After laser treatment to remove my tattoos, my skin is blistering really bad - is this normal? What should I do?? (photo)

Question

I am concerned that the may scar. Non of the blisters have popped and I've been doing my best to not irritate them. I put neosporin on them everyday and cover them when I am sleeping. Will these scar? Should I do anything different? They are very painful to the touch, so I can't let them lay against anything - like clothes or blankets. My tattoo doctor says that it is normal - but I want to be sure. This happened after my 3rd treatment, when the doc used a new laser.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Please make an appointment to see your doctor about this as soon as possible. This isn't a normal response, especially after a third treatment. It looks as if your setting was too aggressive. I'm sorry that you are experiencing this.My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is likely due to too much heat generated, but I suggest a formal consultation to ensure no infection and prevention of scarring.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Rebekah.  Your outcome is not normal.  Although we have seen this in the past, it normally does not occur after the third treatment and it looks like it was a very aggressive treatment.  One tattoo we treated was placed overseas and had an unknown ink that caused a huge blister and injection after treatment.  We had to cease the treatments as it continued at the second visit.  It should be evaluated for a possible infection.  Your healing should also involve diligent sun avoidance and constant moisturizer (after the blisters).

Renita (Lourdhurajan) Rajan, MD, DNB · Answer

Hi,It is quite common to see blisters post laser tattoo removal. But it is best to not allow them to linger on too long, for that can cause scarring/ textural changes. The fluid should be drained carefully, without removing the roof of the blister. Once that is done, there is nothing much to worry about.And yes, your treatment provider should consider reducing the intensity.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is absolutely not normal. Please see another doc immediately to help heal from this burn. I have never experienced this problem. I'm concerned for scarring in future.

After laser treatment to remove my tattoos, my skin is blistering really bad - is this normal? What should I do?? (photo)

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Answer: Blisters post laser tattoo removal

Answer: Blisters post laser tattoo removal

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After laser treatment to remove my tattoos, my skin is blistering really bad - is this normal? What should I do?? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Blisters post laser tattoo removal

Answer: Blisters post laser tattoo removal

Answer: Blistering after tattoo removal

Answer: Blistering after tattoo removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

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