommends. An antibiotic ointment or a simple emollient is usually applied to protect the skin and reduce infection risk. The area should be kept clean and dry, and sun exposure should be avoided.


Day 2 to 3 After Laser Tattoo Removal

By the second day, swelling typically subsides, but the treated area may still be tender. Small blisters may form, which is normal. These blisters will usually contain fluid and may feel tight. 


The skin may start to feel itchy as healing progresses. To prevent scarring, avoid scratching or popping blisters. Patients are advised to continue applying the prescribed ointment and avoid soaking the area in water, such as baths or swimming pools.


Day 4 to 7 After Laser Tattoo Removal

During this phase, the blisters will start to dry out and form scabs or crusts. The treated area may feel less tender, but the skin could still appear red and irritated. Itching is common as the skin begins to heal. 


Patients should resist the urge to pick at any scabs or flakes, as this can lead to scarring or infection. The tattooed area may start to lighten slightly, though the full effects won’t be visible for several weeks. Protective clothing and sunblock should be used to shield the area from UV rays.


Day 7 to 14 After Laser Tattoo Removal

Most of the initial swelling and irritation will have diminished by this time. Any remaining scabs will begin to fall off naturally. The skin may return to its normal texture, although it might still appear slightly discolored or lighter than the surrounding areas. 


The area may continue to lighten, but complete tattoo fading will take multiple sessions. Sun protection remains crucial, as UV exposure can worsen pigmentation issues during healing.


Day 15 and Beyond

By the third week, most visible signs of healing, such as redness and scabbing, will have subsided. The treated skin might still feel sensitive, and some lightening of the tattoo will be noticeable, though further treatments may be required for complete removal. 


The skin will continue to recover over the next few weeks to months, and some patients may notice temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Protective skin care, such as moisturizers and sunscreen, will aid in restoring the skin to a healthier appearance.


How Long Does it Take to Heal from Laser Tattoo Removal?

Healing from laser tattoo removal typically takes 4 to 8 weeks per session. The exact time varies based on the tattoo's size, location, color, and the patient's skin type. 


Most immediate side effects, such as redness, swelling, and blistering, will subside within the first week. Scabbing and crusting may take another week or two to resolve. Full skin recovery, including fading discoloration, can take up to 8 weeks.


To prevent complications like scarring or pigment changes, it's important to avoid sun exposure during the healing process and follow aftercare instructions. Multiple treatments may be needed, with sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, for optimal healing and tattoo removal results.


How to Care for the Skin Following Laser Tattoo Removal

Follow these care tips after your laser tattoo removal:


Day 1: Immediate Aftercare


  • Cool Compresses: After your laser tattoo removal session, apply cool compresses (a soft washcloth soaked in cool water or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth) to the treated area. This helps reduce swelling, discomfort, and inflammation during the first few hours.

  • Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the treated area with mild soap and water. Pat dry with a clean towel to avoid any irritation.

Day 2 to 3: Managing Early Healing

  • Apply Ointment: Use an antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin, to keep the area moist and prevent infection. This step helps the skin heal properly without excessive scabbing.

  • Protect with Dressing: If your dermatologist instructs, cover the area with a sterile bandage to keep it clean. Avoid any friction or irritation from clothing.

Day 4 to 7: Reducing Side Effects

  • Moisturize Regularly: Continue applying a non-scented, hydrating moisturizer to maintain moisture in the skin. This helps prevent excessive dryness and peeling.

  • Avoid Picking or Scratching: It's common for the treated area to scab or blister, but avoid picking at it. This reduces the risk of infection and scarring.

Week 2 to 3: Long-Term Care

  • Sun Protection: If the treated area is exposed to sunlight every day, apply sunscreen with a high SPF. Sun protection is critical during the healing process, as the skin is sensitive and more prone to pigmentation changes.

  • Gentle Exfoliation: After the skin has healed, you may gently exfoliate the area to remove any dead skin cells. This promotes even skin texture and further fading of the tattoo remnants.

General Tips

  • Avoid Hot Water: Wash the area with lukewarm water. Hot water can irritate the skin and slow the healing process.

