Tattoo removal aftercare

The Complete Guide to Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Laser tattoo removal is the most effective way to get rid of unwanted ink. More and more people receive laser treatment each year.

According to experts, roughly 11% of tattooed people get their tattoos removed.

Most of our customers ask lots of questions about the process itself. But, it’s important to understand that the process doesn’t end when the ink disappears.

After each session, you have to care for your skin. Proper aftercare can actually speed up the removal process.

Looking for tips on how to care for your healing skin? Keep reading for our complete guide to laser tattoo removal aftercare.

Table of Contents
1. How to Care for the Skin Immediately Following Treatment
2. Keep Your Immune System Strong Between and After Treatments
3. Two Things You Must Avoid
4. How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo Removal to Heal?


How to Care for the Skin Immediately Following Treatmentlaser tattoo removal aftercare 1024x683

Tattoos can be removed from any part of the body, from your toes to your arms to your eyebrows. Regardless of where it is on your skin, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the area, especially in the days immediately following treatment.

For the first three days, cover the area with a layer of antibiotic healing ointment. Keep it bandaged with sterilized gauze. Don’t apply any other creams or makeup to the treated area within the first few days.

You can remove the bandage after three days, but keep the area as clean and dry as possible. You may also apply Vaseline, Aquaphor, or hydrocortisone cream to moisturize the area as it heals.

Vitamin E ointment is helpful too, as it helps to restore damaged skin cells.

And, you should wear sunblock (SPF 25+) any time you go outside. Sun exposure is one of the worst things for the skin after laser removal.

Can You Shower After Laser Tattoo Removal?

Once you remove the bandage, you can shower and wash the treatment area. However, you should avoid high-pressure water. Clean the area gently with mild soap and pat dry.

Don’t soak the area until it’s completely healed. Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools, as all of these can increase your chances for infection.

Tired of being embarrassed about your tattoos?

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Keep Your Immune System Strong Between and After Treatments
tattoo removal cream 1024x683

The stronger your immune system, the faster your skin heals. A healthy immune system helps your body repair the wound and fight off infection.

There are a few key things you can do to see faster results:

  • Drink lots of water. Keeping the body hydrated is key to maintaining a strong immune system. It helps flush out toxins and restore blood cells, which are key to preventing infections.
  • Decrease alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol intake can cause dehydration, which slows down the healing process. If possible, avoid alcohol entirely.
  • Don’t smoke. When you smoke, your immune system has to work harder to remove the pollutants. Your body won’t be able to work as hard at healing your skin. Non-smokers see better results and usually need fewer treatments.
  • Exercise. Exercising increases blood flow. Increased blood flow actually helps to break down the ink particles in your skin. You should take a few days off exercising immediately after treatment. But once your skin scabs over, physical activity can help the tattoo removal process along.

Two Things You MUST Avoid

If you want to see faster and more effective results, there are two things you absolutely have to avoid.

#1 Do Not Overexpose Yourself to the Sun

After laser tattoo removal treatment, you need to keep the treated area out of the sun. If you get a sunburn in between treatments, you’ll have to postpone your next session until your skin returns to its normal color.

Delaying treatments will prolong the process and make it take longer to see permanent results.

And it’s not just sunburns that slow the healing process – any amount of tanning can have the same effect. Make sure to keep your skin covered with sunscreen and clothing or bandages if you plan on spending any time in the sun.

#2 Do Not Pick Scabs or Pop Blisters

Blistering and scabbing are natural side effects of the healing process. It’s tempting to pop and pick at your skin. Avoid this at all cost.

Opening the wound not only increases the risk of infection but also prolongs the healing process.

And as long as you have scabs or blisters on your skin, avoid shaving that area. Using a razor can cause you to open the wound accidentally.

For the best results, allow scabs to fall off and blisters to drain on their own.

Learn more about what to do before and after this procedure in our Tattoo Removal FAQs article!

How Long Does it Take for a Tattoo Removal to Heal?tattoo removal healing time 1024x683

The total healing time after laser treatment is about 4 to 8 weeks. But, what you do during those weeks can increase or decrease the healing process.

Healing times vary depending on the type of treatment, the strength of your immune system, and how closely you follow your aftercare plan.

Your post treatment efforts are as important a part of the process as the laser itself.

Just by staying hydrated and keeping your immune system healthy, for example, you can speed up the process by several weeks.

And by protecting your wound, you’ll avoid opening the scab, which helps it heal without interruption.

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Conclusion

Depending on your complexion and the condition of your skin, most patients need between 5 and 8 laser treatments to see results. Those treatments are usually spaced out about 6 weeks apart.

Some people see results faster. Some might need more treatments. Consult with your technician before beginning, so you know what to expect.

After your session, ask your technician about caring for your tattoo. They’ll give you aftercare tips to ensure that your skin heals as safely and swiftly as possible.

Keep your immune system strong, protect your skin from the sun, and allow scabs to heal on their own. If you don’t follow these instructions, you can cause unnecessary damage to the skin, delay your next session, and prolong the process.

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