Regret that fun tattoo? You’re not alone. More and more Americans are opting for laser tattoo removal to reverse what was once considered permanent ink.
Our team at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ, with offices in Old Bridge, Freehold, and Union, New Jersey, offers tattoo removal services. Here are her top tips for taking care of your skin before and after laser tattoo removal to ensure you get the best results possible.
While laser tattoo removal is an impressive and effective technique, results vary based on a number of factors, such as tattoo color, tattoo size, and skin color. That’s why prepping your skin before your session is so important if you want great results. Here’s what to do.
It’s important to do your research about tattoo removal options, costs, and procedures in advance so you can have realistic expectations about your outcomes. While our state-of-the-art lasers can tackle any shade of body art, tattoos that are small, faded, or made with a dark color are often the easiest to remove.
Laser tattoo removal is a serious procedure that requires a lot of healing from your body. Make sure to eat a full meal before your session and avoid alcohol and tobacco beforehand — they can cause your blood to thin, which increases your risk of bleeding.
Artificial tanning and excess sun exposure can damage your skin, making it especially sensitive during laser tattoo removal. While sun exposure over a long time can naturally fade tattoos, stay away from the tanning booth and avoid excess sun in the weeks before your appointment.
Your skin should be clean and fresh during your procedure, as products such as moisturizer, oils, and creams can interfere with the laser’s function. Skip your regular lotion the day of your laser treatment and ensure the area is clean, dry, and even shaved if needed.
Our team provides specific aftercare instructions tailored to you. However, here are some general tips to follow.
After your laser tattoo removal session, your skin will be particularly sensitive and vulnerable to infection. Our team often uses specialized bandages to protect your skin and form a barrier against germs, friction, and irritation. Follow these guidelines for how long you should keep your initial bandage and how often to replace it.
It’s normal to see some dryness, peeling, and scabbing after you remove your bandages. However, it’s important to avoid picking at scabs or popping any blisters. Never touch your healing skin without washing your hands, and avoid irritating the site unnecessarily.
Laser tattoo removal is a drying process, so it can lead to dry, itchy skin. Rather than scratching your newly treated site, try using a soothing or medicated ointment. Multiple types of ointments are available, and our team can recommend the best type for your skin.
When you first got your tattoo, you were probably advised to avoid friction, sun, and swimming to protect your skin. It’s important to avoid those same things after a tattoo removal session.
Try to avoid activities that will cause things to rub your treatment area, and stay away from the sun, swimming, baths, or hot showers. When you go outdoors, remember to use at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin.
Following these simple tips helps ensure your laser tattoo removal is a success. While it may take multiple sessions before your tattoo fades away, the laser procedure is among the most effective forms of tattoo removal and is unlikely to cause any new scars.
When you’re ready to say goodbye to that regrettable tattoo, call us or book an appointment online to speak with our team about your removal options.
