Tattoo Removal Q&A
77%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
54 Reviews
Tattoo Removalbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Tattoo Removal Cost: $650

Learn about Tattoo Removal

355 people and 123 doctors are talking about Tattoo Removal

Get Free Email Updates

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftermath, I Thought There Would Be More Blistering and Scabbing, Normal?

asked 11 months ago by kozey in Laguna Niguel, CA
Latest answer by Sanusi Umar, MD
Question viewed 396 times
Tags: effective, normal, peeling, scab

I just had my first laser tattoo removal session 2 days ago and I'm not experiencing any of the blistering and scabbing I was warned about. There is some minor inflammation but other than that, the treated area looks/feels fine. I also don't see much of a difference with the tattoo (I realize it will take 6+ sessions but I was expecting better results after the first session). Does it take a few days/weeks for the body to absorb the ink or should I assume the treatment wasn't very effective?

3 answers to Laser Tattoo Removal Aftermath, I Thought There Would Be More Blistering and Scabbing, Normal?

+1

Laser Tattoo Removal Does Not Always Result in Blistering and Scabbing

Laser tattoo removal does not necessarily result in blistering and scabbing. If the design is fairly small and there is a minimal amount of ink involved, the pigment will readily absorbs the laser energy (e.g. black ink), and break up into smaller particles. Also it is not uncommon for the results after the first treatment to appear negligible. It will probably take several sessions before you start to see noticeable changes. To answer your last question, it takes about 4-6... more
Sanusi Umar, MD

Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.finetouchdermatology.com

+1

No skin reaction after laser tattoo removal treatment

It is not necessary to get an obvious "healing reaction" after laser tattoo removal treatments. As explained in my book Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery, specialized Q-switched lasers have a specific effect on the tattoo ink particles (breaking them up) and when used properly do not cause damage to the surrounding skin. This type of non-surgical treatment is very different from traditional surgery such as dermabrasion, in which the skin containing the tattoo is sanded off.... more
Robert C. Langdon, MD

Guilford Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser tattoo removal does not need to scab and look bad to be effective.

Laser tattoo removal does not need to scab and look bad to be effective. The degree of inflammation, crusting and scabbing depends on the color and density of the tattoo pigment and the laser energy used to treat the tattoo. You will be able to tell how effective the treatment is after one month. see video
Mark Taylor, MD

Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon

Ask a question