Side Effects of Tattoo Removal

As with any procedure, there are potential side effects associated with removing a tattoo. These side effects vary with the method of removal that is used.

Whenever the skin is exposed to trauma, there are a number of different side effects that can occur. Some of the more common side effects associated with tattoo removal include:

• Permanent scarring
• Infection at the removal site
• Ghost tattoo
• Skin discoloration

Permanent scarring is associated with removal processes like excision which involve cutting the skin. It can also occur with dermabrasion. If there is a potential for bleeding, then there is a chance of permanent scarring.

When removing a tattoo in a way that results in removing skin in some way, it can become infected like any wound. Fortunately, if a person pays attention to the removal site, he or she should be able to catch any infection early enough that it won’t do serious damage.

A ghost tattoo occurs whenever a tattoo is only partially removed. The “ghost” is the part that is still barely visible on the skin. This is more common with laser tattoo removal as some pigments are much harder to remove than others.

Skin discoloration is also a common side effect. One thing that people don’t think of when removing a tattoo is that it is possible for there to be scarring related to when the tattoo was originally “inked.” In many cases, scarring associated with the tattoo is not visible until the tattoo is removed.

Contact a Houston Medical Spa

For more information on dermabrasion and the potential side effects, contact the Houston medical spa Dermagenix at 713-662-3376.