Tattoo Removal Before and Aftercare

Is it time to say goodbye to that old tribal tattoo from college? If you are considering tattoo removal, there are some important steps you need to take before you schedule your laser tattoo removal appointment with the dermatologist. Follow these rules to ensure a safe and effective tattoo removal treatment. Here, your checklist for pre-treatment laser tattoo removal:

1. Make sure to get a mole exam before tattoo removal The laser can change the surface and pigment of a mole, making a potential harmful mole look benign. Have an experienced Dermatology provider do a mole exam before starting tattoo removal.

2. Check to make sure there is no infection There should be no present infection or open areas (including abrasions or any open cuts) over the tattoo that is going to be treated. It is possible that the laser treatment may make the infection wors

3. Do You Have Any allergies? Make sure to tell your provider if you have any allergies and to do a test spot of any numbing cream. Numbing injections and cream contain ingredients which rarely cause an allergic reaction but it is important to let the provider know exactly which allergies you have and to do a test spot.

4. Make sure you’re in good health and feeling okay The hardest part of tattoo removal is the healing after. Your body is going to work to get rid of the ink and eliminate it from the body. If the body is fighting other toxins or conditions it may take longer to heal or complications can arise. Wait until the cold has passes and then get a treatment.

5. Shave first! If the tattoo is in an area where hair is present it is best to shave the area before treating the tattoo. The black pigment of hair is also picked up by the laser and it will give you that “burnt hair” smell. Shave to assure no damage is done to the hair follicle.

Your Tattoo Removal Aftercare checklist

Laser tattoo removal is certainly an investment—of time and money. So it pays to be smart about caring for your skin after your procedure. Blistering, swelling, scabbing and crusting may occur after your laser tattoo removal procedure and is very common. But it’s important to know exactly how to take care of your skin after a laser tattoo removal session. Here, aftercare instructions for laser tattoo removal:

• Be sure to keep treated area dry and clean during the healing period. Clean it carefully with soap and water and gently pat dry.

• Leave any blisters you might have alone, being careful not to rupture them on purpose. If a blister should happen to rupture on its own, then apply an antibiotic ointment over it until it has healed.

• Make sure to avoid any sun exposure on area of treatment. Keep the area covered with a bandage or clothing if it is going to be exposed to the sun.

• You can take a shower four hours after your laser tattoo removal treatment.

• Avoid shaving the area until it is healed entirely.

• Feel free to cool compresses onto the area to relieve any discomfort for the 24 hours following the procedure.

• For pain relief, you can take ibuprofen, but make sure to avoid aspiring, which could lead to bleeding or bruising.

If you are experiencing any bleeding, terrible discomfort or if the area appears to be infected, contact us immediately.