Aftercare Instructions
Please be aware that the aftercare is under your control and has a direct effect on the success of the healing and results of the procedure.
Before your next Laser Treatment
Avoid sun exposure. Self-Tanning products and Tanning beds for at least two weeks prior to laser treatment.
A prescription topical anesthetic may be applied one hour prior to the scheduled appointment to reduce discomfort.
Please avoid any Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, or Ibuprofen products prior to treatment.
Please notify your doctor if you are on any antibiotics or other photosensitive medication
After the Laser Treatment
You may resume normal daily activities immediately following your laser treatment, making sure not to irritate the treated area. Please wait 24 hours to bathe or remove initial bandage.
Immediately after the treatment, the treated area may appear white, swollen and have minor pinpoint bleeding. Some blistering or oozing may occur. This is normal and should heal within 7-10 days. The tattoo will appear foggy and begin its fading process over the next month. Sessions are usually scheduled 4 or more weeks apart in order to allow maximum clearing per session, and ensure the treated area has ample time to heal between sessions.
Apply an ice compress over the bandage areas as often as possible for the next 24 hours after treatment. Constant cooling of the affected area has shown to effect in minimum blistering (and thus reducing scabbing).
After 24 hours, remove the initial bandaging. Gently wash the treated area with soap and water and pat dry. If you know that you are not allergic to topical antibiotic creams and ointments you may apply an over the counter product such as Bacitracin, Polysporin, 3 in 1 Antibiotic Ointment, or Centany and dress the area with a non stick bandage. In the event that you are allergic to topical antibiotic creams and ointments or you are unsure if you are allergic to these products, simply apply Petrolatum Jelly such as Vaseline to the affected area, It has been shown to be as effective in aiding wound healing. Keeping the wound moist, wet and covered with a white petrolatum jelly will aid in the healing process and make scarring less likely. Dress the area with fresh non stick bandages. Repeat this daily until the treated area is completely healed. Take care not to disrupt the crusting and scabbing. This can take between 5 to 15 days.
Do not pick or remove any scabbing that may occur. Picking scabs is a leading cause for infections and scarring. If desired, apply Hydrocortisone 1% cream to the treated area to relieve itching during the healing process. This can be obtained over the counter with no prescription.
Keep clothing from rubbing blistered or scabbed skin to avoid scarring.
Do not shave over the treated area if it is red or swollen.
Avoid all sun exposure, self – tanning, tanning beds for the duration of the treatment process.
Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs to reduce the chance of irritation.
Apply a 30spf sunscreen or higher to any exposed treated area until the treated area has completely healed, and for 6 months following treatment. The full treatment process will take several treatments, spaced out four to eight weeks apart. Your clinician will present a treatment plan for you upon consultation and evaluation of your individual response to the tattoo treatment laser.