Do Laser Tattoo Removals Cause Blisters?
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Do Laser Tattoo Removals Cause Blisters?

By December 28, 2022 March 8th, 2023 No Comments

Blisters are common and perfectly normal after laser tattoo removal. There is always a chance that you won’t develop blisters, but you should assume that you will. If you do, after reading this blog you will know exactly how to treat them. And if you don’t – well, celebrate your good fortune! 

Blisters are the way your skin heals, so when you notice them you will know that your body is reacting appropriately to the laser tattoo removal treatment. 

Why do blisters form?

  • During your tattoo removal treatment, the PicoWay or Quanta EVO laser uses light pulses to target the particles of ink in your tattoo so that they can disintegrate and be flushed from your body. 
  • This can heat your skin and possibly cause small blood vessels to break around the area of treatment. 
  • Blisters are fluid-filled sacs that form a protective layer while your skin heals. 

Is there anything I can do to help the situation?

Absolutely! First, be aware that blisters are more likely to develop in your first couple of sessions because that’s when the ink is the densest. 

Also, following the aftercare instructions we give you and taking care of your health, in general, will help your blister situation a great deal. You can help to lessen the impact of any blisters that form.

Aftercare

  • We’ll give you an ice pack to apply after your treatment session. You can continue to apply cold compresses or ice packs at home to alleviate pain and cool your skin.
  • If blisters do form, resist the urge to scratch them or pop them. 
  • Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible and apply sunscreen if you have to go outside.
  • Don’t soak in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools. You are allowed to shower, but avoid high-pressure sprays! In this situation, low water pressure is your friend.

Taking care of your immune system

  • Get lots of sleep. Save the line dancing for another night!
  • Drink lots of water. Your body needs to stay hydrated. 
  • We aren’t telling you that you can’t drink a toast to celebrate the ‘beginning of the end’ of your tattoo, but we do need to mention the fact that alcohol will not help to hydrate you. In fact, quite the opposite! It can act as a diuretic. This means that it makes you urinate more – and this can lead to dehydration. 
  • Don’t smoke or vape.
  • Eat nutritious foods, especially anti-inflammatory foods such as tomatoes, fatty fish, olive oil, and green leafy vegetables. If you don’t like any of those, try almonds, walnuts, strawberries, blueberries, or cherries.
  • Avoid foods that cause inflammation. This means items that include high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, or refined carbohydrates. 

How long will my blisters last?

  • If you do get blisters (remember – not everyone does), you can expect them to fall off on their own within a week or two.
  • Please feel free to ask us any questions that you have – about blisters or any other aspect of laser tattoo removal. 

Just one final word of advice for you: We really mean it when we caution you to not scratch or pop any blisters that might form. Yes, it’s tempting to want to poke or pick at your disappearing tattoo (that’s why we’re mentioning it twice), but really – don’t touch your skin while it heals. 

Other articles on this topic:

What Does the Laser Tattoo Removal Healing Process Look Like?

5 Remedies for Blistering After Laser Tattoo Removal

Every person and every tattoo is different, so ask our experts!

When you’re ready to look into laser tattoo removal, it’s important to find a professional and expert technician you trust. Before you commit to anything, you can come for a free consultation here at Ink-B-Gone, the leading laser tattoo remover in Colorado. We are conveniently located in Denver, but many of our clients visit us from out of state.

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