4th laser tattoo removal a week ago and have a bad smell coming from that area. Is it normal? Can it be an infection? (Photo)

Question

It currently looks like this right now I applied neospirin. No pain, no swelling or anything. Just a bad smell.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you could have an infection or abnormal healing, please see an expert for proper aftercare from laser tattoo removal.  Best, Dr. Emer.

M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your picture and question. Any time an odor occurs after a laser procedure we suggest having a follow up appointment with the provider that treated you. Just a precaution to make sure no infection is setting up and that you are healing properly.

Brian Citro, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting the photo. I'm not really sure what the smell is from but there are several possibilities. Regardless, it doesn't look infected to me and that would be unusual. If there was some damage to the skin from the laser treatment you could get some bacterial growth that could cause some odor, usually a kind of fruity stinky smell. The good news is you are doing exactly what I would have prescribed, apply antibiotic ointment at least three times a day. It should be fine. Best of luck.

4th laser tattoo removal a week ago and have a bad smell coming from that area. Is it normal? Can it be an infection? (Photo)

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4th laser tattoo removal a week ago and have a bad smell coming from that area. Is it normal? Can it be an infection? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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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.