2 weeks after tattoo removal and some lines and features of tattoo are risen and red. It's also extremely itchy! Is this normal?

Question

I had my first session of tattoo removal done 2 week ago. I'm getting 2 removed. Both have been healing really well until a few days ago when the intense itching began. Then one on my wrist has now turned red and the lines on the tattoo are risen and red...The one on my forearm is doing the same, some parts are risen and some parts have little bumps all over it (quite a big tattoo) and on some spots the skin looks really shiny. Does this sound normal? Or should I be concerned?

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

I know this is an old post, but I'd like to respond for the sake of others reading this thread who may experience something similar.
Many features of this recovery are concerning.  Two weeks out, this is a time the treatment area should be calming down, not flaring up with new symptoms.  Whenever recovery doesn't go as predicted, I recommend being seen by your laser practitioner and a physician.  Hopefully they are one and the same, but if they're not, call the doctor first.  I personally have a very low threshold for rechecking my patients when there is ANY concern about recovery.  If you're shopping for laser tattoo removal, it's important to ask about how complications are handled.  Will you been seen immediately, blown off, or directed to an ER?  Complications are rare, but that doesn't stop thoughtful providers from being prepared.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

A picture would have been very helpful here.This is like dermatology where 2 dermatologists can speak the 'derm' language and describe a skin problem so well that the other one knows exactly what it is. What is red to you as a non hysician may mean inflammation or infection or a burn or other. It would be best to show pictures so that the physicians in this forum can help you with the question(s) at hand.

2 weeks after tattoo removal and some lines and features of tattoo are risen and red. It's also extremely itchy! Is this normal?

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2 weeks after tattoo removal and some lines and features of tattoo are risen and red. It's also extremely itchy! Is this normal?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.