Postcare LTR

What To Do After Your Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment

FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT...

  • Apply cold packs (wrapped in a barrier like a towel) to the affected area(s), taking them on and off every three to five minutes for one to two hours.
  • Elevate the treated area above your heart intermittently 
  • Avoid physical activities that cause perspiration like exercising, as well as prolonged standing or walking (especially important if your tattoo is located below the knee!)
  • Avoid direct heat, including steam rooms, saunas and hot water.
  • Avoid wearing tight, restrictive clothing over the treated area(s).

FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT (AND UNTIL YOUR TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED)

  • Moisturize the area with over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, 
up to three times daily or as needed to help reduce irritation or itching. 
  • Avoid topical irritants— these potentially include harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, oils, numbing agents or antibacterial creams.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds. Apply sunscreen SPF 30+ and wear protective clothing 
or a breathable, adhesive bandage over the tattoo.
  • Avoid hot baths / showers, as well as swimming (in any temperature). When bathing, use cool water 
and gentle soap; pat skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
  • Avoid scrubbing, scratching or shaving directly over the area.

TO IMPROVE THE RESULTS OF YOUR TREATMENT ONCE YOUR TATTOO IS HEALED…

  • Engage in light aerobic exercise to help improve blood circulation. 
  • Gently massage the area of your tattoo with a thin layer of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® to improve vascular 
and lymphatic flow. 

What To Expect From your Results

So, what’s next? While the experience is unique for every patient (and every tattoo!), here’s what you can expect…

IMMEDIATELY AFTER

IMMEDIATELY AFTER

  • Potential swelling, redness, and mild discomfort 
in the treated area (normal!)
  • Some ink colors may appear temporarily lighter due to the breaking of ink bonds 
UP TO 2 WEEKS AFTER

UP TO 2 WEEKS AFTER

  • Side effects subside and tattoo may appear 
as it did before treatment
  • Minimal to no visible changes of the tattoo 
ink are observed yet
2-8 WEEKS AFTER

2-8 WEEKS AFTER

  • Tattoo may itch as the body processes 
the broken up ink particles
  • Patchy ink removal fading may become visible, 
based on tattoo depth, density and color
8-12 WEEKS AFTER

8-12 WEEKS AFTER

  • Skin is healed and [most] tattoos are now 
eligible for another session!
  • We recommend this treatment every two-to-three months* 
until optimal results are achieved


*Note: It’s important to wait a minimum of 8 weeks between treatments to ensure the skin is healed and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects that result from treating too frequently. A LaserAway Clinician will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment spacing timeframe as needed 

WITH EACH SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT 

  • Additional layers of ink are targeted with the laser (deep to superficial)
  • More and more ink particles are shattered and permanently removed 
  • Tattoo ink appears more dull and faded, making concealing the tattoo easier 
  • Skin appears more uniform as the tattoo ink becomes less dense and fades

IMPORTANT: NOT ALL TATTOOS ARE CREATED EQUAL

  • And that means the results you’ll see from the removal or fading process can vary based on location, depth, density and ink colors. Some tattoos can be completely removed, while others will fade significantly (making it easier to cover up with makeup (or a new tattoo that you love).

What To Do If You Experience These Common Side Effects…

FOR SWELLING & BLISTERING 

  • Rest, ice and elevate the tattoo immediately following your treatment. 
  • Do not pop, scratch or peel any blisters—they will be reabsorbed on their own in 7-10 days. 
  • Gently apply a thick layer of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® and lightly cover with a clean, breathable gauze bandage three to four times a day until fully resolved. 
  • If your blister is large or uncomfortable, please contact us.

FOR ITCHING

  • Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, up to three times daily 
or as needed until resolved.
  • Avoid scratching the area.
  • May take oral Benadryl®, Allegra® or Claritin® (antihistamines available over-the-counter, liquid version preferred) as needed.

FOR IRRITATION 

  • After treatment, it’s normal for your tattoo to have minimum to moderate redness, petechiae (tiny broken blood vessels under the skin), pinpoint bleeding or bruising depending on factors such as location, ink colors and stage of treatment. If you experience this…
  • Gently apply a thick layer of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® (okay to mix in hydrocortisone 1%)  and lightly cover with a clean, breathable gauze bandage three to four times a day until fully resolved. 
  • Avoid tight clothing that could rub against the tattoo. 
  • Avoid scratching or picking at the area.  
  • Avoid all irritating products such as hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin®, Polysporin®, Bacitracin®, Aloe Vera, or numbing agents (we recommend applying only Vaseline®, Aquaphor®, hydrocortisone 1%, and sunscreen as needed).  
Questions? Experiencing anything not covered here? Come in to any LaserAway or give us a call at 1-888-261-8393. Also, don’t forget to book your next appointment in two to four months!

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