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There are several reasons why you might decide to get a tattoo removed. You may dislike your tattoo, you may have issues with getting employed, the tattoo may have been done poorly, or many other reasons. Fortunately, there is an option for unwanted tattoos, and that is laser tattoo removal. You may have some questions and concerns about having laser tattoo removal. Here are some answers to the most common questions.

Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?

When you get your tattoo removed with the laser, there will be some pain. Many people describe it as having a rubber band snapped against the skin or bacon grease being splashed up on the skin. There are skin numbing agents that can help you to feel more comfortable during this procedure. For example, there is a chilling machine that can help keep the skin cold during and after treatment. Your doctor may also use topical numbing cream, ice packs, or lidocaine injections.

Does Tattoo Removal Leave A Scar?

Many people are concerned that once they get a tattoo, scarring will remain. If you have scarring already from the tattoo, you can expect that scarring to remain.
Scarring can be minimalized by proper laser procedures and making sure that the right aftercare is done. Before you have your laser tattoo procedure, your doctor will look at your tattoo and tell you whether or not you will have scar tissue to deal with.

What Are The Side Effects Of Laser Tattoo Removal?

There are a few side effects that you can expect when having tattoo removal. Some people are more prone to side effects, while others may just have some minimal effects. The most common side effects include:

• Tenderness
• Redness
• Blistering
• Swelling
• Scabs
• Hyperpigmentation
• Hypopigmentation
• Bruising

These side effects should disappear within a couple of days after the laser removal. Blisters typically show up within twenty-four hours of treatment and may look very large. This is just a side effect of the treatment and will go away within a week or so.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

You may be curious how laser tattoo removal works. When the laser is turned on, it sends that energy into your skin. These energies are in different wavelengths that target each color of your tattoo. When the light is targeted into your skin, it is absorbed by the ink particles. This causes them to shatter into fragments. These fragments are then targeted by your body’s immune system to remove them. It takes several weeks to flush out all of the smaller pieces, but eventually, your body does the work, and your tattoo disappears. It may take several treatments to get rid of all the ink depending on the ink used, how big your tattoo is, and how your body responds.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have a tattoo that you no longer want, please schedule a consultation with Dr. David Baird, MD, today. He and his friendly office staff can help you remove the tattoo that you no longer want and have better-looking skin quickly. They will be able to explain the process to you and answer any questions that you may have. Call the office today or fill out the online contact form.