I got a tattoo removed (q-switch) laser 5 days ago. I got swollen to the size of a golf ball and very red and painful! Swelling has gone down but I'm worried it might be infected? It has some yellow pus but not too much. It is still painful!
February 17, 2017
Answer: Infection after tattoo removal The redness, pain, and pus indicate that there may be an infection. You should see a doctor as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment. If there is no doctor present at the laser clinic where you were treated, you need to find another doctor to see you today. Regards,Dr. Ort
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February 17, 2017
Answer: Infection after tattoo removal The redness, pain, and pus indicate that there may be an infection. You should see a doctor as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment. If there is no doctor present at the laser clinic where you were treated, you need to find another doctor to see you today. Regards,Dr. Ort
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February 17, 2017
Answer: Blistering after Laser Tattoo Removal Thanks for your question. Q-Switch or nanosecond lasers have a more inherent risk of complication over picosecond lasers. Blistering is more common on the lower extremities (below elbows and knees) because blood flow is less so healing is slower. Laser tattoo removal blisters should generally be treated like those from a sun burn. We do not recommend you puncture (pop) them. If you must, use a sterile needle to drain the fluid, but keep the overlying skin otherwise intact and in place to protect the healing area. We also recommend keeping it elevated as much as possible. Avoid heat (hot tub, hard cardio workout, working outside, etc.) for 24 hours after laser treatment and as long as you have blisters. There are several ways to tell if it gets infected: fever or high heat on the treated area (although with swelling, you can expect that area to be warmer than non-swollen areas of your body), appearance of pus or drainage of any color other than clear, if the swelling decreases, then seems to increase again, especially if the swelling becomes hard or painful. You will probably know if it becomes infected-the appearance of the wound will change. If you have any questions about it at all, seek medical attention immediately.
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February 17, 2017
Answer: Blistering after Laser Tattoo Removal Thanks for your question. Q-Switch or nanosecond lasers have a more inherent risk of complication over picosecond lasers. Blistering is more common on the lower extremities (below elbows and knees) because blood flow is less so healing is slower. Laser tattoo removal blisters should generally be treated like those from a sun burn. We do not recommend you puncture (pop) them. If you must, use a sterile needle to drain the fluid, but keep the overlying skin otherwise intact and in place to protect the healing area. We also recommend keeping it elevated as much as possible. Avoid heat (hot tub, hard cardio workout, working outside, etc.) for 24 hours after laser treatment and as long as you have blisters. There are several ways to tell if it gets infected: fever or high heat on the treated area (although with swelling, you can expect that area to be warmer than non-swollen areas of your body), appearance of pus or drainage of any color other than clear, if the swelling decreases, then seems to increase again, especially if the swelling becomes hard or painful. You will probably know if it becomes infected-the appearance of the wound will change. If you have any questions about it at all, seek medical attention immediately.
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