What Is the Recovery Process After Laser Tattoo Removal?

Tattoo removal takes a few minutes during each session, depending on the size, but the recovery takes longer. Taking care of your skin during the laser tattoo removal recovery will ensure you get the best results.

Your tattoo removal specialist will give instructions on the aftercare of your skin following the treatment. There are things that you can expect during each stage of the recovery. Find out what the recovery process after laser tattoo removal entails.

Immediately After Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment

You can expect the treated skin area to be red, slightly blistered, and swollen immediately after tattoo removal. The symptoms are extremely common, and the skin will feel sensitive and tender for about two weeks.

However, you should not experience any pain a day after treatment and should be able to return to your normal duties or activities. Some people experience a “frosting” effect, which gives the area a chalky appearance. It is normal, signifying carbon dioxide release from the skin, and it is a temporary reaction usually lasting a few minutes.

First Day of Recovery

On the first day after tattoo removal, you should not experience pain, but the swelling may have increased. The body is still responding to the treatment, and the treated area may change. The effects are expected but if you have any concerns, contact your laser tattoo removal technician.

Applying an ice pack can help soothe the area. It can also help to apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the site. You can use a bandage to protect the treatment area.

First Week of Recovery

During the first week of recovery, the body continues to digest and remove the ink. The skin will begin to heal but may still look red and swollen. The laser carries a large portion of the ink that has been broken down.

You may not notice much difference in the first week, but the ink will fade in subsequent weeks. The amount of ink digested will reduce incrementally until the next session.

Healing Between Sessions

Various factors affect the healing between sessions of tattoo removal. Some people heal faster than others, depending on their immune health. Your laser tattoo removal technician will determine the best scheduling of treatment sessions for optimal results.

Most technicians recommend maintaining six to eight weeks between sessions. The body will continue to digest the ink between sessions during the healing period. 

Avoiding Skin Fatigue

Failing to give the skin adequate time to recover can lead to fatigue. When this occurs, the skin takes more than six weeks for complete healing. The body’s ability to remove the ink efficiently reduces skin fatigue.

Skin fatigue may also be caused by failure to use the proper laser settings during the removal. The individual’s overall health and the health of the immune system will determine how fast the ink particles are eliminated.

It is crucial to avoid scrubbing the treated skin area. The skin may feel itchy and have blisters, but you must avoid picking at it as it may cause scarring. It can also cause infection and prolong the healing. Apply sunscreen to protect the skin when going outdoors.
 

For more on the recovery process after tattoo removal, contact the Mobile Tattoo Removal Experts by emailing us at info@mtrexperts.org to schedule an appointment today.