Tattoo Removal: Do’s & Don’ts

Tattoo Removal: Do’s & Don’ts

Tattoo Removal: Do’s & Don’ts

Tattoo Removal: Do’s 

• Ice and elevate the area the night after treatment.
• Use antibacterial soap and warm water to clean the treated area three times a day for two weeks. 
• Cover the treated area securely to avoid infection. Disinfect the area promptly if it is exposed to dirt or bacteria, until the area is completely healed. 
• Treat the area gently until it is fully healed.
• Rub a VERY thin layer of Aquaphor on the area and apply a non-stick pad over it until the treated area is healed (this takes between three days to two weeks).
• Drink a gallon of water daily. This will help flush out the fragmented ink.
• After the area is completely healed, apply sunblock two times a day until your next appointment with a specialist.
• Keep the area covered and avoid sunlight for at least two weeks. Direct sunlight increases your risk of developing hypo- or hyper-pigmentation spots.
• If the area becomes itchy, apply cold compresses, benadryl and hydrocortisone cream.
• Allow any blisters to heal by themselves. If you develop blisters, cover them with a non-stick pad until they heal.
• Improve circulation in the healing area. Gently massage the area for 5 to 10 minutes daily. Engage in light physical activities. Take a walk to increase your circulation. This will kick your lymphatic system into overdrive, helping remove the fragmented ink.

Tattoo Removal: Don’ts

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  Doctor bandaging foot patient after tattoo removal

  Avoid any physical activities that may cause an increase in body temperature, sweating or a raised heart rate for at least 24 hours after treatment. 

• Don’t participate in other activities that will increase your body temperature like sitting in a hot tub or sauna for 24 hours post-treatment.
• Don’t use the soap with scents or perfumes. These can irritate the skin and cause the healing to take longer.
• Do not forcefully spray the treated area with water from a hose or powerful shower.
• Don’t suffocate the skin with a thick layer of Aquaphor. By doing so, you risk infection and scarring. If scabs form, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 
• Stay away from carbonated drinks, alcohol or smoking while healing. An excessive amount of any of these will slow down your body, delaying the healing and fading process.
• Avoid scratching or itching the treated area until it is 100% healed.
• Don’t scratch or pop the blisters! This will increase the possibility of infection and risk scarring.
• Don’t just sit around. Get your blood moving.