Laser treatments are definitely the way to go for tattoo removal, but there are a few uncomfortable side effects you may have to deal with while the treated area heals. One of the biggest complaints we hear is that the skin in and around the treated area is extremely itchy after treatment.
The laser tends to cause some dehydration to the skin. This in and of itself can be quite itchy. Add that to the fact that the healing process can cause some itching too, and you’ve got the potential for some very itchy skin. In most cases the itchiness is not too bothersome. A moisturizer, preferably without much fragrance, is often all that is needed to rehydrate the skin and relieve the itch. In some cases, however, the itch can be quite intense. If a basic moisturizer is not helping, try one that contains vitamin E oil or pure vitamin E oil. These seem to help in more severe cases. If you are still not getting relief, try combining vitamin E oil and an anti itch cream. That should do the trick.
When you do apply moisturizer, do so with a deep massaging action. This will not only help the moisturizer to penetrate deeper into the skin, it will also increase the blood flow to the area which will in turn aid in the healing process and allow the immune system to flush away shattered ink more quickly. We recommend that all of our tattoo removal patients do this at least once daily after the area begins to heal, but especially if your tattoo is in an area with reduced blood flow such as the hands or the feet.
As always, if you have questions about your treatment, want to know if your experience is normal, or would like to know if there is anything you can do to speed the process, please feel free to ask our laser specialists while you are in the office or over the phone. We strive to ensure you achieve the best results possible with each laser treatment.