Laser tattoo removal blisters – post procedural care guidelines
Medically Reviewed June 2023, by Corine Treacy, Apprenticeship Program Manager, for sk:n. Next review due June 2024.
There are various techniques for tattoo removal, including skin peels and microdermabrasion. By far, the most effective is the laser tattoo removal treatment. Whilst laser treatment is a safe procedure, certain post-procedural measures must be observed, in order to avoid blisters and infection. Read on to find out what you can do to ensure the treated area is healing correctly, and how to look after your blisters.
After the treatment
Apply an antibiotic ointment to the treated area, 3 times a day, throughout the 72 hours that follow your laser tattoo removal procedure. This keeps the skin safe from infection. It is necessary to protect the treated area using a sterile dressing for at least 24 hours post-treatment. This will stop dust, dirt and any foreign bodies from coming into contact with the treated area.
Laser tattoo removal blisters
Blistering after laser tattoo removal is a perfectly normal reaction to the procedure, and should not be cause for alarm. Developing blisters is a positive indication that the healing process is going as planned, and that the ink is being removed from your body. It is also normal for the blisters to pop or burst, and means that the skin will heal faster.
Looking after your blisters
Whilst it is not essential, you may want to apply a cold pack to the treated area. This will serve to ease discomfort and inflammation. Provided you are not prone to an allergic reaction, you may also want to take a Paracetamol based painkiller, and/or anti-inflammatory. Do not take any aspirin based pain relief, as this will thin the blood and risk unnecessary bruising and bleeding to the treated area, thus jeopardising the healing process.
As long as at least 2 hours have elapsed since the procedure, it is okay to take a shower; however, avoid exposing the treated area to direct pressure, and do not soak the area in a bath, hot tub or swimming pool until it has completely healed.
Cleaning the treated area
You must keep the treated area clean and dry throughout the healing process. It is fine to clean the area with soap and water during bathing, as you would the rest of your body, but be sure to pat your skin dry before gently applying a thin coating of antibiotic ointment.
Using makeup on the treated area
The treated area will be particularly sensitive to sunlight so it is essential that you wear sunblock with a minimum SPF of 25, for at least 3 months after receiving the treatment.
Do not wear make-up either on or around the treated area until it is completely healed, as this may result in infection. Itching around the treated area is a completely normal reaction to the dehydrating that occurs during laser treatment. This itching can be eased using a vitamin E ointment or a hydrocortisone cream.
If the treated area starts to secrete yellowish liquid at any point or begins bleeding, or if you experience any discomfort that hasn’t been described above, then it is important to contact the clinic where the procedure was carried out. In case of an extreme reaction, call 999 and/or go straight to your nearest A&E department.
For more tips, read our laser tattoo removal aftercare instructions.
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