Do you pee out ink after tattoo removal?

Author: Madisyn Stokes IV  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

Once broken down, the ink particles enter the lymphatic system and are processed similarly to other waste products. The body filters these particles through the liver and kidneys. While you don't literally “pee out” the ink, the kidneys filter waste, eventually exiting the body through urine.

Do you pee ink after tattoo removal?

No, the body doesn't eject the pigments from the bladder. It exits through solid waste.

Do you poop out the ink after tattoo removal?

I talked with the doc at the dermo place I go to for laser removal. Tattoo ink is shattered into micro fragments by the laser. The smallest of the fragments will be carried away through our urine, poop and sweat. The body will respond like it naturally would to any free radical that needs to be expelled.

What happens to tattoo ink after removal?

Some ink particles that are small enough to be carried by the white blood cells are taken to the liver where they're processed. The larger ones can't be carried off by the white blood cells, meaning the tattoo will fade over time but won't disappear -- this can vary depending on the tattoo.''

Is tattoo removal hard on the kidneys?

Answer: Tattoo removal in kidney transplant The ink is not excreted through the kidneys so the procedure is safe for kidney transplant patients. Your healing time will be impaired due to the immunosuppressive drugs and the clearance might not be as good as someone not on these drugs.

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Is tattoo ink bad for your kidneys?

The study also identified 2-phenoxyethanol, another ingredient in some inks, as potentially hazardous. Exposure to high doses of this chemical can irritate the skin, lungs, and liver, and may even cause damage to the kidneys and nerves.

Why do I feel sick after tattoo removal?

The laser shatters the tattoo ink particles, and as the body's immune system works to flush out these fragmented pigments, it can result in nausea, dizziness, or other flu-like symptoms. Managing pain through prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter medications can help alleviate some of these symptoms.

What are the risks of tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal can leave behind skin that is lighter than the skin around it. Other risks include possible scarring, infection, pinpoint bleeding, redness, or soreness, none of which should last for long.

How long does it take for tattoo ink to leave your system?

It usually takes about 6 – 12 weeks for the body to finish getting rid of these loosened ink particles.

Is it OK if ink comes off tattoo?

It's normal for a tattoo to peel and lose a little bit of ink as your skin heals. Care for your tattoo diligently by keeping it clean, moisturized, dry, and out of the sun.

How do you detox after tattoo removal?

Stay Hydrated. The best tip people always give for healthy and glowing skin is to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. This tip also works for tattoo removal aftercare. Laser tattoo removal fragments the ink, which is then filtered out by your body's lymphatic system; this also triggers the immune system.

What is the white stuff after tattoo removal?

Why Does The White Frosting Appear? he beam of the laser heats the pigment in the skin, which creates gas or plasma. This gas rises to the epidermis and is released from the skin in the form of carbon dioxide, which looks like a chalky layer on the tattoo.

Does tattoo removal damage lymph nodes?

Additionally, the numerous other research cited in this article further supports the hypothesis that laser tattoo removal creates carcinogenic by-products in the dermis that enter the lymphatic system and potentially develop lymphatic cancer.

Do you poop out ink after tattoo removal?

After laser treatment, the broken-down ink particles are tiny enough to be absorbed by your army of white blood cells. Once absorbed, the tiny particles are sent to your lymph nodes and eventually eliminated through perspiration, urine or fecal matter.

Is tattoo removal hard on the liver?

The ink that breaks down is processed through the liver, so it is important to discuss liver problems with your doctor before proceeding. Keep in mind that a healthy liver will have minimal to no issues, but a liver that is already struggling could end up with adverse effects.

What slows down tattoo removal?

Smoking slows down the healing process and impacts the immune system. This increases the number of removal sessions you have to undergo. Smoking also leads to poor blood circulation, which impacts oxygen and nutrients delivery to the treated area. As a result, the tattoo fades slowly.

Where does the ink go after tattoo removal?

When you get a tattoo, you can pretty much expect that it'll be with you forever. But, if for whatever reason you change your mind, there are removal options. Unfortunately, even after removal, the ink doesn't just disappear — we actually excrete it through our lymphatic system.

Can I donate blood if I have tattoos?

Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos

The same rules also apply to ear and body piercings. Remember, tattoos also include tattoo “touch-ups” and permanent cosmetic tattoos.

What happens to your body after tattoo removal?

During the first week after the laser treatment, the body will continue to remove and digest the ink. During this step of tattoo removal, your skin will begin to heal. As a result, it will likely remain red and swollen for the first several days, which is quite normal.

What is the biggest concern with tattoo removal?

Risks. Scarring is likely after most types of tattoo removal. Infection or skin discoloration is possible as well.

Why not to get a tattoo removed?

As with any procedure, there are potential risks associated with tattoo removal procedures, which could include: Scarring. Infections. Skin discoloration.

Where does tattoo removal hurt the worst?

Some of the most painful places to have a tattoo removed are the rib cage, head, fingers, and feet as these are close to the bone. The least painful places to have a tattoo removal procedure are on the upper arms and thighs.

What are the cons of laser tattoo removal?

Pain and Discomfort: Laser tattoo removal can be painful, often described as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Possible Side Effects: Potential side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring.

Can I donate blood after tattoo removal?

You can donate blood after laser tattoo removal once your skin has healed. No foreign objects have penetrated your skin, meaning there is no risk of your blood carrying anything infectious. You must, however, wait until the skin around that area has healed, which could take up to two weeks.

What is the ghost effect after tattoo removal?

“Ghosting” can sometimes occur after tattoo removal, where your skin retains a pale white shadow of the original image – as such, speaking to a practitioner beforehand is important, as this can be more noticeable on darker skin tones.

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