The healing process for laser tattoo removal involves several aftercare precautions to prevent infection and permanent scarring. The process of laser tattoo removal can be painful and may require several sessions before you begin to see a lightening of the tattoo pigments. Knowing about the process and the risks can better prepare you to keep your skin healthy.
Preparation
Consult a dermatologist before removing your tattoo by laser treatment. The Yes They're Fake website suggests avoiding laser tattoo removal if you have taken Accutane within the past 12 to 18 months because it can cause thickening of the skin and increase your risk of scarring.
Tattoo Removal Process
Laser tattoo removal targets the carbon particles or dyes in the skin for selective destruction of the pigment, according to Skin Care Guide. The laser ruptures the cells that contain the ink particles of the tattoo. The body recognizes the ink as a foreign material, resulting in inflammation, according to Tattoo Removal.
Aftercare
The area of your tattoo can swell or blister within the first two days following the laser treatment procedure, according to Skin Care Guide. White crusting can form at the area, leading to a scab that can remain for between 10 and 14 days. A doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to reduce infection and acetaminophen to reduce pain, according to Tattoo Removal. Change your wound dressing often to avoid infection, and always wash your hands before changing the dressing. Avoid exposing the area to the sun to protect your skin from sunburn and to prevent any effect on the remaining pigment. You may develop an allergic reaction to the pigment as the lasers break down the skin cells containing the ink. Tattoo Removal warns of the rare possibility of developing a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to the inks as they break down in your skin.
What to Avoid
The treated area can feel like a sunburn, and the skin may feel tight. Avoid making excessive movements with the area to prevent tearing the skin as it heals. The Yes They're Fake website warns against using products containing glycolic acid or using exfoliation products because they can damage and irritate the skin. The website cautions never to peel, rub or scratch the skin for any reason because it can cause scarring. Using aspirin or ibuprofen to alleviate the pain may increase bruising or swelling of the treatment site, according to Tattoo Removal.
Considerations
The price of laser tattoo removal treatment can vary between $200 and $500 per session as of 2010, according to the DocShop website. The number of sessions you may require for complete removal of the tattoo can vary depending on the size of the tattoo and the color and quality of the pigments. Skin Care Guide suggests that complete clearing of the pigments may not be possible, but that laser tattoo removal aims to lighten the pigments of your tattoo. The website also reports that you can see visible lightening of the tattoo beginning at about four weeks after the treatment session.
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