Tattoo Removal Before & After Care

Review what to do before and after your Tattoo Removal appointment.

Pre Laser Treatment Checklist

Key timing and preparation steps to review before a laser appointment.

Avoid waxing, plucking, using depilatory (hair removal cream) or other hair removal practices.
Avoid photosensitive medications (i.e. Antibiotic, Doxycycline, Tricyclic antidepressants, Quinidine, Amiodarone, St. John Wort etc.)
Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, self tanner such as creams or spray.

Avoid skin irritants (i.e. Products contain tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, AHA, BHA, vitamin C/L-ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.)
Avoid Anticoagulants

Ensure the treatment area is clean-shaven one day prior to your appointment.
If you have a history of Herpes Simplex Virus or cold sores, you must premedicate one day prior to treatment to prevent further outbreaks.

For facial treatment: Refrain from applying makeup, lotion, cream, serum, oil, or perfume on the day of your treatment.
For body treatment: Avoid applying body lotions, oils, perfumes, and deodorants, and remove any jewelry from the areas to be treated beforehand.
Please inform your technician if you have ever had tattoos or cosmetic pigmentation or permanent makeup applied near the area of treatment.
Please inform your technician if you become pregnant or you have any changes to your health history or medication since your last appointment.

To achieve the best results, please follow the aftercare steps below:

You may notice a whitish “frosting” effect, along with mild redness, swelling, and occasional pinpoint bleeding
These are normal responses and typically resolve within a few hours
The treated area may feel warm or sensitive

Occasionally, some clients may experience crusting, scabbing, or blistering, especially in areas with a higher concentration of ink. This is a normal part of the healing process.
Keep the area moisturized and allow it to heal naturally. Do not pick or scratch
The tattoo will gradually fade over the following 2-3 months after each session as your body clears the ink.

Use cool packs (wrapped) to reduce swelling when it’s needed.
Maintain good skin hygiene: After 12 hours, gently cleanse the area with water and mild soap, then pat dry.
Apply Hydrocortisone 1% twice daily for 5–7 days (until redness subsides)
Keep the area moist with Petrolatum/Aquaphor (or similar ointment) twice daily.
If blistering occurs: Apply antibiotic ointment twice daily for 7 days and cover with a clean bandage or gauze.
Avoid sun exposure: Limit strong sun exposure for at least 2 weeks. Continue to protect your skin by applying sun screen with SPF of 50 or higher. Reapply every two hours if you are outdoors for extended periods.

Avoid heat and sweating (24-48 Hours)
Skip intense exercise, hot showers, baths, saunas, and hot tubs. Activities that raise your body temperature may increase redness, swelling, or irritation.
Avoid tight clothing over the treated area (24-48 Hours): Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid friction on the treated area.
Avoid rough physical activities (10 days) Refrain from contact sports or activities that may irritate or impact the treated area.
No swimming: Avoid pools, hot tubs, and whirlpools until the skin has fully healed.
No makeup for eyebrow tattoo removal (24-48 Hours)
Allow your skin time to breathe and recover. If you have sensitive skin, consider waiting a bit longer. Listen to your skin - healing comes first.
Pause exfoliants (3-7 Days)
Hold off on products containing retinol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, hydroquinone, or benzoyl peroxide to prevent over-sensitizing the skin.
Avoid irritants on the skin (2 weeks)
No waxing, depilatories, scrubs, washcloths, or Clarisonic brushes. These may disrupt the healing process.
Avoid alcohol-based products (1 Week)
Skincare or cosmetics with alcohol can dry and irritate the skin. Stick to alcohol-free options.
Do not pick or rub If flaking or light scabbing occurs, keep the area moisturized and allow it to heal naturally. Picking may lead to irritation, scarring, or pigmentation.

If you notice any side effects that seem abnormal or are not listed here, please contact us immediately.