What not to do when getting a tattoo removed?

Author: Melvina Jacobi  |  Last update: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Things You Must Avoid Before Your Tattoo Removal Session
  1. Avoid Exposing Your Tattoo To Sunlight. ...
  2. Avoid Spray Tans And Tanning Lotions. ...
  3. Avoid Tattoo Removal Right After Getting A Tattoo. ...
  4. Avoid Treatment While Taking Antibiotics And Update Your Medical History. ...
  5. Avoid Tattoo Removal Creams.

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!

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 is the best aftercare for tattoo removal?

  • Keep the Area Clean : Gently clean the treated area with mild soap and water.
  • Apply Ointment : Use an antibiotic or healing ointment like Aquaphor to promote healing and protect the area from infection.
  • Cover the Area : Keep the treated area bandaged for the first 24 hours to protect it from bacteria and debris.

How do you prepare for tattoo removal?

PRE-TREATMENT:
  1. Avoid sun and keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. ...
  2. Reduce/ stop smoking up to 4 weeks prior.
  3. Avoid waxing and/or use of chemical depilatories to the area up to 2 weeks prior.
  4. Shave the area 24 hours prior to treatment.
  5. Ensure no fitted clothing is worn on the area where the tattoo is being removed.

Practitioner Debunks 10 Myths About Laser Tattoo Removal | London

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.

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 speeds up tattoo removal?

How to Speed Up Tattoo Removal
  1. Get Active. Getting your body up and moving will increase blood flow, which helps to break down the ink particles in your skin faster. ...
  2. Hydrate. Hydrate. ...
  3. Put it Out. We understand that quitting smoking can be a long and difficult process. ...
  4. Keep it Covered.

How soon can I shower after tattoo removal?

Feel free to shower 2 hours after the tattoo removal, but take care to avoid high-pressure water hitting the treated area. Baths, hot tubs, swimming pool, or any other form of soaking are not recommended until all blisters and scabs are completely healed, as they may increase the risk of infection.

How painful is tattoo removal?

Depending on what type of tattoo removal you choose, there may be varying levels of pain or discomfort. Some people say that removal feels the same as getting a tattoo, while others liken it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against their skin. Your skin may be sore after the procedure.

What can go wrong with 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.

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 tattoos Cannot be removed?

Yellow, blue, purple, turquoise - these are the common colors that most laser tattoo removal devices just cannot seem to get rid of.

What foods to avoid after tattoo removal?

List of foods you should avoid
  • Soft drinks.
  • Processed juices.
  • Fried foods, such as French fries, pastries and other savory snacks.
  • Fast food.
  • Pork and processed meats, such as sausage, ham, sausage, bacon, mortadella and salami.
  • Sweets, cream-filled biscuits, cakes, ready-made cake batters, cereal bars.
  • Corn syrup.
  • Chocolate.

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.

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 long does tattoo removal take to heal?

The pain and discomfort of laser tattoo removal is worth it and should subside in about a week or two. But the skin won't be fully healed for several weeks after the treatment. To avoid the risk of scarring or poor results, our clients should wait for a minimum of six weeks before scheduling their next appointment.

What does a tattoo look like after one removal session?

Laser Tattoo Removal After 1 Session

After the first session, most people can expect some significant fading, especially outlines. It's also important to note that differences in your tattoo will affect how the fading appears. You might see substantial fading in one portion of your tattoo and less in others.

How do I make sure my tattoo removal works?

Take Your Time

Many doctors have found that patients who wait the recommended eight weeks between tattoo removal treatments can actually require fewer sessions and enjoy clearer results with less scarring than those who rush the process. Take your time, let your skin heal, and watch your ink almost magically fade away.

Why is my tattoo not fading after laser treatment?

There are plenty of possible reasons why a laser treatment can't get rid of the tattoo on the skin, but it's mostly because of the type of laser used and its wavelength. Other reasons might be the inexperienced laser technician and the age of the tattoo.

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.

Do you poop out ink after tattoo removal?

After laser treatment, the broken-down ink particles are tiny enough to be absorbed by your army of white blood cells. Once absorbed, the tiny particles are sent to your lymph nodes and eventually eliminated through perspiration, urine or fecal matter.

How much does tattoo removal cost?

The average cost of laser tattoo removal in North Hollywood ranges from $110 to $600 per session, depending on the size. Meanwhile, erasing a massive tattoo can cost you as much as $4,000+ for the entire treatment. In terms of pricing, medical spas have different approaches.

Is tattoo removal hard on the liver?

The ink that breaks down is processed through the liver, so it is important to discuss liver problems with your doctor before proceeding. Keep in mind that a healthy liver will have minimal to no issues, but a liver that is already struggling could end up with adverse effects.

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