Laser Tattoo Removal

Proper post-care instructions

Preparing For Your Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
Follow these guidelines unless your laser technician directs otherwise.

• We ask that you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, oils, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in. If there is excessive hair in the treatment area, we recommend shaving the area prior to treatment.

• Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for four weeks before treatment. The use of self-tanning skin care products must be discontinued 2 weeks prior to treatment, and any residual self-tanner must be removed in order to perform the treatment.

• Numbing agents may not be used in the treatment area as it can interfere with the efficacy of treatment.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).

• Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days before treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.

• Follow instructions regarding all oral prescription medications that we provided at your medical laser consultation. If you are taking any new or different medications, including antibiotics, contact our office prior to your appointment.

• If you have received any medical spa services in the treatment area, such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, laser or spa services, please contact our office to ensure that treatment may still be performed.

What to Expect During Your Laser Tattoo Removal Appointment
Following the consultation, if we determine you are a good candidate, we will proceed with treatment. Your laser technician will begin by asking a few pertinent questions about your recent health history to ensure there are no contraindications for treatment. The technician will discuss your treatment desires and at that time you can specifically let us know what tattoos you would like to treat. The treatment area will be cleansed and prepared for treatment. Your technician will talk you through the treatment to ensure you won’t experience any surprises.

While receiving laser tattoo removal, you will be required to wear protective eyewear. You may still be able to see a flash of light, but your eyes will be completely covered. The laser technicians wear protective eyewear, as well. During the treatment, all areas of the body that will not be lasered will be covered with clothing. Only the areas to receive laser treatment will be exposed. We are always mindful of your comfort and your peace of mind; we will let you know ahead of time what to expect.

The treatment can be performed in as little as 15 minutes, depending on the size of your tattoo and type of ink that was used. Most patients compare the treatment discomfort as comparable to when they got the tattoo. Following treatment you may feel a little discomfort, but generally people experience redness, mild swelling and/or tenderness in treatment area that will resolve in a quick manner. The post treatment area response will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment.

proper after-care instructions

Here are some suggestions that you should follow after a tattoo removal session.

1. Your skin is likely to experience some frosting in the area where the treatment took place. The heat from the laser can cause gas or plasma to form and carbon dioxide to be released from the skin, which causes the frosting. Your skin that may swell. There may also be some redness right after the treatment. You can take Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce the symptoms. You can also use a cold compress. Aspirin should be avoided.

2. A dressing will be applied immediately after your laser treatment. This should stay in place for at least eight to 12 hours. After the dressing is removed, you will want to clean that area two times a day using a mild soap and water. You can pat the area dry in a gentle way.

3. It is common for laser technicians to recommend a healing serum to be applied to the area that received treatment twice a day for at least three days after the treatment. This will soothe the skin and promote healing. A bandage should not be applied during this time.

4. You do not want to disturb the skin while it is going through the healing process. You may see blisters form. You do not want to pop these blisters. Scabs are also likely to form. Be sure that you do not pick at, rub, or scratch them. If you do notice that a blister starts to ooze, a dressing may be applied. It should be changed twice a day until the drainage stops.

5. You should avoid shaving or waxing the area that received treatment until the skin is completely healed.

6. Besides the healing serum that was recommended by the doctor, no other lotions, creams, or makeup should be applied to the area during the first couple of days after the treatment.

7. Avoid swimming, using a hot tub, and going to the sauna until the skin has completely healed.

8. Avoid activities that will cause excessive sweating during the first two to seven days after treatment. Exercise and other physical activities can cause you to sweat, which can disrupt the healing process.

9. After the initiate healing phase, you want to apply sunscreen to your skin. It should be at least 25 SPF or higher.

10. Monitor your skin to make sure that it is healing properly.