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Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare & Recovery Guide

Table of Contents

Published on Nov 13, 2023 By: WIFH Staff

The Do’s and Don’ts of Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare

No matter why you decide to remove a tattoo – it’s crucial to educate yourself on proper aftercare following each treatment session. Laser tattoo removal provides the best results when you use adequate care methods post-treatment.

Learn how to care for your skin after laser tattoo removal treatments with these critical do’s and don’ts of aftercare!

The “Do’s” of Tattoo Removal Aftercare & Recovery

At WIFH, we don’t only want your skin to look good after a laser tattoo removal treatment – we want it to feel good too. The following tattoo removal aftercare tips will make your skin look and feel great while also expediting the healing process.

Limit Physical Activity

On the day of and the day following your treatment, you will want to limit your physical activity. Specifically, any activity that could make you perspire. For this reason, steaming hot showers should also be avoided. You will also want to elevate the treatment area while resting.

Stay Hydrated

The best tip people always give for healthy and glowing skin is to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. This tip also works for tattoo removal aftercare. Laser tattoo removal fragments the ink, which is then filtered out by your body’s lymphatic system; this also triggers the immune system. By keeping yourself hydrated, you’re maintaining your immune system and helping flush it out.

Soothe With Ice

To help calm and soothe skin, you will need to apply an ice compress for the first hour following your treatment. Just be sure to not leave the compress on for more than three minutes at a time – you should alternate it on and off. We also recommend icing the area as needed the day following treatment using the same alternating routine. We want you to feel comfortable during the healing process!

Moisturize Skin

It’s a good idea to keep the treated area well moisturized for several days post treatment. This helps to reduce irritation and itching as it heals. Moisturizers such as Aquaphor ointment can also help restore any damaged skin cells during the treatment process. Do not use Neosporin or any other antibiotic ointments; use of these may increase the chance of blistering.

By applying these simple tips to your aftercare regimen, you will get the best results from your tattoo removal treatment.

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The “Don’ts” of Tattoo Removal Aftercare & Recovery

When someone gets laser tattoo removal, it usually means they want the tattoo gone fast! To help you achieve that goal, you should adhere to smart aftercare tips and avoid doing these three things post laser tattoo removal treatment.

Endure Sun Exposure

Overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays can delay the treatment process and subsequently delay the healing process as well. Getting a sunburn or tan in between your laser tattoo removal treatments will result in a postponement of your appointment. It’s also essential to apply sunscreen to the treatment area following your sessions, so your skin can heal. Sun exposure is never healthy for the skin.

Consume Alcohol

Did you know alcohol can slow down the skin’s healing process? That is because it can cause dehydration. As we stated in the staying hydrated portion of the article, hydration is critical for proper immune function. Therefore, if possible, try to avoid alcohol consumption during the healing process.

Touching/Picking at Scabs or Blisters

With laser tattoo removal often comes scabbing and blisters – this is perfectly normal. But touching or picking the scabs and blisters can lead to some severe consequences. Creating or opening wounds leads to a higher risk of infection. It can also delay your skin’s healing. Touching the scabs or blisters may seem tempting, but for the best results, you should leave them alone.

It’s never fun being told you shouldn’t do something. But the best thing about this section of the article is that all of these tips are simple!

How Long Does it Take Tattoo Removal to Recover and Heal?

The healing process for laser tattoo removal can take anywhere from four to eight weeks. There are, of course, a few variables that could increase or reduce the time it takes to heal.

Proper tattoo removal aftercare is the key to a fast and satisfactory healing process. Following these simple do’s and don’ts will have you on the fast track to your desired beautiful tattoo-free skin.

Shayna Flash, PA-C, MPH

Shayna Flash is a licensed Physician Assistant and Senior Cosmetic Laser Practitioner certified by the Georgia Composite Medical Board with more than 19 years of laser experience in hair removal, tattoo removal, vein treatments and skin rejuvenation procedures. Shayna currently sits on the Georgia Composite Medical Board’s Cosmetic Laser Services Advisory Committee that develops rules, regulations, and application materials for both Senior and Assistant practitioner levels of licensure.