Tattoo Removal Aftercare Steps to Follow 

1. Keep the treated area clean 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 while healing. If you are in a clean environment, you can keep your tattoo uncovered; or wear loose fitting clothes. If you are going to be outside, or in public, cover with sterile gauze. It’s important to let your tattoo breath and, it is also important to protect the area from germs and bacteria; especially the first week after a treatment.

 2. Blistering is common and is likely to occur 8 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 and cover with sterile gauze. 

3. 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.) 

4. Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become scraped, as this may result in infection and scarring. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed. 

5. Feel free to shower 6 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. 

6. Exercise is generally safe after treatment, taking into account the other aftercare instructions provided here. For leg, foot, arm and large tattoos avoid exercise for one to three days or as recommended. 

7. Wear a sun block with an SPF of 25 or higher over the area for 3 weeks following the treatment. Do not wear makeup,  any cream or medication on or near the treated area unless recommended by our office for 48 hours. 

8. Itching is very common due to the dehydrating effect of the laser treatment. Use unscented vitamin E lotion, or hydrocortisone cream as recommended to reduce itching and to keep the treatment area moisturized. 

9. 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 have an extreme reaction; immediately contact medical professionals for help. 

10. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, contact Disappearing Ink at (506) 447-2191.