Tattoos have given millions of people nightmares all over the world, especially in cases where a night out with friends ends up costing you a very permanent mark on your skin. Thankfully, with modern inking techniques, one can remove or cover even the ugliest-looking mark. Laser tattoo removal works by fracturing colored pigments of the ink with a high-intensity light beam. To protect the skin from infections and changes in texture, we recommend that you follow the following after-care instructions.

The following tips will help speed up your recovery and minimize the discomfort from a tattoo removal procedure:

Keep the wound dry and clean. You will experience soreness and swelling after the procedure, but that is normal. To speed up the process of healing, ensure the wound is kept dry and do not expose yourself to dirt or bacteria. After a shower, clean the area gently and pat it lightly with a towel to dry. Other common side effects are:

• Blistering
• Bruising
• Scabbing
• Tenderness
• Hypo/hyper-pigmentation

Apply a cooling compress. Some people experience a level of discomfort after treatment (not unlike sunburn). One way to minimize your discomfort is to apply a cool compress to the sensitive area in the few days following the procedure. This will also help reduce major inflammation on the skin. When combined with OTC pain relievers, one can deal with the pain as well. Wear loose fitting. Sensitivity is common during the days following a treatment. One way to avoid irritation is to wear soft, loose garments over the affected area. Any tight or rough clothing can cause severe irritation, even bleeding. Deal gently with blisters. If the tattoo was fairly new or if the skin is extremely sensitive, you may experience blistering after the procedure. Any blistering should be left un-punctured and undisturbed for a few days until it goes away. When attempting to puncture a blister, use a sterilized needle and allow the blister to drain completely before applying a generous dose of antibiotic treatment and ointment to soothe the gauze. Do not pick the affected area. When the wound starts to heal it will dry up and become itchy at some point. Do not scratch or pick at it. Doing so might cause bleeding or permanent scarring. In addition, your hands may contain bacteria which could come into contact with the open wound and cause an infection. Avoid shaving close to the affected area until the skin heals completely. If you have questions about your tattoo removal process, do not hesitate to contact Beloved Laser Tattoo Removal by calling 651-797-3738.