Is swelling a common side effect of laser tattoo removal?

I had my first session a couple days ago, and the treatment area is super swollen and painful. Is this normal? What can I do to take away the swelling?

Answers from doctors (3)


Excessive swelling should not occur if the treatment is performed by an experience and certified laser tattoo removal professional (preferably in a medical office setting). There can be some short-term pain and crusting (just like when the tattoo was applied). Ice packs for short 10 min periods of time often help in first day and medication such as ibupofen. We have an important after care protocol for our patients.

Answered by Clean Slate Tattoo Removal at Vein Specialties (View Profile)

Excessive swelling should not occur if the treatment is performed by an experience and certified laser tattoo removal professional (preferably in a medical office setting). There can be some short-term pain and crusting (just like when the tattoo was applied). Ice packs for short 10 min periods of time often help in first day and medication such as ibupofen. We have an important after care protocol for our patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Published on Mar 05, 2016

Yes, swelling and discomfort are common following laser tattoo removal treatments, but starting at a proper setting (not too high) causes less swelling. The amount of swelling can be reduced by eating the right foods and/or taking the right supplements. If taken a few weeks before beginning treatments, there is less swelling. Some people reported no swelling on a new area treated because they were following our recommended protocol.

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Answered by Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Yes, swelling and discomfort are common following laser tattoo removal treatments, but starting at a proper setting (not too high) causes less swelling. The amount of swelling can be reduced by eating the right foods and/or taking the right supplements. If taken a few weeks before beginning treatments, there is less swelling. Some people reported no swelling on a new area treated because they were following our recommended protocol.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Feb 11, 2010

In some cases, patient do have swelling, welting or hive like bumps after tattoo removal and we normally suggest Benadryl before and after treatment to minimize this effect.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6573_1439482825.jpg
Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

In some cases, patient do have swelling, welting or hive like bumps after tattoo removal and we normally suggest Benadryl before and after treatment to minimize this effect.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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