There are several reasons why we get ourselves tattooed. Either to commemorate a special event in our life, or to pay tribute to our family members or friends. However, there are times when we regret the tattoo. Or, we get bored with it, or the tattoo becomes blurred. In such cases, getting the tattoo removed is the best possible option.

Laser technology is the most advanced, efficient and effective method of tattoo removal. For many people tattoo laser removal in Melbourne has been the most preferred method for removing old or unwanted tattoos.

As with any laser treatment, laser tattoo removal may cause some side effects, but they are temporary and a sign that the tattoo removal process is actually working. These side effects go away within a few days of treatment. Read on to understand more about the possible short term side effects of tattoo laser removal in Melbourne at Nitai Medical and Cosmetic Centre.

Frosting

During laser tattoo removal treatment, the skin naturally turns to a frosty white colour. This happens due to the release of carbon dioxide when a laser penetrates the upper layer of the skin. This frosting generally reduces within 20 minutes and is a positive sign about the effectiveness of the laser treatment for tattoo removal.

Swelling

The natural defence mechanism of the body reacts in different ways to an infection or illness. Swelling is one of the ways the body indicates the activation of the natural defense system when any forign body or particle comes in contact with the body or penetrates the body.

Since laser beams produce heat and penetrate the upper layer of the skin for tattoo removal, you may experience some swelling in the treated area. This is limited to the treated area and doest affect the nearby areas. However, it is only a natural response of the body and usually goes away within a few days of treatment. The doctor recommends light medication and creams for faster healing of the swelling.

Rather you need to feel grateful that your body is aware and alert to any kind of potential foreign dangers. Swelling also indicates that the treatment is effective and will show results within a few days. The side effect is short term and there is no risk of long term complications.

Discomfort

In laser treatment for tattoo removal, high-intensity laser beams will penetrate the top layer of the skin to reach the dermis or middle layer of the skin where the ink is deposited. The heat from the laser beams will break down or shatter the ink into finer particles, which then get easily dissolved and drained by the body as a natural biological process.

Since the laser beams penetrate the skin, you may experience some discomfort. However, the cosmetic physician applies an appropriate numbing cream to greatly reduce the discomfort and make the process comfortable and stress-free. The level of discomfort however may differ depending on the area of the body where the tattoo is inked. If the tattoo is in a fleshy area like your thighs or arms, you may feel less discomfort, but if the tattoo is in a less fleshy area or near to the bones, like feet, fingers or wrists, you may wince a little more.

Many of our patients who’ve undergone tattoo laser removal in Melbourne say that the removal process is much more comfortable than getting tattooed.

Itching

Itching is one of the very common short term side effects of laser tattoo removal treatment. We feel an itch whenever a foreign body or particle rubs or steels on our skin. Itching is our body’s natural way of telling that something unwanted is touching the skin. Therefore, you may experience itching after the laser treatment. But it is temporary and goes away within a few minutes of treatment. The cosmetic physician recommends appropriate ointment to manage the itching.

When you experience itching post-laser treatment, try your best to not scratch the area. Any scratching can affect the effectiveness of the tattoo removal procedure. The skin could break and create a wound which may complicate the healing process and may even result in scarring. Speak with the cosmetic physician for the best advice on dealing with the itching.

Infection

Since laser treatment doesn’t break the surface of the skin, the chances of infection are very low, especially when you follow the proper aftercare procedures instructed by the cosmetic physician. The risk of an infection increases if you pick the scabs or burst the blisters. Contact your cosmetic doctor for advice if you do get an infection.

Stay away from cheap laser treatments and untrained laser professionals. It may cause long term side effects including scarring.

For best results, the laser treatment has to be performed by an experienced laser professional, using an FDA approved Revlite Q switched laser device, and in a controlled environment.

Nitai Medical and Cosmetic Centre offers the most comprehensive tattoo laser removal in Melbourne with FDA approved Revlite Q switched laser equipment. Consult Dr Shobhna Singh now to know more.