Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Instructions (5 General Instructions

There is no tattoo removal procedure as effective as laser tattoo removal. This is currently the only way to get rid of unwanted ink and achieve amazing results without any skin damage (if the procedure is of course done correctly). Considering that around 11% of all tattooed people end up having their tattoos removed, it is more than important to know how to handle the procedure as well as how to care for the treated skin.

If you are about to have your tattoo removed or are already in the process of having your tattoo removed, you have come to the right place. In the following paragraphs, we will answer the most common questions people have regarding laser tattoo removal and proper and accurate aftercare instructions. So, without further ado, let’s jump in!

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Instructions: 5 General Instructions

The general aftercare instructions cover the delay and aftercare right after the laser treatment is finished. This is the crucial period for the skin because it needs an immediate reaction, an immediate strengthening of the immune system and rapid and appropriate global care. Therefore, here are some of the most important recommendations and do’s for general aftercare (done correctly);

1. Infection Prevention

The most important thing you can do after laser treatment is finished is to prevent infection. How can you do this? With the help of over-the-counter antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin, you will protect treated and compromised skin. At this point your tattoo will also be covered with a bandage, but after three days you MUST REMOVE IT.

Moisture buildup under the dressing is the perfect place for bacteria to grow, which can lead to infection unless the treated skin begins to dry out. Skin can only dry out when exposed to air. So, for the first three days, keep the tattoo covered and apply antibiotic ointment.

2. Deal with scabs and blisters

Once you remove the dressing from the treated skin, it will begin to heal and dry out. At this point, you will notice scabs and blisters forming. You DO NOT pick the blisters, scabs or scabs that form on the skin. Picking treated and weakened skin can only introduce germs and bacteria, leading directly to infection.

Additionally, you can disrupt the healing process and cause pigment discoloration in the treated area. Once they are completely dry and the skin underneath is healed and healthy, the scabs will fall off naturally and the blisters will also disappear.

Red Plus: How to treat blisters after tattoo removal?

3. Deal with itching

It is quite common to feel itching on the treated area. Don’t be alarmed; it’s just an indication that the skin is healing and recovering. However, it is essential to refrain from scratching the area. Instead, apply a thin layer of a vitamin E moisturizer or 1% hydrocortisone ointment. And, just to rule out dehydration as a cause of itching, be sure to drink plenty of water.

4. React in time

If you notice any redness, non-healing blisters, crusting, skin irritation or general discomfort in the area, it is

time to do something. These are usually symptoms of inflammation in the treated area, which should be treated immediately.

You can always contact your doctor and the clinic where you performed the laser tattoo removal procedure. We also advise you to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like Tylenol). You can try cooling the inflamed area by applying an ice pack for a few minutes (no more than 10 minutes!).

We also advise you to contact your clinic immediately if you notice worsening inflammation, bruising in the treated area, tingling of the skin, or any other form of pain or discomfort.

5. Shower

The shower is essential to keep the skin clean. However, right after laser tattoo treatment, you need to be careful with water. For example, you can take a quick shower 2 hours after the laser treatment. You cannot clean the treated area directly or have high pulsating water hit the treated skin.

Additionally, soaking in a bath or tub is not recommended, and we also strongly advise against going swimming. Exposure to water can make the skin more difficult to dry out and heal, which can lead to bacteria buildup and potential infection. In addition, the aforementioned water areas can contain different types of germs and bacteria which, when introduced into the treated skin, can cause many health problems (such as infection, inflammation, scarring).

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Guide: Other Equally Important Aftercare Instructions (7 Tips)

Treated skin will take time to heal, and this is something to be aware of. Therefore, the aforementioned tracking instructions are just the start of your tracking journey. Here are some other equally important aftercare instructions that you should follow to help your skin heal faster and better.

1. Get enough sleep

Sleep is when your body focuses on healing and recovery. Without adequate and sufficient sleep, your body will become even more exhausted, leading to immune system problems. Without a strong immune system, your body can’t fight infections, which makes the treated skin even weaker and more likely to develop an infection.

Try to sleep between 6 and 8 hours; no more, no less (as this can be counterproductive and further weaken the immune system). It is essential to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, as well as nicotine and other stimulants and toxins.

2. Regular exercise

Exercise is known to keep us healthy and help our body heal and recover. It helps us strengthen our immune system, especially when it comes to fighting foreign bodies in our body (like tattoo ink).

Exercise can help your body get rid of excess ink by stimulating the production of cells that get rid of ink and other foreign matter. So, be sure to go to the gym regularly. Even half an hour of walking can get things going and speed up the whole healing process. However, avoid vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment.

3. Water intake

Without water, our body cannot function properly. Improper water intake can lead to serious immune system problems, toxin buildup, and problems with the production of lymph (which carries white blood cells around the body to destroy foreign bodies in the blood, such as ink tattoo).

Water helps skin stay hydrated, promotes faster healing, and maintains overall skin health. Thus, proper water intake is essential for aftercare laser tattoo removal, but also for your overall health. Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and in the case of healing skin, try to significantly increase your water intake.

4. Proper Immune-Boosting Nutrition

Along with good water intake, it is also essential to continue eating foods that support the immune system. Now, certain foods can help your body boost the immune system to the max and ensure faster and proper healing of the treated skin. Make sure to eat plenty of nuts, such as almonds, leafy greens, broccoli, ginger, citrus fruits, peppers, garlic, salmon, sunflower seeds, etc. This type of nutrition will not only help you heal the treated skin faster, but also keep you healthy and feeling great.

5. Stay in the shadows

As your skin heals after a laser tattoo removal procedure, it is essential to keep it away from sun exposure. Otherwise, you could cause sunburn and further hypopigmentation or skin discoloration in the treated area. If you must go outside, be sure to keep the treated skin covered and further protected with a bandage. Make sure the clothes are not too tight. Once the scabs and blisters are gone, be sure to apply a 20% zinc oxide sunscreen to further protect the skin.

6. Abstain from alcohol and smoking

Alcohol and nicotine are known to reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to deal with injuries and the healing process. They also promote dehydration and the buildup of toxins, which further slows the healing process and makes the body more prone to inflammation. To keep your body healthy and to ensure treated skin heals properly and quickly after laser treatment, abstain from alcohol and tobacco for as long as you can, or try to quit altogether.

7. General follow-up advice

It should be mentioned that it is very important to avoid heat (especially hot water) during the first 48 hours. This can further damage and injure already weakened and treated skin. Also, do not take any photosensitizing medications (such as antibiotics) two weeks before your laser removal appointment. And finally, you can apply 1% hydrocortisone ointment to the treated skin once a day for 5 days to speed up the healing process and make sure everything is going well.

Final Thoughts

Unless otherwise stated, this should be your best practice for laser tattoo removal aftercare. This follow-up routine is suitable for sensitive and treated skin to ensure quick and proper healing without inflammation or potential scarring. If you notice your skin not healing or developing redness, thick crusting, and symptoms of infection, be sure to talk to your clinician. They should be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Read more:

Sharing is caring!