So you’ve finally decided to have that tattoo erased? The Naked Tattoo Clinic, London, are here to provide the correct treatment alongside the correct aftercare advice, because the treatment doesn’t stop when you leave the clinic. If you want smooth, scar-free results, appropriate after care is actually just as important as the treatment itself.
Targeting ink particles under the skin, laser tattoo removal breaks them down so your body can gradually get rid of them. The way you treat your skin in the days and weeks that follow will have a big impact on how well you heal and how nice your ultimate results look because this procedure may leave your skin momentarily irritated, sensitive, or even somewhat damaged.
It’s critical to know what to anticipate and how to assist your skin throughout healing if you want to prevent issues like infection, scarring, or hyperpigmentation. This post will explain the usual healing process, the normal (and non-normal) side effects, and the best aftercare practices to promote the smoothest possible recovery for your skin.
What to Expect Immediately After Treatment
Concentrated light pulses are used in laser tattoo removal to disintegrate ink particles in the skin. Over time, your body’s immune system progressively eliminates these broken particles. Even though the laser only targets the ink, part of the energy is also absorbed by the surrounding skin, which may result in short-term negative consequences. The skin is basically undergoing a controlled stress to get rid of the tattoo, therefore it’s quite typical for it to react.
Usually, within the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment, you can expect:
- The body’s normal inflammatory reaction and an indication that recovery is starting are redness and swelling surrounding the treated area. It frequently resembles a minor sunburn.
- Sensitivity or warmth: It’s quite common for the area to feel sensitive or hot to the touch.
- Depending on the laser treatment’s depth and intensity, there may be localized bleeding or blistering, particularly for tattoos with dark or dense pigment. Blisters may appear alarming, but they’re actually an indication that your body is trying to get rid of the ink, so you should let them heal on their own.
During the early stages of healing, additional typical side effects include:
- Light bruising: This is most common around skin that is thinner or more vascularized, such as the ankles or wrists. Usually, bruises go away in a few days.
- Scabbing or crusting: Tiny scabs may develop while the skin heals. This should not be criticized because it is a normal element of the healing process.
- Light tingling or itching: As nerve endings start to mend, you may feel comparable to how you might in the aftermath of a minor cut or burn. Even if it’s uncomfortable, this is typically a sign of improvement.
During this time, it’s crucial to fight the need to clean, scratch, or use harsh products. Maintaining the area’s cleanliness, dryness, and protection will speed up the healing process and lower the chance of problems like infection or scarring.
Weekly Recuperation Schedule
It takes time to heal after laser tattoo removal. It’s a methodical procedure that takes place over a few weeks. Your skin may appear to heal more quickly on the surface, but deeper healing is taking place in the background as your immune system attempts to remove the broken-down ink particles. A closer look at what you might encounter each week is provided below:
Week 1: The Initial Recovery Phase
Your skin is still recovering within the first week following therapy. Redness, swelling, and sensitivity are common, particularly during the first several days. Like a sunburn, the treated area may feel warm, painful, or sore. By the end of the week, these symptoms should begin to subside.
Additionally, you may observe the formation of tiny crusts or scabs. This demonstrates how hard your skin is trying to recover itself and is a natural aspect of the healing process. Even if the scabs itch, it’s crucial to avoid picking or scratching at them. This may cause scarring or delay the healing process.
Within a few days, any blisters you may have experienced may start to dry out and flatten. Despite their frightening appearance, they are a normal reaction that will go away on their own if nothing is done about it. Avoid wearing tight garments that could rub against the skin and treat the region gently.
Week 2: Scabbing Clears, Skin Feels Tighter
Your skin will probably start to feel and look healthier by the second week. Blisters and scabs should mostly be gone, or at least nearing the end of their healing process. Your skin may still appear somewhat pink or feel a little tight and dry, but the redness will continue to go away. Additionally, you might observe some little peeling or flaking, which is the body’s normal process of removing damaged skin cells.
Depending on your skin type and the ink color, the treated tattoo may already begin to appear a little lighter. Over time, especially after several sessions, this gradual fading will become more apparent.
You might also still feel a little itchiness or tingling as the skin regenerates. This is normal, just be careful not to scratch.
Weeks 3–4: Deeper Healing and Fading
As you head into the third and fourth weeks after treatment, you’ll likely feel almost back to normal. The outer layers of your skin are mostly healed at this point. The pinkness or discolouration will continue to fade, and the area will begin to blend in more with the surrounding skin. However, the process of ink removal is still ongoing beneath the surface.
Even though you can return to your daily routines like working out, wearing makeup over the area, or using your regular skincare products it’s still important to be cautious. Keep the area moisturised, avoid scrubbing it too harshly, and stay out of direct sun. Your skin is still sensitive, and sun exposure can cause pigmentation issues or affect how well the tattoo fades.
Behind the scenes, your immune system is still breaking down and removing ink particles. It’s during this phase that the tattoo often continues to fade gradually. This is why results don’t appear all at once it takes time for your body to do its part.
How to Care for the Area
To achieve the greatest results and avoid any unintended side effects, it’s crucial to take care of your skin following laser tattoo removal. In addition to speeding up the healing process, proper aftercare makes sure that every treatment is as successful as possible. Consider it as providing your skin with the reinforcement it requires to recover more robustly. To keep on course, adhere to these dermatologist-recommended guidelines:
1. Keep It Clean and Dry
Keeping the region clean is your top priority in the initial days following treatment. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water to gently cleanse the skin. Steer clear of hot water since it can cause skin irritation. Use a fresh towel or paper towel to gently dry the region after washing; avoid rubbing because the skin will be more sensitive to friction.
Whenever possible, try to keep the region dry, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid using harsh or scented products and simply dry it gently if it gets wet by accident (after a shower, for instance).
2. Apply a Healing Ointment
Apply a thin layer of a non-comedogenic healing ointment, such as Cicalfate, Aquaphor, or a simple over-the-counter antibiotic cream, to the region after it has been cleaned and dried. By creating a barrier over the skin, these ointments help to retain moisture, reduce irritation, and stop infections.
Steer clear of greasy or heavy products since they may block pores or delay the healing process. Ask your doctor for a customized advice depending on your skin type if you’re not sure which product to use.
3. Cover with a Sterile Bandage (If Needed)
You may wish to keep the region covered with a sterile, breathable bandage or dressing for the first twenty-four hours following treatment. This lessens the chance of dust, bacteria, and clothing-induced friction getting to the healing skin. A bandage might provide extra comfort and protection if the area is in contact with tight textiles, straps, or waistbands.
As long as it remains clean, you may usually keep the area exposed beyond the first day to let it breathe.
4. Avoid Sun Exposure
Skin that has just received treatment is more vulnerable to UV radiation. It can become hyperpigmented, take longer to heal, or even get sunburned if exposed to the sun too soon. If at all possible, keep the area shaded or covered with clothing.
The skin should be protected with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen until it has completely re-epithelialized, which means it is no longer raw, peeling, or scabbed. Reapply frequently, particularly if you spend a lot of time outside. This step is crucial to maintaining the area’s uniform tone and preventing long-term discoloration.
5. Don’t Scratch or Pick
It’s quite normal to feel itchy, flaky, or scabbing as your skin recovers. Despite the temptation to peel or scrape, fight the desire! Picking at the skin can significantly raise your risk of infection or scarring and interfere with the healing process.
Instead, use soothing items like aloe vera gel or a moisturizer that has been approved by your doctor to relieve itching. Another way to lessen irritation brought on by fabric rubbing against the area is to wear loose, breathable clothing.
6. Avoid Hot Showers, Saunas, and Pools
You should avoid hot places that can irritate your skin until the skin barrier has completely healed. Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers can all bring bacteria to the sensitive area, impede healing, and promote inflammation.
During the healing phase, swimming pools should also be avoided, especially those with chlorination. If the area isn’t completely closed, chlorine can cause infection, dry out the skin, and slow the healing process. Give your body the time it needs to heal itself by taking chilly or lukewarm showers.