How to care for a tattoo removal?

Author: Jolie Farrell  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

Apply sunscreen SPF 30+ and wear protective clothing or a breathable, adhesive bandage over the tattoo. Avoid hot baths / showers, as well as swimming (in any temperature). When bathing, use cool water and gentle soap; pat skin dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid scrubbing, scratching or shaving directly over the area.

How do you take care of a tattoo after removal?

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  • Wear comfortable clothes
  • Avoid makeup/creams/lotions for the first 48 hours
  • Apply cold compress when needed
  • Be careful with painkillers
  • Be cautious with the showers
  • Do not touch the treated area

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 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 long does a tattoo removal take to heal?

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.

How to Care for Skin After Laser Tattoo Removal | Body Details

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.

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.

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.

What slows down tattoo removal?

Smoking slows down the healing process and impacts the immune system. This increases the number of removal sessions you have to undergo. Smoking also leads to poor blood circulation, which impacts oxygen and nutrients delivery to the treated area. As a result, the tattoo fades slowly.

Can tattoos be 100% removed?

It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.

What are the disadvantages 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.

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 long after tattoo removal can I shower?

It is fine to shower anytime following the treatment, even when you experience the most redness and blistering. You can let soapy water run over the treated area, but do not scrub it or expose it to water under high pressure.

How long should I ice my tattoo removal?

To help calm and soothe skin, you will need to apply an ice compress for the first hour following your treatment. Just be sure to not leave the compress on for more than three minutes at a time – you should alternate it on and off.

How do you detox after tattoo removal?

Drinking enough water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your immune function. Hydration supports the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in removing the shattered ink particles.

What not to do when getting a tattoo removed?

Before you go schedule an appointment, be sure you avoid doing any of these things in order to have a safe and effective laser tattoo removal treatment.
  1. Avoid Exposing Your Tattoo To Sunlight. ...
  2. Avoid Spray Tans And Tanning Lotions. ...
  3. Avoid Tattoo Removal Right After Getting A Tattoo.

Is vaseline good for tattoo removal?

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. Avoid topical irritants— these potentially include harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, oils, numbing agents or antibacterial creams.

How can I make my tattoo removal more effective?

7 tips for a quicker tattoo removal process
  1. Choose laser removal. ...
  2. Use aftercare creams. ...
  3. Resist the urge to pick or scratch the treated area. ...
  4. Avoid sun exposure and humid or hot environments. ...
  5. Live a healthy lifestyle: sleep well, drink water, and avoid smoking and alcohol.

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.

Why not to get a tattoo removed?

As with any procedure, there are potential risks associated with tattoo removal procedures, which could include: Scarring. Infections. Skin discoloration.

Why do I feel sick after tattoo removal?

The laser shatters the tattoo ink particles, and as the body's immune system works to flush out these fragmented pigments, it can result in nausea, dizziness, or other flu-like symptoms. Managing pain through prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter medications can help alleviate some of these symptoms.

Does drinking a lot of water help tattoo removal?

Drinking plenty of water not only supports your body's natural processes but also gives your immune system a boost, helping it flush out ink particles more efficiently during laser tattoo removal.

What supplements are good for tattoo removal?

Eating a well balanced diet along with an intake of vitamins and supplements known to increase white blood cell count such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B6 and B12 will all boost your immune system. Your body is the vehicle used for tattoo removal.

What are the aftercare instructions for tattoo removal?

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare
  1. Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. ...
  2. Apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment three times a day for the first three days while the area is healing. ...
  3. Blistering is common, and will likely occur within 8 hours after your tattoo removal treatment.

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