Laser Tattoo removal
Immediately after the tattoo removal treatment the skin will appear white but this should subside within a few minutes (can take up to 40 mins). Afterwards a feeling similar to light sunburn can often be felt accompanied by reddening of the skin. This feeling normally disappears within a few hours although some redness may persist for up to 48 hours, also some blistering, swelling and bruising can also occur. When the treatment takes place on thin skin areas or on very faded tattoos then there occasionally can be some superficial bleeding that takes place. Our trained laser technicians will instruct you on specific, detailed aftercare procedures after every treatment to ensure quick and efficient recovery. Visual healing of the skin should be complete on average within 4 weeks.
A soothing cream such as Aloe Vera vitamin enriched cream can be applied to the treatment area to help reduce any irritation encountered.
Make sure the treatment tattoo removal area is kept clean and dry during the healing process. Prevent getting the area wet for the first 48hrs if at all possible. After this when you clean the area use a gentle antibacterial soap and warm water before lightly patting the area completely dry with a cotton ball. You may apply an antibiotic ointment in small quantities to the treatment area up to three times a day after the 48hr period.
At Redeem Clinic we give complementary aftercare ointments for our clients to go home with.
If working in a dirty environment then you may also wish to cover with a dry a sterile dressing. This said however, we recommend the dressing is removed once leaving such environments.
Leaving the treated area open to the air ultimately, decreases the healing time and therefore protects the skin from prolonged risk of infection etc
Due to the tattoo removal procedure, from time to time, you may encounter bruising or sometimes blistering on the treated area (although this is rare). This is a perfectly normal part of the skins healing process and should not alarm you.
Blisters indicate that the body’s immune system is working properly and it is the natural way of managing heat to the skin. Blisters, if they occur, should normally dissipate within a maximum of 5 days. In the event of one popping simply apply antibiotic ointment over the area for at least 24 hours to aid in the skins recovery (yet avoid popping blister where possible as they increase infection and scar risk).
The rubbing of the treatment area can add to the increased risk of infections and potential scarring. Indeed, if the laser treatment is carried out correctly then scaring is very rare. Poor aftercare and rubbing is the main reason for the development of scars after laser tattoo treatment.
Rubbing often happens without our knowledge due to tight clothing and underwear. It is therefore important to wear loose fitting, no abrasive clothing where possible around the treatment area. Belt/Panty/Bra areas can particularly be troublesome and extra caution should be taken in these areas.
Take care of the treatment area as long as possible, even when any scabbing may have disappeared. The skin can take at least 4 weeks to recover on average.
If a scab forms over the treatment area you must not at all pick it or allow it to be scraped.
Damaging the scab interferes with the natural healing process of the skin and can lead to unwanted scarring of the tissue beneath. Allow the scab to peel off naturally, over time this may take up to 14 days.
Showering may be safe 2 hours after the tattoo removal treatment, yet we recommend leaving for at least 48hours to allow the area to heal first.
You should however take care not to hit the treatment area directly with a pressurized showerhead or wash too heavily with scented soaps as this can irritate the skin. Soaking the area is not recommend until the scabbing and blistering has subsided as this may cause infection, therefore, baths, hot tubs, saunas and swimming pools should be avoided at all costs.
Taking part in exercise is generally safe and encouraged to help blood flow, as long as the previous instructions stated above are followed.
Take care not to knock the area during competitive sports, whilst preventing sweat from entering the treated area also as this can transport infection to the area as well as cause irritation
It is important not to expose the treatment area to intense sunlight for 2 months after the treatment.
The skin can be sensitive during the healing process and should be fully protected if not covered by clothing. A sun block lotion of an SPF rating of 50 or higher should be applied.
The above also means sun beds are ill advised during this 2-month period.
It is not uncommon to experience itching around the treatment area due to the heating/dehydrating manner of the laser energy. You must not itch the area as this may result in damage of the skin and lead to scarring.
A hydrating cream or lotion should be applied to help re-moisturize the area and ease discomfort as needed (after 48 hrs of treatment). At Redeem Clinic we supply you with a suitable topical cream after each treatment.
If the tattoo removal treatment area starts oozing a cream/honey coloured liquid or redness starts to spread then the area may have become infected.
An antiseptic cream should be applied gently around the area to counteract the infection. If you are unsure always consult with your doctor, they may recommend you take antibiotics to assist with pacifying the infection.
Your ability to follow the instructions you are given for your Redeem aftercare is important to remove your tattoo and leave your skin clear and unblemished.
