How soon after tattoo removal can I shower?

Author: Assunta Schinner  |  Last update: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Can I shower after tattoo removal? For those wondering about showering after tattoo removal... the Cleveland Clinic advises that you can jump in a warm (not hot) shower the day after your session, but you should avoid scrubbing the area or soaking it.

How long after tattoo removal can you get it wet?

We would estimate waiting 3-5 days for the tattoo to heal before submerging in a hot tub after tattoo removal or in any other body of water. Of course, if your tattoo is still red, itchy, or has blistering after 3-5 days, it's best to avoid swimming until the treated area has healed.

Can I wash my tattoo after tattoo removal?

You can shower three hours after your tattoo removal session. However, you should avoid using high water pressure in the shower, as this can irritate the treated skin. Before you hop in the shower, make sure to remove your bandages. You can then clean the area gently with mild soap and then pat it dry.

What are the don'ts of tattoo removal?

Stay away from carbonated drinks, alcohol or smoking while healing. An excessive amount of any of these will slow down your body, delaying the healing and fading process. Avoid scratching or itching the treated area until it is 100% healed. Don't scratch or pop the blisters!

How long should I keep my laser tattoo removal covered?

Please be sure to use an over the counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. It is important that you apply the ointment to your skin three times daily and keep your tattoo covered with a bandage for at least 3 days.

How To Shower With A NEW Tattoo The RIGHT Way!

Do you pee out ink after tattoo removal?

After lasers break up the ink, your body's immune system disperses it into your bloodstream, where it travels to your kidneys. Ink is then released through your urine and sweat. It doesn't change the color of your pee, but you shouldn't have too many tattoos removed at the same time either.

What is the best aftercare for tattoo removal?

Immediate Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare: The First 24 Hours
  • Gently clean the treated area with lukewarm water and mild soap.
  • Pat dry with a clean towel—avoid rubbing.
  • Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick dressing if advised by your technician.
  • Avoid high pressure, hot showers or baths.

What is the biggest concern with tattoo removal?

Risks. Scarring is likely after most types of tattoo removal. Infection or skin discoloration is possible as well.

Should I put Aquaphor on after tattoo removal?

When the Tegaderm separates, keep the tattoo removal area covered with a fresh sterile bandage daily and apply a thin layer of ointment such as Aquaphor, Elta MD Post Balm, Polysporin, or A&D Ointment, until skin is fully healed. If you feel it is necessary, you can use mild soap and water and pat the area dry.

How to heal faster after laser tattoo removal?

The following tattoo removal aftercare tips will make your skin look and feel great while also expediting the healing process.
  1. Limit Physical Activity. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. Soothe With Ice. ...
  4. Moisturize Skin. ...
  5. Endure Sun Exposure. ...
  6. Consume Alcohol. ...
  7. Touching/Picking at Scabs or Blisters.

Should you moisturize after tattoo removal?

FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT (AND UNTIL YOUR TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED) Moisturize the area with over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, up to three times daily or as needed to help reduce irritation or itching.

When can I shower after tattoo removal on Reddit?

After the first day, shower with dressing off and place new dressing after. Don't scrub/wash the area, but it's fine that water and soap hit it.

How many tattoo removal sessions to see results?

On average it takes around 10-12 sessions to see complete removal results. However, there are many factors that play into the overall outcome of each client's tattoo.

How soon after tattoo removal can you shower?

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. Feel free to shower 2 hours after the tattoo removal, but take care to avoid high-pressure water hitting the treated area.

What ointment is good for tattoo removal?

Use Polysporin Ointment, Bacitracin (generic is acceptable), or Vaseline®. Apply enough ointment so that the treated area stays moist all day under the bandage.

Why is my tattoo removal not blistering?

Not all patients will see blisters after their laser tattoo removal sessions. For those who do, it's a normal part of the healing process. The body is simply reacting to the intense light breaking down the ink particles in the skin. Blisters indicate the immune system is working to remove ink from the body.

How long is the recovery time for tattoo removal?

It's important to note that even if you experience no discomfort after the first week, it will take several weeks for your skin to heal completely. It can take up to 8 weeks for some people to heal and be ready for their next session.

What is the best moisturizer for tattoo removal?

Occlusive moisturisers – ones that form a barrier layer over your skin – like Vaseline and Aquaphor can help to soothe the area at this stage. However, we'd recommend using aloe vera to soothe and hydrate the skin. Vitamin E ointment can also be useful, as it can encourage cell rejuvenation and speed skin healing.

Should you ice after laser tattoo removal?

Do Soothe the Skin with Ice. After the removal, you will experience the same irritation that you do when you get a tattoo. To soothe the site, ice the area for three minutes with 15 to 20 minutes gaps until you feel relief from the pain.

Where does the ink go after tattoo removal?

When you get a tattoo, you can pretty much expect that it'll be with you forever. But, if for whatever reason you change your mind, there are removal options. Unfortunately, even after removal, the ink doesn't just disappear — we actually excrete it through our lymphatic system.

What are the cons of tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal can leave behind skin that is lighter than the skin around it. Other risks include possible scarring, infection, pinpoint bleeding, redness, or soreness, none of which should last for long.

How can I maximize my tattoo removal results?

10 Best Ways to Improve Laser Tattoo Removal Process and Fading
  1. Treat your body like a temple.
  2. Avoid the sun.
  3. Stay hydrated.
  4. Stimulate with massage.
  5. Rest after every appointment.
  6. Stay on schedule.
  7. Avoid infection.
  8. Sleep properly.

How do you wash your tattoo after removal?

For the first 3 days after treatment, keep the treated area bandaged with sterile gauze and protected with a thin layer of Aquaphor ointment. After 3 days, keep the treated area clean and dry during the healing process. If necessary, clean the area gently with mild soap and water and pat dry.

How to speed up tattoo removal healing?

5 Tips for Speeding Up Your Tattoo Removal
  1. Take Your Time. When you're in a hurry to abandon an unwanted tattoo, it's important to take your time between laser tattoo removal sessions. ...
  2. Wear Sunscreen. ...
  3. Sweat It Out. ...
  4. Quit Smoking. ...
  5. Follow Doctor's Orders. ...
  6. BONUS: Use The Describe Patch.

Previous article
How to draw an infection out of the foot?
Next article
Which color makes you look slim?