After tattoo removal at a clinic, you’re still not home free. The aftercare process—and the quality of final results—is up to you. Here’s how to care.

A few years ago, you may have made the mistake of getting your significant other’s name tattooed on your arm. One nasty breakup later, and you’re starting to regret your decision. You can either try to cover up the tattoo with another one or get the tattoo removed.

After some contemplation, you decide on the latter. The process wasn’t pleasant, but now that it’s done, everything is over, right? Wrong.

After tattoo removal is done, there are some care steps that you’ll have to take. If you’re not careful, you’ll risk getting an infection. Keep reading to learn what these steps are so your recovery process goes smoothly as possible.

Boost Your Immune System 

In between your laser removal sessions, you should do your best to boost your immune system. Your body will need it to heal your skin post tattoo removal. Change your diet to nutritious foods and get a lot of exercise. 

You should also eat foods that are rich in vitamin C or take supplements. Ginger is a plus because it has anti-inflammatory capabilities. 

Don’t forget to drink a lot of water. It will keep you hydrated and flush problem-causing toxins out of your body. 

Keeping the Area Clean 

If you want to keep infection away, you’ll have to keep the area clean. Rinse it with cold water and pat it dry. Avoid rubbing it because that will cause irritation. 

Once the area is clean, rub an antibiotic ointment on it and cover it up with a bandage. Keep up this process at least for the first three days after laser tattoo removal. 

Can You Take a Shower?

You can clean the area by getting in the shower, but you have to be careful. You can’t use high water pressure, and until the area is healed, you will need to switch to a mild soap. 

When you get out of the shower, pat the area dry with your towel. Again, don’t rub, and you can’t completely submerge the removal site in water, so stay away from long hot baths for a while. 

To avoid infection, you shouldn’t get into a hot tub or go for a dip in a refreshing swimming pool, either. 

Applying Topicals 

Three days after laser tattoo removal, you can start applying topicals onto the area. In fact, it’s highly recommended. Your skin will itch, and if you give in to the urge to scratch, you will increase your chances of scaring. 

Hydrocortisone cream can help soothe the itching and get rid of your urge to scratch. You should also wear sunscreen whenever you go out. This will keep harmful UV rays away from the wound.

Use a Cool Compress 

One of the most common side effects of having a tattoo removed is swelling and inflammation. The best way to get rid of this inflammation is by using a cold compress. 

You can grab a bag of veggies, a cool cloth, or an icepack. After the cold compress has done its job, follow the instructions above to clean the area. 

Don’t Stress

Stress can impact the function of your immune system. If you’re always worried about something, your skin won’t be able to heal from having the tattoo removed. 

That doesn’t mean you’ll have to stop going to work until you’re done healing. What it means is that you’ll need to take yourself out of stressful situations. For example, if you’re about to fight with a co-worker, take a deep breath and avoid the confrontation. 

If all else fails, relaxing breathing techniques and exercises can help keep you calm and increase your ability to handle pressure without getting stressed. 

Kick Cigarettes to the Curb  

In order for your body to get rid of the tattoo, you need good blood circulation. Cigarettes won’t do you any favors in this regard. It narrows your blood vessels and prevents the removal process from working as it should. 

If you want the tattoo to be permanently erased from your skin, you’ll have to stop smoking or at least cut back on how many you smoke each day. 

Don’t Expose Your Skin to the Sun

You won’t have to postpone your summer beach trip if you’re going through the tattoo removal process, but you should at least cover the area up with a bandage or wear sunscreen. 

If you get a bad sunburn, you’ll have to wait until it heals up before you can go in for your next removal session. Postponing the session means it will take longer for you to start seeing results.  

Don’t Pick at Scabs or Pop Blisters 

Scabs and blisters are just what to expect after laser tattoo removal. It means that your skin is healing. 

Avoid popping the blisters or picking at the scabs. It can cause a bad infection and put a halt on healing. On top of avoiding scratching, you also shouldn’t shave the area if there are blisters. 

The sharp razor may open the wound without you realizing it. Let the blisters drain on their own time. 

Have a Speedy Recovery After Tattoo Removal 

A lot of people have gotten a tattoo that they aren’t proud of. If you’re one of these people, maybe laser tattoo removal is for you. There’s a little more to the process than going to your sessions, however. 

You must take special after tattoo removal care steps to stop the area from getting infected and make the most of your treatments. 

Are you ready to start your removal sessions? We can help turn your skin into something you love. Contact us to ask about our services.