After Care Tips Between Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions

After receiving a laser removal treatment, our patients can expect to see some blisters, crusts or scabs beginning to develop between 8 and 72 hours after the treatment.  It is very rare for scarring to occur, and often times, the scarring after having a tattoo removed is due to lack of care between treatments.  To ensure that your tattoo removal sessions are moving along quickly, our laser tattoo removal studio in Chicago has some aftercare tips that you should take into consideration to best protect and heal your skin.

1.     Please be sure to use the over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (Neosporin), we provide you after your laser treatment.  It is important that you apply the ointment to your skin three times daily and to keep your tattoo covered with a bandage for at least 3 days. By doing this, you are protecting your damaged and weak skin from infection.  After those three days have passed, you MUST removed the bandage and expose your skin to the air.  The air will help heal and dry out the area exposed to the laser and prepare you for the next treatment.  You can expect the scabbing to last for 1 to 2 weeks.  We know the scabbing is not pretty and you may want to hide the area and keep it bandaged, but it is best to keep the area exposed after the first 3 days of treatment.

2.     Do not be alarmed by blisters.  Blisters typically appear 8 hours or so after your laser tattoo removal session.   Blisters are part of the healing process and they heal well.  When a blister forms, this indicated that your immune system is beginning to remove the ink in your skin and trying to heal.

3.     Do NOT pick the scabs, blisters, or crusts that form after your laser tattoo removal treatment.  Picking at the skin directly relates to any scarring that may occur.  Allow your skin to naturally heal itself and for the scabs and crusts to fall off when they are ready.  Pealing off scabs that are not ready to be removed can result in infection and scarring/pigment discoloration of your skin.

4.     If you are experiencing any type of discomfort or inflammation after having a tattoo removed you can take Tylenol and also apply an ice pack 24 hours after the session.  

5.     Wear sunblock to protect the area of your skin that received treatment for at least 3 months after each session.  Do not apply make-up or anything that may irritate the healing area.  Scented lotions tend to irritate healing skin.

6.     You may shower 2 hours after receiving tattoo removal.  However, it is strongly advised that you do not allow high pulsating water to hit the newly treated skin.  It is also recommended that you do not swim, soak in a bath or hut tub until after scabs and blisters are healed.  These areas of water contain a lot of bacteria that can cause infection and scarring.

7.     If you are experiencing any other discomfort than what is listed above, mild bruising, or tingling sensations similar to sunburn after your tattoo removal procedure, be sure to contact the studio who provided the treatment immediately or go see a doctor immediately. 

If you have any questions about having tattoos removed or would like to schedule a consultation with our laser tattoo removal studio in Oak Brook, please feel free to contact us today.