What To Do After Your Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
First of all, thanks for coming in! Second of all, congrats! You’re one step closer to removing your unwanted ink. However, results vary and the *best* results depend on you, and whether you read, understand and actually do everything on this list. Questions? Give us a call!
But before we get into your after-care instructions, here are a few things you can expect in terms of results. Laser tattoo removal is a gradual process and is unique for each and every tattoo depending on its location, depth, density and ink colors. We will educate you throughout your laser tattoo removal process on the predicted number of treatments your particular tattoo is expected to take to fade/remove.
Immediately After Your Treatment Until The Area Has FULLY Healed…
REST & ELEVATE
Elevate the treated area above your heart intermittently. Avoid physical activities like prolonged standing or walking. This is ESPECIALLY important if your tattoo is located below the elbow or knee.
ICE THE AREA
Apply cool ice packs to the affected area, taking them on and off every three to five minutes for one to two hours. Don’t apply the ice pack for more than five minutes at a time, and don’t apply it directly to your skin (wrap it in a paper or cloth towel).
MOISTURIZE
Moisturize the treated area with a thick coat of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® at least three times daily. Do not allow the skin to dry out.
AVOID IRRITANTS
These include harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, peels, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin®, Polysporin®, Bacitracin®, and Aloe Vera. We recommend applying only Vaseline, Aquaphor, hydrocortisone 1%, or sunscreen as needed.
STAY OUT OF THE SUN
Avoid incidental or direct sun, tanning beds, spray-tans and self-tanners on your tattoo. When you are outside, protect your tattoo by applying sunblock (SPF 50+) and using barrier protection such as protective clothing or an adhesive bandage.
STAY DRY
Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, pedicures and exercise/sweating, and avoid swimming.
CHILL OUT IN THE SHOWER
Take short, cool or lukewarm showers and avoid scrubbing or shaving the treated area. When cleansing, use a non-foaming cleanser and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
What To Do If You Experience These Common Side Effects….
For Swelling & Blistering
Swelling and blistering can be minimized or prevented by resting, icing and elevating the tattoo immediately following your treatment. If your tattoo develops small blisters, do not pop, scratch, or peel them—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 pad three to four times a day until fully resolved. If your blister is large or uncomfortable, please contact us.
For Itching
Itching can occur during your laser tattoo removal process, even once the tattoo is healed. We recommend taking oral liquid Benadryl®, Allegra® or Clartin® (antihistamines available over-the-counter) as needed, as well as applying hydrocortisone 1%, and Vaseline® or Aquaphor® to the affected area up to three times per day until it resolves.
For Irritation
Several types of irritation can occur after each laser tattoo removal treatment. It is normal for your tattoo to have minimum to moderate redness, petechiae (tiny broken blood vessels under the skin), pinpoint bleeding or bruising. To promote healing, apply a thick layer of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® (okay to mix in hydrocortisone 1%) and lightly cover with a clean, breathable gauze pad three to four times a day until fully resolved.
Make sure you avoid the following:
• Tight clothing that could rub against the tattoo
• Scratching or picking at the area
• All irritating products such as hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin®, Polysporin®, Bacitracin®, Aloe Vera, or numbing agents (we recommend applying only Vaseline®, Aquaphor®, hydrocortisone 1%, or sunscreen)
Questions? Experiencing anything not covered here? Come in to any LaserAway or give us a call at 1-888-965-2737. Also, don’t forget to book your next appointment in two to four months!