Skip to main content
Kim Kardashian at Kering's Caring for Women Dinner.
Madonna in blue mini dress and metallic boots.
Taylor Swift boarding private jet in 2024.

Beauty

The Scary Downside To Tattoo Removal That No One Tells You About

June 8, 2017 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Beauty
Featured image

The Scary Downside To Tattoo Removal That No One Tells You About

Tattoos always seem like a good idea at the time. But if a certain ink sun or phrase or even a former partner's name is body artwork you can no longer stand to look at in the mirror, you may be thinking: no big deal. I'll just have that tattoo removed with a laser and get on with my life.

 

And, yes, there are certainly laser tattoo removal procedures that work like a charm and prove successful at making that tattoo vanish once and for all from your body and your life. But it's helpful to keep these four possible downsides in mind before you agree to remove your tattoo for good.

Image from SHEfinds

All Lasers Are Not Created Equal

Having your tattoo removed with a laser isn't as simple as you might think. There are several different tattoo removal lasers, including Picosecond and Q-Swtiched, that address various ink colors in your body art and that are more or less effective, depending on the depth of your ink. Picosure, for example, works really well on black ink tattoos, but can cause pigmentation in dark skin tones, while Revlite and Medlite are recommended for darker skin tones, but may not be as effective in removing colored inks. 

 

Make sure you do your research and consult with several specialists in laser tattoo removal before booking an appointment. 

Image from SHEfinds

It's Harder To Remove Tattoos From Some Areas Of Your Body

It's not that it's impossible to completely remove a tattoo from an area of your body like your ankle — it's that it can be more difficult and you should be aware of that before proceeding. Beware of pros who claim they can treat all areas of the body the same. A professional should provide the advantages and disadvantages of removing a tattoo from more difficult areas of the body before promising the stars. 

Image from SHEfinds

Hyperpigmentation And Infection

When you have your tattoo removed, there is a risk that the skin surrounding your body work and the skin beneath your tattoo will look paler than your skin tone — which is called hyperpigmentation. Although the risk of infection is minimal from this procedure, it's important to remember to only consult a professional who knows the inns and outs of laser treatments. 

Image from SHEfinds

Scarring

It's perhaps the one possible downside to tattoo removal that most people dread most: scarring.The good news is that the latest technologically advanced lasers provide less risk that a scar will be left in your tattoo's place — but it's important to realize that there is still a chance of scarring after this procedure.  

 

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

Italian bob hair trend expected to be popular this summer.
Woman applying concealer in a beauty tutorial video.
Beauty habits causing skin inflammation and irritation.
Older woman applying skincare products for healthy skin.
Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare tips with Arielle Lorre and Dr. Youn.
Best foundations for mature skin to minimize fine lines.
Trendy butterfly haircut showcased on Instagram.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished, modern look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that may accelerate collagen breakdown.
Celebrity image from Shutterstock collection.
Top summer scents and fragrances for 2026, as recommended.
Makeup tips from beauty influencer Nikol Johnson on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make with fine lines.
Haircuts that distract from jowls and lift the face.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for supplementation.
Hailey Bieber's haircuts that add volume to fine hair.
Trendy chiffon nails inspired by Instagram.
Italian bob hair trend expected to be popular this summer.
Woman applying concealer in a beauty tutorial video.
Beauty habits causing skin inflammation and irritation.
Older woman applying skincare products for healthy skin.
Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare tips with Arielle Lorre and Dr. Youn.
Best foundations for mature skin to minimize fine lines.
Trendy butterfly haircut showcased on Instagram.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished, modern look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that may accelerate collagen breakdown.
Celebrity image from Shutterstock collection.
Top summer scents and fragrances for 2026, as recommended.

Beauty

Summer is my favorite season. If I could bottle up ...

Makeup tips from beauty influencer Nikol Johnson on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make with fine lines.
Haircuts that distract from jowls and lift the face.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for supplementation.
Hailey Bieber's haircuts that add volume to fine hair.
Trendy chiffon nails inspired by Instagram.