After laser tattoo removal, the treated area will often appear red as if it were sunburned and swollen. Occasionally patients will experience pinpoint bleeding as well. After a few days, bruising may develop. These side effects are very common and can be minimized with elevation and off-and-on icing. Blisters are seen approximately 10% of the time and are more common on distal extremities. Antibiotics are rarely needed for any of these side effects as laser tattoo removal is a relatively sterile procedure. Unlike traditional surgery, in laser tattoo removal only laser light enters the skin.