Aftercare

Keep it cool: The treated area may feel like a sunburn for the first 24 hrs to 2 wks, depending on your inflammation response, and should be treated as such. Ice, cold aloe gel, burn gel, and cold arnica gel can be used within the first 24 hours and beyond to relieve discomfort due to heat.

Keep it out of the sun: Keep the tattoo out of the sun as much as possible, apply SPF 50+ daily, and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Fresh tans and recent sun exposure are strict contraindications for laser treatments. Tans and recent sun exposure can lead to hyper or hypopigmentation (darkening or bleaching of the area), which may be irreversible. Clothing and sun hats alone are not enough in outdoor situations.

Fake tans, self-tanner, bronzing lotion, sunless tanner, spray tan, hair dye stains, and any other products that deposit pigment on top of the skin cannot be present on the treatment area at the time of treatment. If these products are applied, they must be fully worn off before treatment. Fake tans of any kind can lead to serious burns and scarring. 

Keep it calm: Avoid excess heat and friction for the first 24- 48 hours. Exercise, sauna, steam room, hot tubs, hot days outside, physical contact, and tight clothing can all lead to increased irritation and side effects. If needed, after 24 hours, you can apply occlusive agents such as Aquaphore or A&D ointment, creams such as Hydrocortisone or topical antihistamines, or bandages. Do not pop blisters or otherwise pick, scratch, or break the skin.

Avoid using exfoliants, chemical or physical, for the 7 days before and after your appointment. Exfoliants before the appointment lead to photosensitivity, increasing pigmentation risks. Exfoliants after the appointment increase irritation risks.

Anti-acne products, hair removal creams, topical steroids, and retinols are strict contraindications 7-14 days before your appointment and should be avoided 5-7 days after. These products all cause photosensitivity and risk hyper/hypopigmentation or burns.

Oral antibiotics cannot be taken 2 weeks before your appointment. Over-the-counter blood thinners can lead to increased bruising or bleeding and should be avoided 24- 48 hours before the appointment. Prescription blood thinners, anti-acne products, oral antifungals, oral steroids, and certain other medications should be consulted with your pharmacist or doctor before receiving services. While I always check for contraindications, I am not a doctor or pharmacist and do not know all medications and cannot guarantee accuracy.

Keep it clean: Avoid submerging the treated area in dirty water. Showers are encouraged at a lukewarm temperature. Hot tubs, pools, lakes, oceans, swimming pools, bathtubs, and dirty dish water without gloves should be avoided for 72 hours. Avoid letting other humans or pets rub their body or mouth on the treated areas. Gentle, soothing body wash is recommended.

Infections from tattoo removal are uncommon due to the skin not being broken during the treatment. As long as all aftercare is followed, infection risks will remain low. If an infection develops, please reach out to your doctor. I cannot prescribe medication or diagnose infections.

Keep it moisturized: Much of the post-treatment discomfort is due to the area feeling dry, tight, or flakey. Keeping the area hydrated and moisturized can help. Drink water with electrolytes and apply gentle moisturizers. 

Hydration is key! Staying hydrated assists in lymphatic function. Dehydration slows results. Drinking water with electrolytes will aid the process.

Tips and Tricks:

• Cigarette and nicotine consumption will slow results by up to 70%. Nicotine and cigarettes are vasoconstrictors and slow blood flow. Slower blood flow leads to slower results.
• After 48 hours, exercise assists in blood and lymphatic flow and is great for assisting removal.
• Once the area no longer hurts to touch, gentle massages assist in breaking up scar tissue and aiding lymphatic flow.

If you feel ill, please reschedule. Tattoo removal relies on your immune system, so if you are feeling unwell, it will complicate your treatment.