Improve Your Recovery Period: Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare

After your first tattoo removal appointment at The Untattoo Parlor we will explain all of the necessary laser tattoo removal aftercare steps that you can take to help your skin heal most effectively.

Following the proper laser tattoo removal aftercare is important for more than just a quick healing process. Remember, laser tattoo removal creates a superficial wound in the skin, very similar to a burn wound. There are a few normal side effects that you should expect, such as immediate whitening of the skin, some bruising, swelling, blistering, and scabbing. All of those are fairly normal and should subside within a few weeks. However, the proper after laser tattoo removal care can prevent additional unwanted side effects that come from poor wound healing, such as skin discoloration, texture changes, and infection.

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Suggestions

Just like when your tattoo was fresh, there are some major things you’ll need to avoid after laser tattoo removal in order to heal effectively such as sun exposure, pool water, salt water, and hot tubs. It’s normal for your treated tattoo to scab over and possibly blister. If you experience blistering, just continue to apply ointment until the blister has popped naturally and scabbed over. Do not pick at the scabs or pop any of the blisters on your own, and avoid shaving or any activities which could scrape the area until it’s completely healed. Many people also experience itching during the healing process. Applying an ointment such as Aquaphor, Vitamin E ointment, or hydrocortisone cream usually provides the necessary relief.

For 24 hours after:

If necessary, you can shower with indirect low-pressure water 2 hours after your laser tattoo removal treatment, but avoid soaking your treated tattoo (baths, hot tubs, saunas, and swimming). Be sure to elevate and treat the area with cold compresses to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. If you need additional pain relief, use Tylenol but avoid taking ibuprofen, Aspirin, and naproxen, which can cause additional bruising and other unwanted side effects.

3 days after:

For the first 3 days of laser tattoo removal aftercare, keep the tattoo removal area covered with a fresh sterile bandage daily and apply a thin layer of ointment such as Aquaphor, Elta MD Post Balm, Neosporin, Polysporin, or A&D Ointment. If you feel it is necessary, you can use mild soap and water and pat the area dry. Avoid all makeup for at least three days after laser tattoo removal treatment.

5-10 days after:

You should start to see some improvement of the treated area after about 5-10 days, but the right laser tattoo removal aftercare is important to continue the healing process with maximum results. Gentle daily massage of the treated tattoo will help your body’s absorption of the broken-up ink and speed up fading. Keep your treated tattoo covered, and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 5-10 days after treatment. You should continue to protect your tattoo with SPF 25 or higher for 3 months or more for the most effective after laser tattoo removal care.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about how your treated tattoo is healing, and the best laser tattoo removal aftercare, please feel free to contact our office. Our staff is made up of registered nurses and plastic surgeons to give you the most professional treatment available.