Previously, tattoos were considered a permanent part of your body. However, this is no longer the case, thanks to the latest advancements in the tattoo removal industry. There now exist effective lasers that help you get rid of tattoos effectively and safely. However, the number of sessions to remove the tattoos completely depends on several factors, like the colour, size, age, and location of the tattoo.
According to several studies, nearly 11% of people get their tattoos removed. Like with any procedure, there are a few care post-laser tattoo removal care instructions to keep in mind after your tattoo removal sessions. Read on to learn more!
Post-Laser Tattoo Removal Care
Post-tattoo removal laser treatments, some patients experience irritation, puffiness, blisters, scabs, or crusts. These side effects occur 8 to 72 hours post the laser treatment sessions. Scarring is quite uncommon and commonly occurs from neglect. Here are some aftercare guidelines for laser tattoo removal to help you reduce the possibility of unwanted side effects:
Protect Your Skin From Sun Exposure
One of the most important post-laser instructions is to protect your skin from sun exposure because laser-treated skin is more prone to sun damage. Thus, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colour changes in your skin.
If you can't completely avoid the sun, wear broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 or more. Additionally, you can wear UV-protective clothing when outside, such as a light long-sleeve shirt and a wide-brimmed hat. Look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide to block the sun's damaging UV rays.
If you develop a sunburn between sessions, you'll have to wait until your skin returns to its usual tone before scheduling your next laser appointment. Treatment delays will lengthen the procedure and increase the time it takes to achieve lasting results.
However, any amount of tanning can adversely affect the treatment process; it's not just sunburns that cause the healing process to slow down.
Use a Gentle Cleanser to Wash the Treated Area
After the tattoo removal treatment, it is recommended not to soak your skin. However, using a gentle cleanser to wash the treated skin twice daily would be best. After washing, use a cotton pad to gently apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly to the treat treated skin.
This step is essential to keep your skin moisturized and prevent scabbing. Cover the treated area using a dressing until the skin has healed to avoid infection. Moreover, avoid taking hot showers or exposing your skin to heat during healing.
Don’t Peel Off the Treated Skin
While peeling off the skin or popping the bruises may be tempting, you should avoid doing so. Exposing the wound delays recovery and increases the probability of infections.
Also, don't shave any treated areas of the skin. By using a razor, you are at risk of accidentally opening the wound. If you have a blister larger than a dime, apply an antibacterial cream to moisten the skin and promote healing.
Keep Your Immune System Healthy and Strong
Your skin heals more quickly when your immune system is strong. A healthy and strong immune system also helps prevent infections. Here are some tips on how you can improve your healing process:
Keep Your Body Hydrated
The key to having a strong immune system is to drink plenty of fluids. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can helps the body remove toxins and restore blood cells for faster recovery.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Drinking too many glasses of coffee a day can result in severe dehydration, which can hinder the recovery process. Therefore, we recommend reducing your caffeine intake before and after your treatment. You can replace coffee with healthy energy-boosting smoothies that can aid in healing your skin.
Exercise
When your exercise, your blood flow increases, causing the ink particles in the skin to break down faster. After treatment, you should stop exercising for a few days until your skin has healed and the scabs are gone. Then you can continue exercising to speed up the tattoo removal and healing process.
Quit Smoking
Your immune system needs to work harder to eliminate the toxins when you smoke. As a result, your body won't be able to repair your skin as effectively. Therefore, you should stop smoking at least six weeks before and after treatment. People who don't smoke often get better outcomes and require minimal treatments.
Use the Right Ointments on the Treated Area
There are several soothing and healing ointments that prevent burning and irritation post-laser, such as hydrocortisone cream. These creams may help minimize your skin's itchiness, preventing you from wanting to scratch the troublesome area.
So, speak to your practitioner regarding creams that are safe for use. Alternatively, you can use Vitamin E oil to promote faster healing. Post-tattoo removal creams are readily available at any local pharmacy or grocery shop.
Moreover, remember to apply an antibiotic ointment recommended by your practitioner. We recommend applying it at least thrice a day and using a bandage to keep the tattoo covered. You can protect your fragile and damaged skin against infection by doing this.
Take off the bandage after three days to give your skin exposure to the air. While you prepare for the subsequent treatment, the air will aid in the healing and drying out of the laser-treated region. Although scabbing is normal, it generally takes a week or two to heal.
If scabbing occurs, it is recommended that you leave the area exposed after the first three days of laser treatment.
Final Word
Follow the care guidelines in this blog to ensure your skin heals faster and to prevent irritation and infections. Are you looking to get your tattoo removed? Visit CounterPunch Laser, Brisbane’s premier tattoo removal studio, today. Our experts will ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience. Click here to book your appointment today.