  • No Makeup or Lotions with Fragrance: For the first week, avoid applying makeup, lotions, or deodorants (if the area is near the underarms), as these can irritate the skin.

  • Avoid Tanning and Sun Exposure: Direct sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation or burns on the treated area. Refrain from tanning beds, sunbathing, or excessive UV exposure until the skin has fully healed.

Pain and Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal can cause varying levels of discomfort depending on the individual’s pain tolerance, the tattoo’s location, size, and ink color. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. 

Tattoos on sensitive areas like the ribs, ankles, or wrists can cause more discomfort. To manage pain, dermatologists may apply topical anesthetics like lidocaine, which numbs the skin before treatment.

Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal, while generally safe, can cause several temporary side effects:

  • Redness and Swelling: The treated area may become red and swollen immediately after the procedure. Depending on skin sensitivity, these side effects last a few hours to several days.

  • Blisters: Blisters can develop within 24 hours of treatment, especially for tattoos with multiple layers of ink. While alarming, blisters are part of the body’s natural healing process and typically heal within a week.

  • Crusting and Scabbing: As the skin heals, it may develop a thin crust or scab. This is a normal reaction and should be allowed to heal naturally without picking, which could increase the risk of scarring.

  • Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation: Changes in skin color can occur, with the treated area appearing darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than the surrounding skin. These effects are more common in people with darker skin tones and usually resolve over time.

  • Itching: Itching is a common side effect as the skin heals, but scratching should be avoided to prevent infection or scarring.

Long-Term Side Effects

  • Scarring: Although rare, there is a small risk of scarring after laser tattoo removal. This is more likely if aftercare instructions aren’t followed or if the skin is picked during healing.

  • Infection: If the treated area is not properly cleaned or covered, there is a risk of infection. Signs of infection include pus, increased redness, and swelling.

Patients should contact their dermatologist if they notice severe pain, blistering, or signs of infection during the healing process.

Contact Alternative Laser Health for Laser Tattoo Removal in Mississauga Ontario

For safe and effective laser tattoo removal in Mississauga, Ontario, trust Alternative Laser Health. With over 11 years of experience, our lead technician, Steven, ensures that your tattoo removal is handled professionally and with precision. 

Using advanced technologies like PicoSure® and PicoWay®, we target tattoos of various sizes and colors, offering personalized care to meet your specific needs.

Our clinic is dedicated to providing top-tier service with a focus on safety. With a 90% client retention rate, we consistently achieve excellent results. 

Call (905) 451-4545 to schedule your laser tattoo removal at our Mississauga clinic and experience the benefits of professional tattoo removal.

FAQs

How long does it take for a tattoo to fade after laser removal?

The fading process after laser tattoo removal can take 6 to 12 weeks. Multiple sessions are usually needed, with noticeable fading occurring gradually after each treatment. The tattoo will typically continue to fade between sessions as your body removes the ink fragments.

What should my tattoo look like after the first laser removal?

After the first laser removal session, your tattoo may appear red, swollen, and raised. Some areas might blister, scab, or form a white frosting effect immediately after treatment, which is a sign that the laser is breaking down the ink particles.

Can You Shower After Laser Tattoo Removal?

You can shower after laser tattoo removal, but avoiding hot water and high-pressure streams directly on the treated area is important. Gently pat the area dry and avoid soaking it in a bath, pool, or hot tub for at least 48 hours to prevent irritation or infection.

What is not normal after laser tattoo removal?

After laser tattoo removal, signs of infection, excessive blistering, severe pain, or prolonged redness are not normal and may indicate complications. If you notice these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

How do I know if laser tattoo removal is working?

You can tell that laser tattoo removal is working if the tattoo lightens over time and becomes less visible after each session. The treated area may show signs of fading within a few weeks as the body breaks down the ink particles and removes them naturally.

How can laser tattoo removal go wrong?

Laser tattoo removal can go wrong if improper aftercare leads to infection, scarring, or changes in skin pigmentation. Other potential complications include burns, prolonged blistering, or ineffective ink removal due to improper laser settings or skin type.


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