When a patient is having large areas treated for laser tattoo removal and the areas have very dense tattoo ink, it is not unusual to have an allergic-like response immediately after treatment including the development of raised hives around the area treated. Some theorize that this is related to the body reacting to a large amount of fragmented ink particles all at once. Symptoms may be immediate swelling, redness, and itching to the area. The skin/tissue surrounding the tattoo may become raised and hard.
To minimize this reaction, it may be recommended to take an anti-histamine (Benadryl) one hour prior to the procedure each and every time there is a laser tattoo removal treatment performed. Using hydrocortisone cream (not ointment) and cooling measures immediately following the treatment will also help lessen this response. For those patients that experience a profound, exuberant reaction, it may be necessary to divide the laser tattoo removal treatments into two separate visits.
Orange County, CA tattoo removal treatments at www.celibre.com/tattoos.aspx. FREE consultations for Orange County, CA laser tattoo removal www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.
Photos of allergic reaction including hives and raised bumps after laser tattoo removal treatment.
More Orange County, CA laser tattoo removal before and after pictures at www.celibre.com/tatba.aspx.
Make certain your practitioner is experienced and knowledgeable in how to manage negative side effects following a laser treatment.
Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C
Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer