Recent laser tattoo removal technology, such as the PicoSure laser has become much more effective at removing tattoos with very little risk of long term scarring. In the short term, laser tattoo removal will always create a superficial white frosting and blistering, which are completely natural and what is expected of a successful laser tattoo removal treatment.
Some patients may experience a little bruising or swelling, which again is perfectly normal and is actually a sign that your immune system is already healing the area and beginning to remove the ink from your skin.
To help alleviate these perfectly normal side effects of laser tattoo removal and to help speed up your recovery time, aftercare actually begins before treatment.
Follow our simple guide on laser tattoo removal aftercare below.
Before treatment
- Avoid exposure to sunlight and sun-beds for at least 6 weeks.
- If the tattooed area is covered by hair, please shave the area 1 day before treatment.
- Do not apply any self-tanning products for 1 week prior to treatment.
- Do not apply and moisturising creams to the area.
- On the day of your treatment ensure that your tattoo is free of make-up, moisturiser, lotions, deodorant and oil.
Up to 48 hours after treatment
- Avoid restrictive clothing or excessive friction of the treated area.
- Avoid contact sports or any other activity that puts you at risk of causing trauma to the treated area.
- Avoid applying creams, moisturisers, make up, perfume or body lotions to the treated area.
- Avoid hot baths or getting the area wet.
- Avoid heat treatments such as saunas and steam rooms as well as Jacuzzis.
- Avoid going swimming as chemicals in the water may cause a skin reaction and water will slow the healing process.
- Wash the area gently with soap and water but do not soak.
- Do not shave the treated area.
- Do not rub or scratch the treated area.
- Do not lie in the sun or use a sun-bed as this activates the melanin in the skin and can lead to pigmentation marks.
If the area treated feels tender or warm
- Apply cold compresses of ice, or a pack of peas from the freezer wrapped in a clean cloth.
- Do not apply ice directly onto the skin as this can burn.
- Do not apply any creams/lotions to the area other than that recommended by your laser operator.
After 48 hours has passed
We recommend you continue to follow the instructions above until you feel confident that the treated are has healed sufficiently; i.e. the blistering has subsided.
Blistering is normal and a sign you’re body is healing
Blisters are a normal reaction and will heal without intervention in 5-7 days.
If they are very large and in the way, these blisters may be punctured using a sterile needle to drain some of the fluid. Do not remove the blister skin as this will be a barrier to help protect and heal the skin. Keep the blister covered until healed to avoid infection.
If you are unsure in any case, please do not hesitate to call us on the number below for a professional opinion. By following this before and after treatment advice you should expect to see and feel a greater laser tattoo removal satisfaction.
Clients should notify the clinic of any change in medical conditions, medication or pregnancy.
