What To Do After Your Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment

What To Do After Your Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment

FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT...

• Apply cold packs (wrapped in a barrier like a towel) to the affected area(s), taking them on and off every three to five minutes for one to two hours.
• Elevate the treated area above your heart intermittently
• Avoid physical activities that cause perspiration like exercising, as well as prolonged standing or walking (especially important if your tattoo is located below the knee!)
• Avoid direct heat, including steam rooms, saunas and hot water.
• Avoid wearing tight, restrictive clothing over the treated area(s).

FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT (AND UNTIL YOUR TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED)

• Moisturize the area with over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, up to three times daily or as needed to help reduce irritation or itching.
• Avoid topical irritants— these potentially include harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, oils, numbing agents or antibacterial creams.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds. Apply sunscreen SPF 30+ and wear protective clothing or a breathable, adhesive bandage over the tattoo.
• Avoid hot baths / showers, as well as swimming (in any temperature). When bathing, use cool water and gentle soap; pat skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
• Avoid scrubbing, scratching or shaving directly over the area.

TO IMPROVE THE RESULTS OF YOUR TREATMENT ONCE YOUR TATTOO IS HEALED…

• Engage in light aerobic exercise to help improve blood circulation.
• Gently massage the area of your tattoo with a thin layer of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® to improve vascular and lymphatic flow.
• Learn More About Laser Tattoo Removal

WITH EACH SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT

• Additional layers of ink are targeted with the laser (deep to superficial)
• More and more ink particles are shattered and permanently removed
• Tattoo ink appears more dull and faded, making concealing the tattoo easier
• Skin appears more uniform as the tattoo ink becomes less dense and fades

IMPORTANT: NOT ALL TATTOOS ARE CREATED EQUAL

• And that means the results you'll see from the removal or fading process can vary based on location, depth, density and ink colors. Some tattoos can be completely removed, while others will fade significantly (making it easier to cover up with makeup (or a new tattoo that you love).

What To Do If You Experience These Common Side Effects…

FOR SWELLING & BLISTERING

• Rest, ice and elevate the tattoo immediately following your treatment.
• Do not pop, scratch or peel any blisters—they will be reabsorbed on their own in 7-10 days.
• Gently apply a thick layer of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® and lightly cover with a clean, breathable gauze bandage three to four times a day until fully resolved.
• If your blister is large or uncomfortable, please contact us.

FOR ITCHING

• Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, up to three times daily or as needed until resolved.
• Avoid scratching the area.
• May take oral Benadryl®, Allegra® or Claritin® (antihistamines available over-the-counter, liquid version preferred) as needed.

FOR IRRITATION

• After treatment, it's normal for your tattoo to have minimum to moderate redness, petechiae (tiny broken blood vessels under the skin), pinpoint bleeding or bruising depending on factors such as location, ink colors and stage of treatment. If you experience this…
• Gently apply a thick layer of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® (okay to mix in hydrocortisone 1%) and lightly cover with a clean, breathable gauze bandage three to four times a day until fully resolved.
• Avoid tight clothing that could rub against the tattoo.
• Avoid scratching or picking at the area.
• Avoid all irritating products such as hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin®, Polysporin®, Bacitracin®, Aloe Vera, or numbing agents (we recommend applying only Vaseline®, Aquaphor®, hydrocortisone 1%, and sunscreen as needed).