6 weeks post Picosure laser and tattoo is still red, is something wrong? (photos)

Question

Hello, 6 weeks ago I had my first laser tattoo removal session with Picosure laser. My concern is that the lasered area is still red even though over a month has passed. It also has mild itching and the skin seems dry. I have been using vaseline on it to help with the dryness but that didn't help much so I switched to coconut oil. Is it inflamed or scarring?

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo. That looks to be a normal reaction and it takes time for the inflammation to decrease. Depending an the type of ink that was tattooed into the skin you may be having an allergic reaction to it. Adding heat to older tattoo ink may cause this reaction. Use Hydrocortizone cream and keep it moist it will help with itching and inflammation. I would also reach out to your provider to make them aware of this reaction.

William Groff, DO · Answer

Redness and swelling can last for up to 8 weeks post tattoo laser. While it is impossible to provide a formal assessment without seeing you as a patient in my clinic, it appears that you might need to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert in tattoo removal to prevent any future scarring or complications. They can assess if you need any additional healing modalities, such as Stratacel, or if you need any other treatments. In my practice, we use the PicoSure and PicoWay lasers in combination with the Q-switched laser to successfully remove tattoos of all colors and patterns in as little as 3-4 treatment sessions. In your case, I recommend seeing an expert.

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. NO, this is NOT a normal response to tattoo removal laser. I have never seen this with the PicoWay and I, unfortunately, expect this to leave a scar on you. I would not continue treatment with the current laser that did this to you. Please check in with the doctor who treated you so they know what their laser is doing. You need to start scar reducing methods as soon as possible. I like Mederma or Scar Recovery Gel by Skin Medica. Let me know if you have any further questions.

6 weeks post Picosure laser and tattoo is still red, is something wrong? (photos)

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6 weeks post Picosure laser and tattoo is still red, is something wrong? (photos)

Answers (3)

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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.