It subsides within the hour following treatment. Depending on the skin type and inks used in a tattoo, temporary crusting and blistering may occur after laser tattoo removal. Tattoos will begin to fade within the first two to three weeks after treatment.
Because it gives your body time to do the process of removing the ink, again the laser is just helping your body do the work the laser isn't the key to seeing fading it's the waiting. Your immune systems white blood cells carry out the ink, and they keep doing that for months.
Laser tattoo removal is a safe procedure, but it is still very serious and will require patience and proper aftercare. It is extremely rare that a tattoo can be removed in just one sitting. It typically takes a couple of weeks to even see some fading after a laser session.
Most people find that their skin returns to its normal state with time, though it is always a good idea to keep the area protected from sun exposure to maintain its health and appearance.
The desired fading does not come until the weeks and months following treatment, as your body eliminates the ink particles. If your tattoo is predominantly shading, you may notice a difference after one treatment.
After lasers break up the ink, your body's immune system disperses it into your bloodstream, where it travels to your kidneys. Ink is then released through your urine and sweat. It doesn't change the color of your pee, but you shouldn't have too many tattoos removed at the same time either.
Many people start to see their ink fade after three appointments. Given six to eight weeks between each session, you can expect the results to start showing a few months after the process starts.
Tattoo appearance alters significantly after laser removal. Redness and swelling are common immediate reactions. The frosted appearance fades with time as healing occurs. Results vary based on skin type and tattoo characteristics.
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.
Gently massaging the treated area after laser tattoo removal can significantly enhance your results. It improves lymphatic drainage, promotes circulation, and reduces swelling, all of which aid in recovery and tattoo fading.
Essentially the laser breaks apart the larger ink particles into tiny fragments for your white blood cells to carry away through the lymphatic system. As the white blood cells are working to naturally remove the fragments, the tattoo can often look more vibrant due to there being more tiny particles in the dermis.
Drinking plenty of water not only supports your body's natural processes but also gives your immune system a boost, helping it flush out ink particles more efficiently during laser tattoo removal.
The location needs to be covered with sunblock when out in the sun during the healing process. Initially the tattoo is unlikely to look any different but will fade over the following 4-8 weeks as the body disperses it.
Lasers can heat pigment-containing cells quickly through short pulses to rupture them and send the fragments into the body for drainage. Where does all that ink go? Some of the tattoo pigment gets washed away by the body's natural lymphatic system and some is released through the healing skin surface post-treatment.
How many treatments should removal take? I like to get tattoos out in between 6 and 12 treatments. If you're around the 10 treatment mark, you need to start assessing if it's time to stop and give your skin a break. Knowing when to stop tattoo removal treatment is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.
Don't Pick at Healing Skin
You might see scabs or your skin peeling after the removal. Resist the urge to pick at it! Unlike pimple popping, your finger will do more damage to your skin and leave scars. It can also cause complications, such as an infection.
On average it takes 10-12 sessions to see complete removal results spaced 6-8 weeks apart, and 3-5 sessions to see tattoo fading.
Different colors of ink absorb color differently. Specifically, lighter colors like white, yellow, light blue, and pink are the most difficult to remove, as are green, red, and neon colors.
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.
Presumably, ink particles are moved into the deeper dermis over time due to the action of mobile phagocytic cells (think immune cells), causing the tattoo to look bluish, faded and blurry. Examination of older tattoos (e.g. 40 years) show that the ink is in the deep dermis, and also found in local lymph nodes.
Keep the area covered with a sterile dressing for those three days. Blistering is common, and will likely occur within 8 hours after your tattoo removal treatment. Do not be alarmed, blisters heal well and are part of the normal healing process.