Tattoo Removal

To prepare for your tattoo removal appointment: 1. Check for contraindications (restrictions) that may make you ineligible. 2. Avoid sun exposure in the area 7 days before and after your appointment. This includes tanning beds, spray tans, and tanning lotion. 3. Avoid working out or activities that raise your core temperature (e.g., yoga, hot baths, saunas) 24 hours before and after your appointment. 4. Ensure no active infection in the area being treated (e.g., rosacea, herpes, cold sores). 5. Avoid photosensitizing medications, creams, or oils 7 days before and after your appointment. This includes antibiotics, over-the-counter meds, topicals, acids, or retinols. 6. Ensure no active tan or sunburn. 7. Females: No pregnancy or breastfeeding during the course of treatments.

During the procedure there is an immediate whitening that will go will go away within several minutes after the procedure. Pinpoint bleeding is also quite common, especially on thinner-skinned areas. Some uncommon side effects are superficial burns that may blister or crust over. Some develop small scabs from the ink coming to the surface, although most ink goes down into the hypodermis and is eliminated through the lymphatics system. Some clients may experience bruising or swelling.

1. In most cases a breathable wrap will be placed over the removal area. This DOES NOT need to stay on. It is put on initially to make sure the aloe used post procedure soaks in, so the aloe doesn't spread all over on your ride home, and to keep it from getting rubbed on initially.

2. Use aloe 2-3 times in the next 24 hours after your appointment. From then on, put medicated ointment (Aquafor is recommended) on the area 2-3 times a day for approximately a week. Keep the area from getting dried out, especially in the winter months as dry skin works against the body of ridding itself of the ink.

3. You may apply cool compresses as necessary post-procedure to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. You may use it as much as you like for comfort. There is no guideline on how much use is needed. Let you comfort take charge. However, be careful of frostbite. Use ice pack safety. You may take plain Tylenol as well for pain, but avoid aspirin (it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.)

4. Lasers can activate histamines. If you notice swelling, you make take Benedryl for the next few days after treatment as needed. Use the directions on the bottle as guidance.

5. As noted in pre-care, make sure you don't do anything that will raise your core temperature for the next 24 hours after treatment, such as saunas, working out, etc.

6. Should the area develop a blister, or crust or scab, periodically clean the area gently with soap and water and then gently pat the area dry. You may apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment up to three times a day while the area is healing. If you keep the area covered, use a a sterile dressing.

7. Do not wear makeup or any cream or medication unless recommended by our office for 48 hours.

8. Wear a sunblock with an SPF of 25 or higher over the area for 3 months following the treatment.

9. Keep the area completely out of the sun for 1 week post treatment. Should you be in the sun, make the area is covered. A band-aid would suffice or some sort of soft wrap like an ace bandage.

If the area looks infected (honey colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact the office immediately. Of course, if you have any extreme reaction (such as moderate to severe facial swelling, moderate to severe rash, any difficulty breathing, or you are in any distress) call 911 and go to the emergency department.