Does laser tattoo removal leave scars? What to expect
Tattoo removal can leave scars when it is done badly. At Ray studios, trained skin therapists and strict protocols keep the likelihood of scarring very low. Individual results vary.
Tattoo removal is not a trivial procedure and it carries risks if it is carried out in poor conditions. It needs to be performed by a tattoo removal expert, in a dedicated space, with the right equipment. Even when those conditions are met, the removal method chosen can present a risk. To avoid that, laser tattoo removal is the better option. That works out well, because at Ray studios it is the only thing we offer, and we use the best laser machines on the market.
When does tattoo removal leave scars?
As with any treatment, zero risk does not exist during tattoo removal. Whatever method is used, there are side effects. That said, when the treatment is carried out properly, in the right conditions, these side effects are mild and entirely manageable. They are generally small skin reactions such as redness, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (a change in the colour of the skin around the tattoo), or even minor bleeding, all of which are temporary. These reactions are common and, managed by an experienced skin therapist, they will fade.
More serious side effects, in particular permanent scarring, are not ruled out either. They are mainly caused by having the removal treatment done in poor conditions, with the wrong tools and/or by someone who is not trained for it. That is the case with DIY removal, which carries the highest risk of scarring, because it is the option that meets the fewest conditions for a successful treatment: questionable products such as tattoo removal creams, low grade machines, no tattoo removal expert on hand, and so on.
Some techniques, even when performed in satisfactory conditions by experts, carry far lower risks than DIY treatments, without being entirely free of serious risk. That is particularly true of so called laser free tattoo removal methods, whose name might suggest they are less dangerous than laser removal. These methods, properly called chemical tattoo removal (using lactic acid, for example), carry the highest risk of scarring of all the methods in use. We strongly advise you not to use them.
Which method avoids scarring?
The only tattoo removal method that has genuinely proven itself today is laser removal. It is reliable, effective on all skin types and has the fewest side effects. That is why it is the only technique used in Ray studios centres. We also use PicoWay® lasers, developed by Candela, which are the best picosecond lasers on the market. They offer a wider range of wavelengths and more precise settings, which allows better account to be taken of your phenotype (your skin colour) and of the colours of the inks used in the tattoo. The treatment then becomes genuinely personalised, which leads to faster fading while being as gentle as possible on the skin, for limited side effects. Individual results vary.
We decided to use the laser method only after carefully analysing every available technique and reading the studies on the subject. There appears to be broad agreement internationally that it is the only truly reliable method (with the exception of surgery, which applies to rare and specific urgent situations). So we do not recommend any other!
All our centres are equipped with state of the art tattoo removal machines, which are handled only by experienced skin therapists trained in line with the latest knowledge in the field of tattoo removal. They also receive ongoing training and contribute to refining our methodology. As you will have gathered, we do everything we can to deliver the best possible tattoo removal treatment and the satisfaction of our customers. If you want to avoid scarring, there is no better option than coming to Ray studios.
A previous treatment left me with scars, what can I do?
If you have scars caused by treatment of a tattoo in a centre other than a Ray studios centre, we may be able to treat them in certain cases.
If you have questions after a failed tattoo removal treatment, you can book an initial consultation with one of our experts. They can tell you about the condition of the scar and whether it can be reduced. Where relevant, they will point you towards the right specialist for that. They can also tell you whether it is possible to continue your tattoo removal treatment at Ray studios, if you paused it because of side effects.
More generally, they will answer all your questions and give you the best guidance on your removal journey, because yes, these appointments are handled only by trained skin therapists, so you can trust their advice.
FAQ
Can tattoo removal cause scars?
Yes, as with any treatment procedure, tattoo removal can involve side effects, but the risk of scarring remains rare when the treatment is carried out under optimal conditions. Redness, mild irritation or pigment variations are benign, temporary reactions. On the other hand, permanent scars mainly occur when tattoo removal is poorly carried out, particularly with uncertified products, unsuitable equipment or by unqualified individuals.
Which tattoo removal methods cause the most scarring?
Non-clinical methods such as tattoo removal creams, acid peels or so-called “home” treatments present the highest rate of scarring and skin complications. Even some clinical techniques such as lactic acid chemical tattoo removal carry a high risk. In contrast, the picosecond laser, when performed by skin therapists, is the safest and least invasive method.
How can you avoid scarring after tattoo removal?
To minimise the risks, it is essential to choose a specialised clinic, quality equipment and a skin therapist. At Ray studios, we only use PicoWay® picosecond lasers, the most advanced and precise technology on the market. Each treatment is personalised according to your skin and your tattoo, which helps optimise removal while protecting the skin. Individual results vary. We continuously train our teams to ensure the safety and effectiveness of every session.
Why choose a specialised centre like Ray studios to avoid scarring?
Choosing the right tattoo removal centre is crucial to avoiding skin complications. At Ray studios, we have made the exclusive choice of picosecond laser tattoo removal, the most effective and safest method recognised by the medical community. Our skin therapists undergo ongoing training, and each session takes place in a clinical setting, with rigorous follow-up. This level of rigour significantly reduces side effects and ensures optimal care, for safe treatment with minimal risk of scarring. Individual results vary.
