For best results we recommend proper skin care before and after your tattoo removal.  Proper skin care will not only will help the tattoo removal process go smoother, but it is also important to help prevent infection and other unwanted side effects.  

Tattoo removal is a relatively straight-forward outpatient procedure, but to ensure best results it is important that patients understand the procedure and the before and after skin care recommendations.  Some patients may experience bruising or swelling with the procedure.  The treated area, in most cases, is usually healed within 4 weeks depending on the patient, their state of health and the size of tattoo.  

Skin Care Before Your Tattoo Removal

• Proper care before your tattoo removal is important to help you get the best results and lower your risk of undesired side effects.
• Stick to a healthy lifestyle.  Getting 8 hours of sleep, having a health diet and exercise help support your body’s immune system which is an essential part of the success of tattoo removal. 
• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, 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 or UV exposure.
• Avoid treatments to the affected area that may irritate the skin.  For example, chemicals like benzoyl peroxide or astringents or depilatories to remove unwanted hair should be avoided for at least 1-2 weeks before treatment and 2 to 4 weeks after treatment.  Do not resume use of these products until the skin has fully healed.
• Treatment area should be clean shaven of all hair.
• Quit smoking.  Smoking reduces your body’s natural ability to heal wounds.  Smokers are more likely to take longer to heal from their tattoo removal than non-smokers, so consider quitting smoking before you have your tattoo removed.

Skin Care After Your Tattoo Removal

• Proper care following your tattoo removal is necessary to achieve the best results. If during course of your treatment you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
• Expect your tattoo removal to be a multi-step process.  Depending on the size, location and color of your tattoo, most tattoos require several treatments.  
• After treatment, you can apply ice packs to the area as needed to help reduce soreness and swelling.  
• Apply the provided cream or simple petroleum jelly to the area to protect the skin. 
• After a laser treatment, the treated area can be mildly irritated, similar to a sunburn.  It’s important that you protect the skin.  Avoid direct sun exposure or use sunscreen when outside. 
• Do not itch, pick or bump the area.  If there is any blistering, do not pop the blisters.  If there is any scabbing, do not pick the scabs.
• Wash your hands before touching the treated area.  
• You may continue to shower as usual.  Gently wash the treated area with mild soap and water, and pat dry. Do not expose the area directly under a shower spray and do not scrub or exfoliate the area. 
• We schedule follow up treatments 4-8 weeks apart.  Discuss whether you will need a follow up treatment with the doctor and be sure to schedule that visit before you leave the clinic.  
• The treated area can be re-tattooed after the skin has healed, usually after 3-4 months.

Great tattoo removal results start with good skin care before and after your treatment.  After your tattoo removal at Sound Tattoo, we will give you specific after care instructions before you go home, but please contact us if you have any questions or concerns