Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Information and Side Effects

The healing process following tattoo removal can be relatively easy with little to mild side effects for most people. 
As with every medical procedure, tattoo removal has it own set of possible side effects.

Everybody is different and therefore the healing process and potential side effects can vary from person to person too.

Click on a link below for further information on each side effect.


Understanding how to care for your skin after tattoo removal treatment is just as important as understanding how the process itself works - if not more so.

The lasers used for tattoo removal are very powerful, so to avoid any unpleasant infections, irritation or other side effects such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, you should follow a strict aftercare programme, as advised by your Skin Fade practitioner.

Here, the laser experts at Skin Fade have put together some tips for taking care of your skin after a laser tattoo removal treatment:

Be extra cautious for the first 48hrs after tattoo removal treatment.
After each tattoo removal session, wear loose, clean clothing to prevent anything rubbing or catching on your skin and avoid fluffy or itchy fabrics such as wool.
It is advisable not to cover the tattoo with a bandage or gauze dressing in the days after the treatment as you want to allow the tattoo to breathe as much as possible to aid with its healing.
If you have a tattoo being removed from anywhere on your hand, avoid wearing gloves of any kind for the first 72 hours post treatment.
DO NOT use swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms or participate in physical activities such as the gym for 7 days post treatment.
Avoid baths for the first 72 hours post treatment. Shower where possible taking care not to allow the treated area to become too wet.

Keep the area clean
After a laser tattoo removal treatment, your skin is at greater risk of infection, so hygiene is massively important. 
It’s recommended you clean the entire treated area with clean warm (not hot) water only during the healing process.
Using 99.9% Aloe Vera gel is recommended and you should avoid exposing the skin to any irritants such as perfumes and soaps.

Don’t pick or remove any scabs
As tempting as it may be, do NOT pick at any scabs or crusty skin that my form over the treated area. 
Doing this won’t help the skin to heal faster and will increase the risk of infection and other complications like scarring.
Blisters and scabbing are very common after tattoo removal, but you should consult your practitioner if you experience any unusual discomfort or excessive bleeding.

Be careful with your blisters
Blisters are a positive sign that your skin is starting to heal. However, you should treat them with care and avoid soaking the area in baths or hot showers.
If your blisters are bursting, that’s also normal. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t apply high pressure on your blisters as this won’t speed up the healing process and will aggravate the irritation, potentially leading to scarring.
To relieve discomfort, you can apply an ice pack to the affected area, as well as 99.9% Aloe Vera gel.

Protect your skin from the sun
In the days and weeks following treatment, your skin will be extremely sensitive to sunlight and UV, so to avoid sunburn and any kind of pigment changes, either keep the area covered with clothing, or wear a high SPF50 sunblock. It’s best to avoid sun exposure altogether (including sun beds and tanning creams) until the skin in the affected area has completely healed for a minimum of 30 days post treatment.

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