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What Causes Redness And Swelling After Laser Tattoo Removal?

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Posted on Fri, 28 Nov 2014
Question: Hi,
Just had a first session of laser tattoo removal yesterday (28 hours ago) and some rather spread redness has appeared on my arm as per attached pictures. I don't feel pain but the whole area is a little bit swollen...
Is there anything I should do? I thought about cleaning the area with some hydrogene peroxyde solution??
Thank you for your help.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Normal reaction to laser therapy

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM

You are concerned about redness and swelling to the area that you had laser therapy yesterday for tattoo removal. This type of reaction is to be expected after therapy. The laser is shot into the tattoo and breaks up the black pigment. That pigment is then absorbed into the body and removed. The reaction you see is the bodies defense mechanism reacting to the laser. I recommend that you use ice to reduce the redness and also take aspirin or Naprosyn to also help the redness and the pain. The overall redness may take 3-7 days to improve.

If the redness worsens or you develop fever then the area may have become infected. If that happens you need to seek medical attention for treatment with antibiotics.

Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Redness And Swelling After Laser Tattoo Removal?

Brief Answer: Normal reaction to laser therapy Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM You are concerned about redness and swelling to the area that you had laser therapy yesterday for tattoo removal. This type of reaction is to be expected after therapy. The laser is shot into the tattoo and breaks up the black pigment. That pigment is then absorbed into the body and removed. The reaction you see is the bodies defense mechanism reacting to the laser. I recommend that you use ice to reduce the redness and also take aspirin or Naprosyn to also help the redness and the pain. The overall redness may take 3-7 days to improve. If the redness worsens or you develop fever then the area may have become infected. If that happens you need to seek medical attention for treatment with antibiotics. Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions