Where does the ink go after tattoo removal?

Author: Prof. Bernadette Blanda  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

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.

What happens to the ink in tattoo removal?

During each tattoo removal session, the ink is blasted into tiny particles by our PicoWay laser, after which your body absorbs and naturally flushes the particles from your system. In order to safely remove a tattoo, it needs to be done in sessions.

Where does the ink go after laser removal?

The white blood cells then carry the ink particles into the body's lymphatic system. Most is then expelled through the digestive system, although some can also come out in sweat or urine.

Do you pee out ink after laser tattoo removal?

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

Where does tattoo ink go when it fades?

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.

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How long until ink stops coming off tattoo?

A common, normal occurrence with fresh tattoos is known as “weeping”. This is when some ink or plasma (fluid) may come out of the tattoo and form a thin, moist coating on the skin. (Note: This typically can last anywhere from 24 hours to about a week or so.

What is the lifespan of tattoo ink?

As long as it has not been contaminated, remains properly sealed, and is properly stored, tattoo ink has about a two-year shelf life.

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.

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.

What speeds up laser tattoo removal?

5 Ways To Speed Up Laser Tattoo Removal
  • No Smoking. We've been a strong advocate for quitting as smoking cigarettes is bad for your skin. ...
  • Exercise. Speeding up tattoo removal can be as simple as speeding up your heart rate. ...
  • Sun Care. ...
  • Hydration. ...
  • Sleep.

Where does removed tattoo ink go?

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.

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 end point of laser tattoo removal?

The desired endpoint of QS laser treatment (Nd:YAG, alexandrite, and ruby) is immediate tissue whitening, although this may not occur if the tattoo has faded significantly. Such whitening can last approximately 20 minutes, and is a result of rapid heating of the chromophore leading to gas formation.

What are the cons of laser 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 ink to disappear after tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is a process that relies on the body eliminating ink from the skin which can take some time to process. While results will become apparent within a few weeks, it is not unusual for the body to take more than a year to completely eliminate ink.

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.

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.

Do you pee ink after tattoo removal?

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.

What is the immune response to tattoo removal?

Hypersensitivity reactions typically manifested as erythema, edema, and pruritus, while allergic responses were observed in the form of urticaria. In summary, our study highlights that the immune response to laser tattoo removal primarily elicits hypersensitivity and, in some cases, anaphylaxis reactions.

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 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.

Are tattoos bad for bloodstream?

If equipment used to create a tattoo has infected blood on it, you can get diseases that are spread through blood. Examples include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. To lower your risk, get vaccinated for hepatitis B before you get a tattoo.

What is the healthiest tattoo ink?

Unlike traditional tattoo inks that may contain heavy metals or other toxins, organic tattoo ink offers a safer and healthier option for both tattoo artists and clients. Using organic ink not only reduces the risk of adverse reactions but also promotes sustainability and ethical practices within the tattoo industry.

Why should tattoos be avoided in healthcare?

Visible tattoos can sometimes challenge traditional norms of professionalism, and it is essential for nurses to consider how these might be perceived by patients and colleagues. Body art that is deemed offensive or inappropriate can undermine the nurse's ability to establish trust and rapport with patients.

Do tattoos affect lymph nodes?

In clinical settings, pigmented and enlarged lymph nodes have been described in tattooed individuals for decades. Translocation of both black and coloured tattoo pigments to human lymph nodes has been confirmed, 14.

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