Proper care before your tattoo removal procedure is important to help you get the best results and lower your risk of undesired side effects.

  1. No recent sun exposure, tan, or use of self-tanners for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to treatment. The risk of hyper/hypo pigmentation (lightening or darkening of the skin) is greatly increased with sun exposure.
  2. Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin like harsh chemicals, depilatories, etc. for at least 1-2 weeks before treatment and 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. This includes products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc. Do not resume use of these products until the skin has fully healed and all crusting has resolved.
  3. The treatment area should be clean-shaven of all hair.
  4. Moderate to significant discomfort is expected. Some areas are more sensitive than others. Topical anesthetic options may be available if required/desired.
  5. The area may appear bruised after treatment, this will typically fade in 5-7 days.

Post Treatment Instructions for Tattoo Lightening

Proper care following your procedure is necessary to achieve the best results. If during your healing process you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Expect the Tattoo Lightening procedure to be a multi-step process. It is likely that you will have to come back for more than one treatment. Additional visits should be scheduled no sooner than 6-8 weeks from the last treatment. Keep in mind that in many cases the tattoo may fade unevenly. Please review the following directions and refer to them as necessary.

Be prepared for the initial color intensity of your procedure to be significantly brighter or darker, you will also notice it may appear very red or white immediately after the procedure. This should fade as it heals. Depending on the tattoo, the area may darken before it fades. It will take time for this transition based upon how the tattoo was applied, what it was applied with, and your own natural healing.

  1. Dressings should be changed once a day or after a shower for the first three days after treatment. Prior to removing the dressing, wash hands with soap and water, then carefully remove the dressing, gently cleanse the wound with soap and water, and pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. Apply provided cream or simple petroleum and cover with a large Band-Aid or non-stick gauze dressing and make sure the bandage is not too tight. Keep the treatment area moist with the provided topical.
  3. Ice packs protected with a cloth may be applied as necessary to reduce soreness & swelling. Do not put ice directly on the area, make sure there is a towel or cloth between the ice and your skin.
  4. Bleeding and bruising are expected the first day or two after the procedure.
  5. Wash your hands before touching any treated area. Do not expose the area to dirty or unsanitary conditions.
  6. Try not to bump or stretch the tattoo.
  7. Itching and scabbing are normal. The treatment area may scab but preventing the scab is best. Scabbing may last 7 to 14 days. DO NOT PICK, PEEL, OR SCRATCH the treated area as it could cause scarring or changes in the natural skin color. Removing the scab could also increase healing time. If the tattoo is located in a high friction area, or if you have a tendency to scratch, cover it with a bandage. Do not shave over the treated area until all scabbing has healed.
  8. Blisters are possible, do not pick at or pop blisters if they do occur.
  9. If the removal is on the face, no makeup is to be applied for 72 hours (three days) after the procedure.
  10. Do not expose your healing skin to direct sun, tanning beds, saunas, saltwater, or chlorinated pools for 2 to 4 weeks following your procedure.
  11. You may continue to shower, and you can gently wash the treated area with mild soap and water, but pat dry it as soon as possible (do not rub). Do not expose the area directly under a shower spray, no scrubbing the area, do not swim or sit in a spa, and do not soak your body where the area is submerged in water.
  12. If itchiness develops and is irritating, you may apply Benadryl cream after the first week of treatment or bandage or tape over the area. Excessive scratching on the treated area may cause additional irritation and possible scarring. Do not use a cortisone cream.
  13. Skin can develop temporary lightening or darkening after laser treatment. Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) can be worsened with sun exposure. Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) usually occurs after multiple treatments. Pigment issues typically resolve with time but can be permanent.
  14. Temporary texture changes to the skin are often noted but usually resolve with time.
  15. Some tattoo inks, including many lighter and skin-tone inks, may darken or change color in response to treatment.
  16. If the color is not completely faded after the procedure, the process may be repeated after the skin has healed, after a minimum of 6-8 weeks.
  17. The treated area can be re-tattooed after the skin has healed, usually after 2-3 months.
  18. Please contact the office if any of the following occur:
    • Bleeding that soaks the dressing or bleeding that happens after the first 24 hours
    • Increased redness or swelling more than 24 hours after the procedure
    • Significantly uncomfortable blisters
    • Yellowish or greenish drainage coming out of the wound
    • Persistent pain that lasts more than 24 hours
    • Fever exceeding 101°F

If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact DermaHealth a Springfield Med Spa.

NOTE: The outcome of tattoo lightening procedures is dictated by the canvas (your skin) as well as the implementation process and materials used in the original tattoo. Clients should have realistic expectations as DermaHealth may not be able to achieve the desired results for tattoo lightening.