Bleeding after laser tattoo removal session, is this normal? (photo)

Question

I just got home from my removal session I feel I should mention that the session prior, I got an ice burn (they freeze the area before lasering) but I gave it two months for it to completed heal. I've never bled this much before I'm concerned that it might leave a scar or something. I called the place and the girl who performed on me said that it was normal to bleed, but I want to make sure. The areas that are bright red are dried blood. How should I care for this? How should I wash the area?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Bleeding is likely due to treatment performed too aggressively. I suggest speaking to your treating dermatologist as they will have suggestions for wound care.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Bleeding is a possibility when doing laser tattoo removal, but is not necessarily the response that we would like to see. Taking care of the tattoo post treatment is definitely an important part of successfully removing a tattoo with minimal to no scarring. Post care instructions are as follows:

POSTOPERATIVE TREATMENT CAREImmediately after treatment, there should be a “slight
frosting” on the area that is treated. Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling)
at the treatment site can occur and may last up to 2 hours or longer. Pinpoint
bleeding may also occur.An ointment (Aquaphor, bacitracin, or even Vaseline) should
be applied to the treated area and covered with a non-stick bandage.After treatment, the skin will scab over. It is very
important not to pick, scratch or aggressively wash the area to prevent
possible scarring. This crust should flake off in 7-10 days.Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of
hyper-pigmentation (darker pigmentation)Use sun block (SPF 30+) at all times throughout the course
of your treatments.There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the
area gently, as with any other wound.

Good Luck!

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

We typically recommend applying Aquaphor Healing Ointment to the lasered area until any scabbing resolves.  Any time the skin is broken there is a small risk for infection so watch for any abnormal symptoms such as redness, pain, etc.  Call your doctor if you have any concerns.Regards,Dr. Ort

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

In general, this is not the desired outcome but it does occur. Open skin wounds should be treated with aquaphor until closed. I could take a week or 10 days for this to heal.

Bleeding after laser tattoo removal session, is this normal? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Wound care after laser tattoo removal

Answer: Wound care after laser tattoo removal

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Bleeding after laser tattoo removal session, is this normal? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Wound care after laser tattoo removal

Answer: Wound care after laser 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.