What are the side effects of laser removal?

Most side effects of laser procedures are temporary, generally few and to be expected. Normally symptoms will subside within a week and may include:

  •  Localised Swelling and Redness - The most common side effects and could feel similar to sunburn for a day or two
  • Blistering - Don't worry when blistering occurs, this is part of the normal healing process and the skin will heal nicely afterwards as long as you do not pick and scratch the scab.
  • Infection - Following each of the treatment sessions there is always a high risk of infection to the area. It is very important that you maintain a good level of hygiene.
  • Scabbing - If you do experience blistering and/or bleeding, when the scab forms as with any healing wound it is very important not to pick any scabbing as this could cause scarring and impair further treatments. 
  • Hypopigmentation - Loss of skin colour may occur. But, normal skin tone should return within 6 – 12 months following your last treatment session. Very occasionally the hypopigmentation effect can be permanent or pigment will return in patches. As a general guideline, the darker the skin and the more treatments required, the more risk there is of long term de-pigmentation.
  • Hyperpigmentation - An abundance of colour in the skin at the treated area. This problem is more common in patients with darker skin types and patients with fresh tans are also more at risk. Hyperpigmentation is usually always a temporary effect that responds to topical bleaching therapy and resolves over time.
  • Sunburn. - A risk that follows treatment, It is important that you keep the area covered in a minimum factor 25 suncream at all times when the area is not covered by clothing or a sterile bandage.
  • Lack of complete pigment removal – Some colours cannot be treated, traces (or ghosting) of colour pigmentation may remain after treatment.
  • Slight pin-prick bleeding or weeping - This is all normal and nothing to worry about.
  • Allergic Reaction - A possible development an allergic reaction to your tattoo dye as it is released into your system.