Identifying the Causes of Tattoo Removal Scarring and What You Can Do About It
Laser removal treatments are more common than you think. But what most people don’t know is the scarring you get after the procedure is most likely from when the tattoo was applied. It is actually uncommon for a patient to scar from laser treatments, provided that proper laser protocols and aftercare instructions are observed.
Once your tattoo is wiped from existence, it’s gone forever. If you’re thinking of getting inked again (whether in the same place or not), you have to be 101% sure about your decision. You don’t want to end up with a tattoo you’ll regret after 5, 10 years from now. Laser removal treatments may hurt and cost more, so think before you ink!
How Laser Tattoo Removals Work
Both Q-switched lasers picosecond lasers treat the skin by targeting and breaking down ink pigments from the skin without damaging the tissue. This allows fast clearing of abnormal pigmentation. After a patient is done with the treatments, all the ink would have been removed completely but any scarring from the original tattoo will likely remain.
Initial consultations are very important. This is an opportunity to get to know your technician and ask any questions you might have before the treatments begin. If you go to a reputable facility, you will have fewer things to worry about the whole process. Your technician will assess the tattoo and see if there is any scarring from when it was applied. If so, he/she should inform you right away and mark it in your records.
Can You Get Scars From Tattoo Removal?
The quick answer is yes - but it’s rare. Instead of scarring, some people can experience hypopigmentation. It occurs when the skin where the tattoo used to be is lighter than the surrounding skin. Normally, this stems from improper aftercare or worse, improper removal by an inexperienced technician.
It is extremely rare for laser removals to leave a scar unless the skin already has some irregularities. The cicatrix that remains after the procedure is often from when the tattoo was originally done.
Improper Protocols and Aftercare Might Pose Risks
It is still possible to be left with a scar from the tattoo you had before. If the laser energy delivered during treatment is excessive, side effects may occur but rarely a mark. However, even if the procedure is done properly, scarring may occur when the patient fails to follow aftercare instructions.
Blisters, scabs, and inflammation are all side effects of the removal process. If you pick on them instead of applying an antibiotic ointment, you are only setting your recovery period up for failure. Follow your aftercare regimen religiously so that you can heal faster. A proper diet is also part of your recovery, so try to abstain from alcohol or smoking for six weeks. Also, remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen at all times.
If you are working with a trusted technician, we trust that you are reassured about the proper protocols and professional aftercare. And as a patient, you want to be as meticulous as possible to make sure you are getting the proper treatment.
The Best Laser Treatment to Avoid Scarring: Picosecond Pulse Laser
You may have heard about picosecond lasers. They selectively destroy pigments without damaging healthy tissue. When used for tattoo removal, picosecond lasers require fewer treatments compared to the Q-switched laser and also have fewer side effects. These include pain, erythema, edema, crusting, pinpoint bleeding, and hyperpigmentation, among others. And since you won’t be going through more than 10 sessions, the recovery time is also faster.
Where to Get Picosecond Tattoo Removal Treatments
Vanish Clinic in Toronto provides superb tattoo removal services using picosecond lasers. We specifically offer the PicoWay laser treatment, which is one of the most reliable on the market. It’s quick, efficient, and comes with a flat fee pricing that allows you to save more.
It features advanced technology using fast pulse durations of less than one nanosecond, causing predominantly photoacoustic damage rather than photothermal damage of ink particles. Simply put, it removes tattoos gently, quickly, and efficiently, resulting in little to zero scarring. Our PicoWay treatment has more than double the amount of peak power compared to other competitors, making it one of the most trusted treatments in the industry. Talk about a total gamechanger!
Book an Appointment With Us
We want you to have the best possible treatment for your tattoo, so we will do what we can to accommodate your needs. Our laser technician and aesthetic nurse will consult with you to formulate an action plan to remove unwanted tattoos, as well as guide you throughout the process to ensure a hassle-free experience. If you’re ready to take the leap and get your tattoo removal started, contact us today to book a free consultation.