Tattoo removal has become increasingly popular during recent times yet many patients remain concerned about the after effects it produces on their skin. The main concern is in regard to whether tattoo removal procedures result in scar formation. The short answer is that modern laser tattoo removal rarely causes scarring—as long as it’s done correctly and you follow proper aftercare. The procedure of laser or saline tattoo removal can result in scars when the treatments are done poorly by inexperienced practitioners.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
The current gold standard for getting rid of tattoos is laser tattoo removal, which is the safest and most efficient tattoo removal process. The procedure uses very short bursts of laser energy to skin to break down tattoo ink particles into smaller bits and pieces. Once the tattoo ink particles are broken apart by the laser, the body’s immune system can more effectively remove them.
The most advanced laser systems in the field include Q-switched and Pico (PicoSure) lasers which target the tattoo pigment below the skin while keeping the upper layers intact and unharmed. In most cases, laser tattoo removal is very safe. But when an inexperienced practitioner uses a laser for tattoo removal, scars are possible.
The tattoo removal process can leave scars if too much energy or even the wrong type of laser light is used. Different elements of treatment including your skin color, the tattoo color and how deeply the ink is embedded can determine the risk of scarring.
What Causes Tattoo Removal Scarring
Laser treatment does not often lead to skin scarring, yet various factors can have an effect on tattoo scarring. The following list highlights the main risk factors associated with laser tattoo removal scarring:
Improper Aftercare
One reason for scar development occurs when patients fail to follow aftercare instructions. The treated area may experience permanent color or texture if you scratch, pick at it or rub against the treatment area after the laser.
Infection
Patients should maintain proper cleanliness of the area and stay away from activities such as swimming in a public pool, which could expose the treated area to bacteria. A laser tattoo removal treatment area infection may result in raised scars or thickened skin.
Over-Treatment
Using too high of a laser setting or performing too many sessions close together can also harm the skin. Your provider should maintain appropriate settings which correspond to your skin tone and tattoo type and schedule treatments NO LESS THAN 4 WEEKS APART. We recommend at least 6-8 weeks apart for our patients to minimize side effects and so that the body has time to remove the smaller treated ink particles.
Pre-Existing Skin Conditions
If you have a history of keloids or abnormal wound healing, you may be more prone to scarring, even with careful treatment. So, does tattoo removal leave scarring? It is possible, but rare.
What Tattoo Removal Looks Like Before and After
The skin area which received treatment will show mild signs of irritation and redness as a reaction to laser therapy. The treatment area will be red or irritated and swelling may be present. Frosting, which is a white appearing skin film, is present immediately after treatment. These are short-term reactions and not indicative of laser tattoo removal scarring.
Small blisters and scabs can sometimes develop during the recovery process, although this reaction is not the norm. The body needs time to heal from injuries so picking at scabs can increase the chances of permanent scarring. The laser tattoo removal process does not normally result in scarring because these changes represent the body’s natural method of healing and eliminating the tattoo ink from the skin.
Some patients (usually darker skin types) can develop pigmentation changes that result in either darker or light spots. This is rare. Following after care instructions and getting treatment with an experienced practitioner can help avoid these changes and side effects.
How to Prevent Scarring After Tattoo Removal
The process of scar prevention begins immediately after your treatment. Here’s how to make sure your skin heals properly:
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Your medical provider will provide you with important after care instructions, which you should follow closely. Your practitioner will create a personalized after treatment plan to avoid scarring after they evaluate your skin type and perform the treatment.
Avoid Sun Exposure
The treated area needs protection from sunlight using clothing or complete sun avoidance. UV exposure during the healing process can cause darkening of the skin and increase the likelihood of scar formation.
Don’t Pick or Scratch
The skin needs to follow its natural healing process if blisters or pinpoint bleeding develop. Even when itching or flaking appears you should not pick or scratch the areas. Picking at the skin can lead to open wounds which can develop into textured or colored scars.
Keep the area Clean and Moisturized
Use mild soapy water to clean the area gently. Apply an antibiotic ointment or a hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer.
Use Silicone Gel or Scar Cream
The skin needs to heal completely before silicone-based products become effective for scar reduction and texture improvement.
Choose a Qualified Medical Provider
An experienced laser tattoo removal provider who uses modern equipment and understands your skin tone makes a huge difference in avoiding tattoo removal scars. The risk of tattoo removal scarring increases when your medical provider lacks the proper training and experience.
Following these steps will help you heal properly and minimize the chance of scarring from tattoo removal.
What to Do If You Notice a Scar Developing
If a scar starts to develop post laser treatment, contact your provider immediately. The skin appearance can be improved through several available remedies.
- Your healthcare provider will assess the area to determine if your skin issue represents a scar or merely a normal recovery including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- If textural issues present, fractional lasers, steroid injections or silicon scar sheets are all options for improving raised or uneven scars.
- Laser treatments and hydroquinone can be used for red and brown pigment changes.
Healing and scar remodeling may be used over the course of several months to remedy tattoo removal scarring. Your aftercare may need ongoing attention and dedication to achieve the best post tattoo removal scarring outcome.
Myths About Tattoo Removal and Scarring
There are many misconceptions about laser tattoo removal scarring. Let’s clear up a few:
Myth: Laser tattoo removal always leaves scars.
Fact: Modern laser systems are highly precise and designed to protect your skin. The correct execution of this procedure results in no scarring. Tattoo removal scarring is rare.
Myth: Redness or blistering means you’ll have a scar.
Fact: These are signs of healing and in the vast majority of cases, do not lead to scarring.
Myth: Any medical provider can perform tattoo removal safely.
Fact: Laser tattoo removal requires extensive training and experience to do well and to avoid scarring. Always choose an experienced provider and longstanding medical office.
Previous knowledge of tattoo laser removal scarring enables your practitioner to take the necessary precautions for your skin type and tattoo color.
Conclusion: Smooth Skin Is Possible with Proper Care
Does laser tattoo removal leave scars? In almost all cases, no. The professional execution of modern laser technology for tattoo removal results in safe procedures that produce smooth and clear skin. Scarring occurs when patients fail to follow proper aftercare procedures or when practitioners apply excessive energy to their patient’s skin.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo removed, take your time choosing a provider, follow aftercare instructions carefully, and protect your skin during the recovery process. The fading removal process for most tattoos leads to a clear skin appearance when the proper treatment parameters and aftercare instructions are adhered to.
