Buyer’s regret. A change of circumstances. A painful reminder of something better forgotten. There’s a seemingly endless stream of common reasons people want to remove tattoos. Many people though are hesitant because of scarring fears. The fact is scarring is a rare occurrence with professional tattoo removal services and diligent aftercare efforts. But let’s look at what can create scarring.

Is Scarring A Risk of Tattoo Removal Services?

Using Professional Providers with Professional Equipment

Assuming the patient is starting with unscarred skin, a professional provider with proper protocols and a professional-grade laser system is fundamental to scar-avoidance. Add proper aftercare, and the risk of scarring for tattoo removal services is slim to none.

While there are many lasers that are capable of removing ink from the skin, this is not every laser’s design. Often unprofessional tattoo removal services use CO2, IPL, and even hair removal lasers to treat tattoos. It’s a risky move that any professional would advise against using because it can cause severe scarring.

Another issue with unprofessional tattoo removal services is that even if these shops acquire the right tattoo removal lasers, their sensitive laser equipment is often poorly maintained and improperly calibrated by a non-professional provider. Treatment with this equipment can also create scarring.

Good Pre-Evaluation and Aftercare Practices Prevent Scarring

Patients with preexisting scarring under or over a tattoo from a previous trauma or with scar tissue resulting from the tattooing process itself should realize that tattoo removal services can likely do nothing to lessen scarring. Expect it to be visible after the tattoo’s ink has been removed from the skin and scar tissue. Of course, patients are always at a heightened risk for scarring if there is a history of scar tissue proliferation from past traumas or surgical incisions, such as hypertrophic scarring or keloids. reSkin evaluates these situations prior to treatment, and advises patients accordingly.

With common, normal temporary side effects after treatment, including blistering, redness, swelling, scabbing, and tenderness to the treated area, proper aftercare is crucial. Patients can prevent scarring by avoiding friction to the treated areas, popping blisters or picking at scabs. Keeping the area clean and dry, covering the treated area for the first few days, and changing the bandage regularly should be carefully followed to prevent complications and poor outcomes. It’s also very important to not provider-skip in attempting faster removal through getting more frequent treatments from various tattoo removal clinics. The skin needs ample time to heal between treatments to limit the risk of scarring.

Professional tattoo removal services with the right equipment leave little risk of scarring when combined with diligent aftercare. The North Houston & Crosby Laser Tattoo Removal specialists at Integrity Ink remain happy to assist with further information and develop a treatment plan geared to the unique needs of each patient.