At LaserTat, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. After your laser tattoo removal session, proper aftercare is essential to ensure that your skin heals quickly and without complications. Here's everything you need to know about looking after your freshly lasered skin!
1. Initial bandage and laseraid aftercare cream
Immediately following your treatment, your laser technician will bandage the area and apply Laseraid aftercare cream to help protect your freshly lasered skin. This cream helps cool the skin and keeps the area clean as it begins the healing process. Before you leave, your technician will go over the aftercare steps with you and provide detailed take-home instructions to ensure your skin heals properly. Keep the bandage on until you get home, then start the steps below.
2. Keep it clean and dry
Once you get home or after 3 hours you can remove the bandage, it’s important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Gently cleanse the area with mild soap or antibacterial wash and water, then pat it dry—no rubbing! Avoid soaking the area in water, so steer clear of baths, spas/saunas, or swimming pools for the first few days. Showering is absolutely fine, however it’s important to ensure the water temperature is not too hot over the treated skin.
3. Apply LaserAid aftercare cream
We recommend applying Skinstitut Laseraid to the treated area which is our preferred aftercare of choice, or you may also use Aloe vera as a substitute. This will help to keep the skin cool, moisturised and protected. Apply your cream 2-3 times a day for the first few days or up to a week while healing. Once skin is fully healed you can stop using the aftercare cream or switch to a daily moisturiser, particularly if the skin is still dry or itchy.
LaserTat Tip: For added comfort, keep your Laseraid cream in the fridge!
4. To cover or not to cover?
You can leave the area uncovered if you are in a clean environment and out of the sun. Avoid tight clothing or anything that might rub or irritate the skin. We do recommend covering the area with a breathable, non-stick bandage if you need to protect it from dirt and bacteria or if the area is being exposed to the sun in the healing stage.
LaserTat Tip: If the area is swollen (particularly lower limbs) elevate when you can and apply a cold compress. This will help with blood flow to the area and reduce swelling much faster!
5. No scratching or picking!
As your skin heals, you may experience itching, scabbing, and in some cases blistering—this is totally normal and in some cases can last up to a week or more! But resist the urge to pick or scratch the area. Let your skin heal naturally to avoid scarring or infection.
LaserTat Fact: Blisters from laser tattoo removal occur from the FRICTION of the laser pulsating repeatably into the skin – NOT from a burn. Their fluid actually helps heal the underlying skin, which is why we recommend leaving them intact to heal.
6. Avoid sun exposure
Your treated skin will be extra sensitive to the sun, so avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks. If you need to be outside, cover the area with clothing or apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen to protect it from harmful UV rays. It’s important to treat as much as possible on your natural skin tone, so make sure you avoid tanning your skin from the sun especially in the Summer months.
“Can I fake tan?” Once the area is fully healed (usually within a few days to a week) you can use tanning products over the area.
7. Stay cool
Heat can irritate your freshly treated skin, so avoid intense physical activity that may cause excessive sweating for a few days. Keeping the area cool will help reduce swelling and irritation.
Love to exercise? choose light physical activity while the area is in the healing stage such as walks, or training opposite areas of the body to what has been freshly lasered.
8. Stay hydrated and healthy
Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet will promote faster healing. Your body needs all the support it can get to repair your skin and fade the ink. Avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can slow down not only the healing process but also your immune system’s ability to remove the particles of ink.
LaserTat tip: light massage to the area once healed can help promote blood flow and increase your immune response to eliminating the particles of ink
9. Monitor for any issues
While it’s normal to experience some redness, swelling, bruising, blistering and tenderness, keep an eye on the treated area for signs of infection, such as increased pain, heat, or pus. On rare occasions clients can be allergic to the tattoo pigment in their skin and the itchiness can become unbearable. If you notice or experience anything unusual, don’t hesitate to contact us for further instructions.
10. Follow-up treatments
Remember that tattoo removal is a process. Be sure to follow the recommended treatment schedule for the best results. And if you ever have questions or concerns, we’re here to help!
By following these aftercare tips, you’re giving your skin the best chance to heal beautifully. If you’re unsure about anything or have any questions, feel free to reach out to the LaserTat team—we’re here to make your tattoo removal journey as smooth as possible!
Phone: 0421 132 734
Email: info@lasertat.com.au