A tattoo lasts forever, unless you're willing to take some painful steps to have it removed. Laser tattoo removal treatments target the tattoo ink and break it down into smaller and smaller pieces, until they are gradually removed from the skin over a period of weeks, according to Baylor University College of Medicine. While laser tattoo removal can get rid of unwanted tattoos, there are some risks--though rare--associated with the procedure.
Skin Sensitivity
Laser tattoo removal typically requires one to 10 treatments to remove the tattoo, according to Dr. Jason Lupton, a dermatologist in private practice in Palo Alto, Calif. The laser is designed to pass through the visible layer of the skin without damaging the tissue, and targets only the ink of the tattoo itself. However, the treatment can leave your skin sensitive to light and bacterial infection, requiring you to keep the area bandaged and treated with anti-bacterial ointment. Such treatments can last several days or weeks.
Scarring and Pigmentation Changes
While most laser tattoo removal treatments pose little risk or permanent side effects, there is a possibility of permanent scarring or alterations in a person's skin pigmentation, according to a paper published by Dr. Christopher Arpey at the University of Iowa. The risk of permanent scarring is low, less than a few percent, while pigmentation changes typically last for a few days and then fade away.
Other Dangers
Another potential danger in laser tattoo removal, though minimal, is bruising and flaking of the skin surrounding the tattoo. These side effects can occur with any laser treatment process, and are temporary. They can happen even if the tattoo isn't removed completely, but are superficial in nature and tend to fade quickly, according to Dr. Arpey.
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