Aftercare, the real guide.
The laser does its part. Your body does the rest. Here's how to help it along.
Right after your session, the tattoo will probably look frosted or white. Totally normal. That's gases forming under the skin from the laser, and it fades in 15 to 30 minutes. Over the next 8 to 72 hours, you might get some swelling, redness, and not that common, but maybe a few blisters or scabs. Skin usually heals up in a few days up to a week or two, and the fading keeps going for months after. Your body is doing real work here. Give it a hand.
The do's and don'ts
Bookmark this. Screenshot it. Whatever works. Follow the basics and your skin (and your fade) will thank you.
Keep it clean and dry
Wash gently with mild soap and water, then pat dry (no rubbing).
Blisters occasionally happen. Don't freak out.
They can show up within the first 8 hours. Well cared-for blisters heal beautifully. If one's really in your way, sterile needle to pop and drain, then ointment and a bandage. Keep antibiotic ointment going until skin closes up.
First few hours feel like a sunburn
Totally normal. Cool compresses or ice packs wrapped in cloth help calm the heat and swelling.
Hands off the scabs
Picking or exposing scabs can lead to infection, scarring, or lasting pigment changes. Also skip shaving the area until it's fully healed.
Showering: yes. Soaking: no.
Showering is fine a few hours after treatment, just avoid high-pressure water directly on the area. No baths, hot tubs, pools, or soaking until every blister and scab has healed. Soaking equals infection risk.
Exercise is generally fine
Follow the other rules and you're good. Heads up: you might get a little bruising if the muscles under the treated area get worked.
SPF 25+ is non-negotiable
UVA/UVB coverage on the treated area for the entire time you're doing removal. Less tan equals less risk of side effects. No makeup or creams on the area for 48 hours unless we tell you otherwise.
Itching is normal
The laser dehydrates the skin, so itch is part of the process. Aquaphor, vitamin E ointment, or hydrocortisone cream will help. Allergic itching is rare, but let us know if it sticks around more than a week.
Signs something's off
Honey-colored crusting and oozing, spreading redness, unusual pain or bleeding, or anything else that feels wrong. Call us right away. Same goes for questions, that's what we're here for.
Serious reaction? Call 911.
If you have any severe reaction (shortness of breath, extreme swelling, etc.), don't wait. Call 911 or head straight to the ER.
Ready for a fresh start?
Consults are free. No pressure, no judgment. If we're a fit, we can start the same day.