Does Laser Tattoo Removal Leave Scars?

Myth: Laser tattoo removal leaves a scar.

Laser tattoo removal typically doesn’t result in scar formation. You can help prevent scarring, and we’ve got the expert tips to ensure you’re successful!

Prevent Laser Tattoo Removal Scarring Before Your Visit

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated before and after your procedure will increase the speed of recovery.
Stop smoking! The success of removing a tattoo after ten treatments are reduced by 70% if you’re a smoker. Quit smoking beforehand and switch to nicotine gum.

And to Prevent Laser Tattoo Removal Scarring After Your Visit

Apply aquaphor or vaseline three times a day. This will increase the speed of healing and reduce scarring.
Take it easy for the next few days.
Wash twice a day with mild soap and water. Antibacterial soap can cause irritation and inflammation.
Always pat the treated area with a paper towel to dry, and don’t rub. Rubbing can cause the healing skin to exfoliate too early, resulting in a longer healing process.
Change bandage and dressing after every wash.
Don’t pick at scabs; this causes scarring.
Don’t pop any blisters; this also causes scarring.
Stay out of the sun. You should stay out of the sun for several weeks after your last laser tattoo removal session. Sun exposure causes blistering and increases the time it takes to heal.
Use sunblock when you’re out in the sun.
Wait at least eight weeks between laser tattoo removal sessions. Why? Because your body continues to break down the ink in the tattoo long after the laser zaps it. The longer you wait, the better results you’ll have.
Once again, quit smoking!

By following these tips you should significantly minimize chances of scarring. While scarring is possible, laser tattoo removal targets the pigmentation, not skin cells—which leaves the skin cells intact and undamaged. Most lasers are specifically designed to only travel deep enough into the skin to target the ink and pigment, not the skin cells that rest deeply and can produce scarring.

If you have a scar you tattooed over, or if the skin actually developed scar tissue from the original tattooing procedure, laser tattoo removal will not remove that scar tissue. Indeed, the scar may even become more visible.

Nothing Works Better than Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is the only safe and effective method to remove unwanted tattoos. After a series of successful laser treatments, most tattoos are gone. Keep in mind, however, that how fast your tattoo disappears depends on its color pigments, depth, and age. But even stubborn cases aren’t hopeless. Though colors such as yellow, green, or light blue are more difficult to remove, they can certainly be faded. The same goes for ink that rests deep within the dermis.

Let LaserAway Liberate You from Unwanted Tattoos.

Why Choose LaserAway?

With two decades of experience and millions of treatments performed, LaserAway is the nation’s leader in aesthetic dermatology. Our clinics are equipped with cutting-edge technology and overseen by board-certified dermatologists. Every treatment is performed by highly trained medical professionals—registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or physician associates—who complete one of the most rigorous training programs in the industry.

We are committed to providing safe, effective, and scientifically backed treatments that help you achieve your best skin.

Book your free consultation today and experience the LaserAway difference.

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