Laser Tattoo Removal Instructions | Epione

Laser Tattoo Removal Instructions

Laser Tattoo Removal Instructions

Pre Treatment Instructions

  • In order to avoid skin discoloration avoid deep tanning (tanning beds, tanning creams) four to six weeks prior to the treatment. If you must go in the sun, use a sunscreen SPF 30 or greater.
  • Shave the area to be treated within 12 hours prior to the treatment if necessary.
  • Laser Tattoo Removal is not recommended for you if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, or allergic to heat or cold. Consulting with a doctor is important before finalizing any major decisions.
  • Additionally, always tell your physician about any medical conditions that you may have so as to customize an ideal treatment plan for you.
  • Do not schedule important social activities, meetings, etc., immediately after the procedure. The majority of patients do not have any adverse effects from laser tattoo removal treatments.
  • Do your daily workout before your appointment for Laser Tattoo Removal.
  • Do Not Use aspirin, alcohol, NSAID’s (ibuprofen, Naprosyn, etc.), vitamin E, Gingko and St. John’s Wart for 10 days prior to treatment. It is recommended that two Tylenol be taken one hour prior to the procedure.
  • If you have a history of perioral herpes (cold sores), and you are having your face treated, prophylactic antiviral therapy must be started before treatment commences and continued one week after treatment.

What to Expect

  • Slight, temporary stinging, throbbing, burning sensation, redness, swelling, bruising, scabbing, and excess fullness in the treated area may last for a few minutes to days.
  • If you are not experiencing any reaction after treatment, that’s normal too.
  • Expect some redness and swelling, which may convert to “cat scratch” scab for 1-2 weeks.
  • Tattoo removal resolution usually takes about 3-20 weeks. At the end of this process, some tattoos may be gone while others may be lighter or not affected.
  • The risk of any side effect depends on the area(s) treated.

Post Treatment Care

  • Blistering is common and is likely to occur 8 hours after your treatment. Do not be alarmed, blisters heal very well and are part of the normal healing process. Blisters indicate your immune system is working in the treated area and beginning to remove the ink from your tattoo. It is natural for blisters to pop, and this helps the skin to heal faster in many cases. Continue to put antibiotic ointment over the blisters once they have popped for at least 24 hours.
  • Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area gently with soap and water and then pat the area dry.
  • You may apply cool compresses as necessary for 24 hours after the laser treatment to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. You may take regular Tylenol, but avoid aspirin as it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.
  • Itching is very common due to the dehydrating effect of the laser treatment. You may apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment up to three times a day for 3 days while the area is healing and you should keep the area covered with a sterile gauze dressing for those 3 days.
  • Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become scraped as this may result in infection and scarring. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed.
  • If the area looks infected (honey colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact our office immediately.
  • If you have to expose the treated area to the sun, especially within the first 2 weeks, make sure you use sun block (30 SPF or higher).
  • Side effects such as blistering, scarring or extended healing time may occur, especially if you fail to follow the given instructions.
  • For approximately 48 hours after treatment ( or until blistering is reduced)
    • Avoid extensive sun or heat exposure.
    • Avoid strenuous exercises and sauna or getting a massage.
    • Avoid hot showers, baths, or hot tubs.
    • Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol has a tendency to worsen swelling and bruising.
    • Do not wear makeup or any other cream or medication on treated area.
    • Make sure that you drink plenty of water.

Length of Benefits

  • The benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal vary greatly depending on the area(s) treated. They can vary from reducing the color of the tattoo to permanent and complete removal after multiple treatments.
  • Every patient has a different body and factors such as age, sleep, medication, diet, stress, weight and hormones that affect the resolution of Laser Tattoo Removal. In most cases, additional treatments may be recommended for complete removal.
  • Maintaining a long-term plan with regular appointments will increase the longevity of the results of subsequent treatment sessions.

Your next visit

  • Return for your next treatment every 4-8 weeks to maintain results, or as recommended by your physician.

When to Call

  • If you have increased swelling, scabbing or bruising, worsening after 48 hours
  • If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
  • If you have severe or increased pain.
  • If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees.

For Medical Questions, Please Call

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