Post Care For Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Looking after your skin following treatment supports healing and helps keep your tattoo removal journey on track. Your body continues processing the fragmented pigment between appointments, so care between sessions matters too.

Healing varies between people and between appointments. Follow any individual instructions given by your Remedi practitioner.

Immediately afterwards: the first couple of hours

Cool and soothe the skin

• A cold compress can help soothe warmth and discomfort during the first couple of hours.
• Use a freshly cleaned flannel soaked in cold water, wring it out and rest it gently over intact skin.
• Replace it with another clean, cold flannel once it becomes warm. Use it intermittently rather than leaving the skin continuously wet.
• Do not rub, press firmly or apply ice directly to the skin.
• If the skin is broken or blistered, contact us for advice rather than placing a reusable flannel directly over it.
• If desired, apply a thin layer of plain, fragrance-free, alcohol-free aloe vera gel to intact skin with clean hands. Stop if it stings or irritates.
• Do not apply aloe vera to open or burst blisters without advice.

What you may notice

• Temporary whitening or “frosting” over the tattoo, which usually settles quickly.
• Redness, warmth, tenderness and swelling.
• Occasional bruising or small spots of bleeding.

We normally leave the area uncovered. There is no need to apply a plaster or bandage routinely. A suitable dressing may be recommended if a blister develops.

The first 24–48 hours

Avoid heat

Avoid adding heat to the area until it feels the same temperature as the surrounding untreated skin. Allow at least 24 hours; warmth may take a few days to settle.

• Avoid hot showers, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs.
• Avoid direct sunlight, heated blankets, hot-water bottles and other heat sources over the tattoo.
• Use lukewarm water when washing is permitted.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy sweating for at least 48 hours, and longer if the area remains warm, swollen or tender.
• Gentle walking is usually suitable if it does not rub or aggravate the tattoo.

Increasing heat, pain or swelling should be reported rather than assumed to be part of normal healing.

Protect the area

• Keep your hands clean and avoid unnecessary touching.
• Wear loose clothing and avoid friction, pressure or knocks.
• If an arm or leg is swollen, elevate it comfortably when resting.
• Clean gently according to the instructions given at your appointment, then pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
• Avoid scrubbing, soaking and strong shower jets.
• Keep perfume, make-up, fake tan and fragranced products away from the treated skin.

During the first week: watch the skin heal

You may develop blisters, dryness, itching, flaking or scabbing over the following days. Not everyone experiences these reactions.

If a blister develops

• Contact Remedi Laser so we can advise you.
• Do not pop, pierce, squeeze or deliberately drain it.
• Protect it from clothing or footwear rubbing against it.
• If needed, use a sterile, non-stick dressing, keeping adhesive away from the blister itself.
• Replace the dressing if it becomes wet or dirty.
• If it bursts naturally, wash your hands, gently clean the area and allow the fluid to drain without squeezing.
• Leave the remaining blister skin in place. Do not peel it off.
• Cover the exposed area with a clean, non-stick dressing and ask us for further advice.
• Large, very painful or extensive blisters need assessment by a healthcare professional.

If the skin becomes itchy or scabbed

• Do not scratch, pick or pull away scabs and flakes.
• Allow them to separate naturally.
• Use only the products recommended for your skin’s condition.
• Avoid exfoliating gloves, scrubs, acids, retinoids and other irritating products.
• Avoid shaving, waxing or hair-removal creams over the area until it has healed.

Swimming and soaking

• Do not swim until the skin is fully healed, with no open areas, blisters or remaining scabs.
• This applies to pools, the sea and other open water.
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and soaking in a bath while healing.
• Healing may take longer than a week. Wait until the skin is ready, even if it means postponing swimming or exercise.

From one week onwards: through to your next session

Move to this stage only once the skin has fully healed and warmth, swelling and tenderness have settled.

Massage between treatments

• Once the skin is fully healed, your practitioner may recommend gentle massage towards the nearby lymphatic drainage points.
• Ask us to demonstrate the appropriate direction and technique for your tattoo’s location.
• Use light pressure and stop if it causes discomfort, redness or renewed swelling.
• Wait longer if any blistering, scabbing, broken skin or tenderness remains.

The lymphatic system plays a role in processing fragmented pigment, although massage has not been proven to speed up tattoo removal.

Keep hydrated

• Drink water regularly throughout the day to maintain normal hydration.
• Adjust your intake for exercise and hot weather, unless you have been advised to restrict fluids.
• Hydration supports normal body function and recovery. Drinking excessive water does not guarantee faster ink clearance.

Return to regular movement

• Gradually resume your usual exercise once the skin is healed and comfortable.
• Walking and regular physical activity support circulation, normal lymphatic movement and general health.
• Avoid activities that cause renewed irritation.
• Do not try to “sweat the ink out”: excessive heat is not a shortcut to removal.

Support recovery

• Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, fruit and vegetables.
• Get regular sleep.
• Avoid smoking, which can impair wound healing.
• Allow the recommended time between treatments. Your body continues processing pigment during this interval.
• Avoid tattoo-removal creams, acids, salt scrubs and aggressive home treatments.

Sun protection throughout your course

• Keep healing skin covered from direct sunlight.
• Do not apply sunscreen to open wounds or burst blisters; protect them with clothing instead.
• Once the skin surface has healed, use broad-spectrum SPF50 with strong UVA protection.
• Reapply according to the product instructions.
• Avoid sunbeds and intentional tanning.
• Continue protecting the area for at least six months after your final treatment.

When to contact Remedi Laser

Contact us promptly about:

• Blistering, weeping or unexpected skin breakdown.
• Swelling lasting longer than three days or getting worse.
• Increasing pain or heat.
• Persistent itching, a rash or raised areas.
• Changes in skin colour or texture.
• Delayed healing or any reaction that concerns you.

A clear photograph and the date symptoms started can help us advise you.

Seek prompt medical advice from your GP or NHS 111 for spreading redness, increasing heat or pain, pus, an unpleasant smell, fever or feeling unwell. Do not wait for a clinic reply if symptoms are worsening.

Before your next appointment

• Tell us about any prolonged reactions or problems with healing.
• Make us aware of all medical and medication changes.
• Tell us about recent tanning or sun exposure.
• Follow your recommended appointment interval. Skin that looks healed is not automatically ready for another treatment.
• Ask us before arranging a cover-up tattoo over the treated area.

Giving your skin and body enough recovery time is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome.