Is it normal for the skin to be raised and bumpy after laser tattoo removal? (Photo)

Question

Hi, would like to know if it is normal for tattoo to be raised and bumpy after tattoo removal. There is no pain or redness whatsoever. Only the lasered area is raised, the skin around it is perfectly fine. I apply a very light layer of moisturiser to allow the skin to breathe and I have been taking antihistamines for the past 2 days. Is this just an inflammation due to immune response? I'm worried they might be keloids. I'm 75% covered in tattoos and have not suffered from keloid scars before

Michael Kerin, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for the question.  If your skin is raised immediately after the treatment, and up to a few days after treatment, this is a normal reaction.  If your skin is raised weeks after the treatment, this is not a normal response and you should follow up with your doctor.
Best of luck.
Michael Kerin MD

Bernard Tan, MBBS, MRCSB · Answer

hi!
swelling, redness and mild discomfort is expected after laser tattoo removal and will persist for several days. rarely, there could even be blister formation.

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

It is normal for an area of tattoo removal to be raised following laser tattoo removal. This is from the inflammation caused by the laser and will decrease over time. I would suggest being patient and waiting for the inflammation to resolve.  This is not due to keloid formation. Best wishes, Mary Beth Mudd

Is it normal for the skin to be raised and bumpy after laser tattoo removal? (Photo)

Answers (3)