Can laser tattoo removal cause scarring?

For the purposes of this discussion, scarring related to laser tattoo removal can be related to laser treatments that are too aggressive, a lack of sunscreen or sun protection to the treated area, not enough time between laser tattoo removal treatments, inappropriate laser technology based upon skin type, or poor healing response.  Hypopigmentation refers to a condition where the skin loses pigment (color) and this condition may or may not be permanent.  Hypopigmentation is usually avoided by using proper sun protection while undergoing laser tattoo removal treatments, using appropriate laser settings, and allowing the skin to re-pigment before further treatments if and when hypopigmentation should occur.  Scarring from laser tattoo removal treatments that involves textural changes to the skin is usually associated with laser treatments that are too aggressive or performed without enough time between treatments.  Hyperpigmentation is a term that refers to a temporary darkening of the skin surrounding the tattoo.  Sometimes this reaction can occur even when all of the appropriate steps were taken to minimize this outcome.  Medium to darker skin types usually have a higher rate of incidence of this side effect.  It is imperative that the laser practitioner utilize the correct laser technology and settings to avoid this potential side effect.