Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare; Tips and Recommendations.
Getting a tattoo removed can be a nerve wrecking experience, and the end results can be a little scary if you don’t know what to expect beforehand.
After laser tattoo removal, you will need to take precautions to maintain healthy skin to guarantee a secure and efficient procedure.
The proper aftercare is crucial to getting the greatest outcomes from tattoo removal.
In this article, we will provide all the information you will need to ensure you perform the best aftercare following your laser tattoo removal.
How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Those who have undergone laser tattoo removal will vouch that it can be a fairly painful process.
No matter how much or how little pain you can tolerate, a laser will be gliding through layers of your skin; as a result, you will experience some discomfort, at the very least.
The physical procedure is not too traumatic, although a few individuals may experience greater pain than while receiving their initial tattoo.
You should be able to cope with getting the tattoo removed using a laser if you were able to endure the initial tattooing process.
There is soreness throughout the healing process.
or approximately to a week or even longer after laser treatment, the skin can feel as if it has sunburned, which will be more uncomfortable than painful.
Throughout this time, you can use certain painkillers to get through the discomfort, and you can also apply cold compresses to the area to ease it.
However, it is crucial that you refrain from consuming aspirin, as this may increase the likelihood of swelling and scarring.
In summary, laser tattoo removal might not be the most comfortable experience you’ll ever, but it is tolerable, especially if you have previously endured getting tattooed, and survived to tell the tale.
The pain has been compared to being slapped by a rubber band.
Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare
Although laser tattoo removal is a safe operation that seldom results in long-term problems, as we discussed before, it is crucial to care for the injured region during the healing process in order to prevent these problems from arising.
If you’ve ever had a tattoo, which we’re sure you have because you’re looking for ‘laser tattoo removal aftercare’, you’ll be familiar with the care requirements to keep the ink clean and in good condition while it heals.
Well, the aftercare which follows laser tattoo removal is not too different. The main requirements are that you keep the affected area clean, sanitized and moisturized.
For the first couple of days, you will want to focus on keeping the area dry and clean. This means avoiding baths and swimming, and keeping the affected area out of the water while you shower.
You can lightly clean the area with some warm, soapy water using your hands, but be sure to use antibacterial, non-scented products to avoid irritation.
If the area becomes itchy, you can use over-the-counter steroid creams to help, such as hydrocortisone.
These creams will also minimize inflammation and overall discomfort. You can also take certain medications to relieve pain, but avoid taking aspirin while the area is actively healing.
A Timeline Of Tattoo Removal Recovery
Below, we have listed a rough timeline of what to expect while recovering from tattoo removal via laser.
Everyone’s recovery times will differ, depending on several factors, and the symptoms may also vary from person-to-person.
However, these are the most common occurrence that you can expect to happen during your own recovery.
Frosting
While the laser removal takes place, you will notice that the skin where your tattoo once was will have become white-colored and raised.
This process is known as ‘frosting’, due to the fact that your skin will appear frosty.
Your skin will look a little yucky during this part of the process, but luckily, it will only last a couple of minutes or so before residing.
The pigment is broken down during the procedure, and as a result, plasma may be produced, a phase of matter that is achieved when gases are subjected to heat.
Carbon dioxide is released as a result of this action and rushes to the top layer of the skin.
When the laser penetrates the skin, tiny gas bubbles will ascend to the skin’s surface and leave a white deposit.
This could persist for a few minutes, but after the procedure is through, it will disappear.
Blistering
The most uncomfortable aspect of the rehabilitation process will be the next stage. Extreme blistering won’t happen in everyone, but it is a sign that will likely appear after laser removal.
Blistering frequently occurs just after removal procedure. Don’t panic if your skin begins to blister; this is just your body attempting to cure itself.
It is a process akin to becoming extremely sunburned, which will cause your skin to act swiftly to try to heal the injuries it has sustained.
They will eventually go away on their own. All you can do while these blisters are present is maintain the area sterile and clean while doing your best to relieve the discomfort.
Note: You should never attempt to pop the blisters yourself, no matter how large they get.
If your blisters grow particularly big, visit a medical professional, and they may safely open the blister and extract the liquid in a safe, sanitized environment.
Recovery
Once the blisters and swelling begin to reside, you can feel confident knowing that you are reaching the end of the healing process.
The light at the end of the tunnel is visible, and you are almost in the clear.
All you have to do at this point is continue what you have already been doing; keep the area clean, and keep taking pain medication if you need it.
Consult a doctor if the classic symptoms, e.g., blistering, don’t go away within two weeks, or if you notice any discharge emerging from the area.
These signs indicate something went wrong during the healing process, and that a potential infection has emerged.
Common Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal
While laser tattoo removal is not considered an operation, or even a major altercation to your body, it should be treated as an open wound.
During the recovery period, you will likely face some unwanted side effects.
If you find yourself dealing with any of these side effects, just know that they are fairly common, and they will go away on their own over time.
Frosting
As we mentioned earlier, ‘frosting’ is the term used to describe the white residue created by gas bubbles that form during the laser procedure.
This should only last 20 minutes to half hour at longest.
Blistering
Blistering is a great indication that you are healing healthfully, even if it can cause some discomfort.
If your blisters get particularly large, don’t hesitate to contact a medical expert for advice. They may ask you to go in, so they can safely extract the liquid.
Inflammation
Again, inflammation is to be expected during the healing process.
However, if the swelling become extreme, and the area becomes very red, get in contact with your doctor for further advice.
Discomfort/Pain
Discomfort and pain is to be expected during recovery of a procedure such as this one. This is yet another indication that the healing is going well, and your body is working hard to mend itself.
Scabbing/Flaking
Remember when you had your tattoo done initially, and the skin around/on the area began to scab and flake away as it healed?
This is another sign that the body is healing. Don’t attempt to remove the scabs yourself – allow them to fall away on their own.
Itchiness
Lastly, you should expect the area to itch while it heals. However, try your absolute best to avoid scratching the area, as this will cause irritation. Instead, think about investing in some steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone.
Less Common Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal
Below, we have listed some of the lesser experienced side effects. If you experienced any of these, you may want to think about contacting a medical professional for advice.
Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation
Vibrations of radiation with various wavelengths are employed in laser removal to get rid of the ink.
As a result, your skin may develop dark or light areas (hyperpigmentation) or even lose all of its natural pigment, known as melanin, due to this (hypopigmentation).
Scarring
In less than 2% of cases, permanent scarring can occur. Although they are extremely uncommon, keloid scars—raised, thicker patches of skin—can develop 3 to 6 months following the removal.
Infection
Infection risk is minimal, provided if you adhere to your laser technician’s aftercare recommendations.
If you pop blisters or scrape at scabs, you run a further risk of getting an infection.
Muscular Discomfort
Your muscles are often unaffected by laser tattoo removal, thus this side effect is unusual.
However, this can depend on the treatment location, and so it is possible that you may experience some stiffness.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from laser tattoo removal can be daunting, but as long as you keep the affected area clean and sanitized, you shouldn’t run into any complications.
It may get a little ugly-looking while it recovers, but remind yourself that this won’t last forever, and it is all worth it to finally get rid of your old tattoo.
We hope you found this article helpful.
For more information, you can read the complete guide to tattoo aftercare.