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Tattoo removal; Aftercare

 

 

 

Caring for your skin after tattoo removal is Vital. We need to ensure there is no infection, change to skin texture or any unwanted side effects. Of course, all aftercare information will be ran through on the day of your session and home aftercare instructions will be provided.

 

The laser itself causes a superficial skin wound, such as sunburn does. Some patients experience swelling, brusing and blistering. There is immediate 'frosting' of the treated area. This lasts for several minutes. Scabbing usually starts between 8 and 72 hours after the treatment, which can last a couple of week. The areas may turn a pink or pale colour after the scab has seperated from the skin. Both Hypertrophic and Keloid scarring can occur, although this is extremely rare and in most cases occur when the wound has not been treated thoroughly.

Healing usually takes upto 6 weeks, although may vary.

 

 

 

Steps to follow:

 

 

  • Within the next 24 hours: A cold compress and elevation are recommended to help reduce discomfort and inflammation.

  • Avoid the next 24 hours:  Physical activity, hot showers and saunas.

  • For the next 3 days:  Aquaphor, Elta MD Post Balm, Neosporin, Polysporin or A&D Oinment with bandage.  Any of these ointments will work. Daily dressing change.

  • Avoid for the next 1-2 weeks:  Direct sun exposure, hot tubs, pool water and salt water until tattoo is healed. If you cannot avoid the sun light, please use sunscreen with an SPF of no lower than SPF 25.

  • Use Aloe Vera gel, as long as there is no break to the skin.

  • A thin layer of an antiseptic cream can be used if your skin is broken to help protect from any infection.

  • E45 cream, Aloe Vera gel or Vaseline can be used to relieve itching, which normally occurs 3 – 5 days after the treatment.

  • The treated area should be kept clean and dry. Clean the area with antibacterial soap if needed and then pat the area dry. Do not allow any high pressure water hitting the area.

  • Some scabbing, blistering, light bleeding and itching may occur. Immediately after treatment, there may be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site. This usually lasts 2 hours or longer. The erythema may last up to 10 days.

  • Do not pop blisters. If you do blister, continue to apply one of the recommended ointments until the blister has popped naturally.

  • Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become scraped. This can result in an infection and possible scarring. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed

  • Blistering may occur in some treatments. If blistering does not occur, it does not mean that your most recent treatment was less aggressive or your treatment is not working. Sometimes your body will react, while other times it will not. Regardless, the treatment is still working and your body is still depositing the Ink particles.

  • Avoid aspirins, ibuprofens and naproxens, they may increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.

  • Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed (5-10 days).

  • Apply sunscreen everyday to the treated area after the tattoo has completely healed (5-10 days0. The use of sunscreen everyday on the area will also help the ink absorb and help with itching.

  • No tanning for 6 weeks before and after your treatment. This includes Sun beds, false tan and tanning tablets.

  • Massage the treated area 5-10 minutes daily after treated area has healed (5-10 days). This helps the ink absorb.

  • Remember, not all tattoos will clear 100%. Your tattoo may just fade.

  • Please call your primary care physician if an infection occurs.

  • If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Valhalla Almighty.

  • Drink water, and lots of the stuff!

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