Tattoo removal laser burn - will it heal? (Photo)

Question

Hi there this is my second treatment of laser tattoo removal the first treatment was done at a well known tattoo parlour and took around 45 seconds to do the whole tattoo the second however was done a a local laser clinic and took around 1 min to do a very small test piece as you can see from the photos I was left with a rather bad hole in my arm from this treatment. My question is will this heal and is there anything I can do to help the healing process. Many thanks in advance Peter.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist for wound care. I recommend silicone gel with growth factors and hyperbaric oxygen to promote healing. I don't recommend further laser tattoo removal treatments, while this heals. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have laser tattoo removal to remove the remaining ink over scar tissue. I recommend having treatment with the Picosure laser as it is effective in removing 70-90% of a tattoo and works best on dark colors. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

I am so sorry that you experienced this. This is a deep burn that needs to be treated by physician ASAP. It will take time to heal and most likely you will have scarring after it is healed. After it heals, you can have a follow up with your provider to try different treatments to minimize appearance of the scar. Good luck!

Jared Mallalieu, DO · Answer

The most important thing you can do is keep this moist with an antibiotic ointment. This will help ensure no infection and will allow the healing process to take place. I would recommend seeing your treating provider as well. Best of luck, Dr. M

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your experience.This appears to be a very deep burn. It should be treated ASAP to minimize scarring and infection. I would suggest you consult a wound /burn center or provider who is experienced in treating burns.  It will eventually heal but it may leave a scar.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

You appear to have a small laser burn with skin injury and scabbing.  It's not possible to say how deep the burn is from the picture.  Usually for a burn we recommend keeping it moist with an ointment such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Cerave Ointment.  You need to watch the area for any signs of infection.  I would recommend that you get an in person evaluation by a dermatologist or other wound care specialist for more specific instructions and treatment.  Laser treatment can help to improve the appearance of a scar after the wound heals.  For future laser treatment of your tattoo, make sure to go to a qualified center which uses Q-switched or picosecond laser technology. Regards,Dr. Ort

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is definitely a burn from the laser. It requires wound care. It might need debridement and creams to expedite the healing. Unfortunately, there will be scarring. This needs attention sooner rather than later.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

This is definitely a deep but small burn that will take some time to heal. You don't need to over react. you can simply clean it with hydrogen peroxide (diluted in half), and use an antibiotic cream (Silvadene is excellent for burns and requires a prescription). you could see a plastic surgeon to keep an eye on it since we do a lot of burn training in our training (PS run the burn centers). Hyperbaric therapy is great but really should be reserved for complicated larger wounds. i would strongly recommend you get treated with the best laser in the market presently which is the Picosure laser by Cynosure (America's largest laser clinic). Get treated in a doctors office that has this laser and not some medispa or clinic. do not have any further laser treatments until your burn fully heals. you will get a small, permanent scar once it heals. good luck. david berman md

Tattoo removal laser burn - will it heal? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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