This page will review proper laser tattoo treatment aftercare.
Obviously, the area will be irritated from the treatment immediately after the session, but what happens next varies from person to person. The white "frosting" that appears during the session will fade quickly and your tattoo will look largely the same.
Your skin may blister within the next day, and it is important to keep it clean to avoid infections. You should be able to bathe as before, but don't 'scrub' the area. You will have pain similar to a mild burn and you will want to avoid things that could irritate the area.
The laser tattoo removal treatment creates a superficial (close to the surface) skin wound. Some patients may experience bruising or swelling. Many patients will develop blisters, crusts, or scabs within 8 to 72 hours, which may last for one to two weeks or more.
Healing is usually complete within four to six weeks, although this may vary.
Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area gently with soap and water and then pat the area dry. You may apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment up to three times a day for three days while the area is healing and you should keep the area covered with a sterile dressing for those three days.
Blistering is common and is likely to occur eight hours after your treatment. Do not be alarmed, blisters heal very well and are part of the normal healing process. Blisters indicate your immune system is healing the area and beginning to remove the ink from your tattoo. It is natural for blisters to pop, and this helps the skin to heal faster in many cases. Continue to put antibiotic ointment over the blisters once they have popped for at least 24 hours.
You may apply cool compresses as necessary for 24 hours after the laser treatment to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. You may take plain Tylenol, but avoid aspirin (it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding).
Feel free to shower two hours after the treatment, but take care to avoid high pressure water hitting the treated area. Baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, or any form of soaking are not recommended until all blistering and scabbing are completely healed, as they may increase the risk of infection.
Exercise is generally safe after treatment, taking into account the other aftercare instructions provided here.
Wear a sun block with an SPF of 25 or higher over the area for three months following the treatment.
Itching is very common due to the dehydrating effect of the laser treatment. Use Aquaphor, vitamin E ointment, or hydrocortisone cream to keep the treatment area moisturized.
If the area looks infected (honey colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact Dr. Hall immediately.
Of course, if you have any extreme reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
Proper laser tattoo aftercare will help greatly with the fading of your tattoo, and remember, if you have ANY questions, call the office.