Tips to taking care of your skin after Laser Tattoo Removal
So you have made the decision that it’s time to remove one of your unwanted tattoos. You have done the research and found an office that you trust with update equipment and now you are at home after your first treatment and have no clue how to the treat the skin. Don’t panic, this is a quick guide to the dos and don’ts to protect your skin after laser tattoo removal with the picosure.
Immediately after the treatment
Immediately after the tattoo is treated with the laser there is a process that happens called frosting. Frosting is a reaction of the ink and laser that causes tiny little bubbles and creates a white or frosted appearance to the color. Frosting typically resolves from 15min to a few hours after the treatment. The actual skin around the tattoo can show signs of swelling and redness. There is also sometimes a little bruising under the skin which we call pinpoint bleeding. These are all normal responses.
- Epidermal repair cream from SkinCeuticals should be applied to the area
- A non-stick gauze bandage should be used to cover the area
- If the tattoo is on an extremity a wrap may be placed around to provide compression and lessen swelling
- Ice can be applied to the area in increments of 20 mins on- 20 mins off
- Tylenol is recommended for discomfort
Week after treatment
The next day the bandage can be removed. The area may still be red and tender to the touch. The area should be treated delicately for the first few days as it is healing. Heavy exercise should still be avoided for the first 2-7 days or until the swelling has been resolved. This first week is when most of the healing process takes place. Blisters may form in this time frame.
- DO NOT pick at the skin, if it scabs let it fall off on its own
- DO NOT shave the area
- DO NOT pop or pick at blisters
- NO swimming in pools or hot tubs until healed
- The area should be cleaned with water while in the shower and pat dry
- A new dressing should be placed with ointment.
- Apply an ointment such as the epidermal repair cream or aquaphor to the wound 2-3 times per day
- Avoid sun exposure
- If sun exposure is unavoidable apply a thick layer of zinc oxide based SPF and re-apply every 2 hours
