TATTOO REMOVAL AFTERCARE
Following the aftercare is crucial for optimal results and must be adhered to diligently for the skin to heal properly and expel the tattoo ink. It can take several months for your skin to fully mature, regain its normal colour, and tolerate being in the sun. During this time, be patient and follow the steps and advice provided by your Tatt2Away technician.
STEP 1 – EARLY CARE
DAY 1:
One hour after treatment, remove the temporary non-stick bandage applied by your technician and replace it with dry, loose-weave gauze.
Expect the treated area to feel sore and appear red and inflamed for the first few days, up to a week. The area will gradually start to form scabs.
The day after treatment, with clean fingertips, carefully wash the treated area with a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap and immediately pat or dab it dry. Do not wipe. Cover with gauze.
Avoid restrictive or tight clothing over the treated area. Always ensure your clothing does not rub against your scabs or the delicate skin bridges between the scabs, and keep the area lightly covered with dry gauze for protection.
UNTIL ALL THE SCABS FALL OFF NATURALLY:
Do not apply ointments or creams to the treated area, except for the hydrocortisone ointment applied on Day 2 and 3. Dry scabs are an essential part of the aftercare process.
Do not scratch, pick, or rub the treated area. Proper formation of the scabs is crucial to the success of the process. All scabs must be allowed to fall off naturally.
Do not expose the treated area to water or sweat, including baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, saunas, and hot yoga.
Do not allow direct water pressure from the shower nozzle on the treated area. Do not scrub the treated area or use loofahs, harsh cleansing creams, or chemicals on the skin. Blot or air-dry the treated area.
STEP 2: AFTER ALL THE SCABS FALL OFF
Skin Healing and Scabbing After Treatment
It can take up to four weeks for the scabs to fall off after treatment. The new skin underneath is very vulnerable while it regenerates. It will be bright red as the scabs begin to fall off, slowly fading to pink over the next several months as it heals, returning to its natural skin tone. Following the hydrating and Tegaderm routine listed below is essential for optimal results.
Hydration and Tegaderm Application
- After all scabs have come off, hydrate the skin by applying hydrocortisone cream with cocoa butter cream for one week.
- After the first week of hydration, lightly clean the area with alcohol and allow it to fully evaporate. Then cover with Tegaderm, ensuring it extends 1 inch beyond the treatment area in all directions. Leave the Tegaderm in place for five days.
- Gently, under lukewarm water, remove the Tegaderm and hydrate the new skin for two days, remembering to protect the area with gauze.
- Go to step 2 and continue alternating steps 2 and 3 until the next treatment. You should expect to alternate steps several times.
Protecting Treated Skin from UV Exposure to Prevent Scarring
Exposure of the treated area to sunlight or any UV light source will cause scarring. Keeping the treated area covered with clothing, KT Tape, or a total sunblock product with a minimum of 50 SPF is essential.
This includes but is not limited to the following:
-
- Exercising outdoors
- Riding in a car
- At the beach
- Tanning Beds
- Arc Welding
At your four-week follow-up with your Tatt2Away technician, they will assess the healing progress and determine when to schedule your next Tatt2Away treatment
CAUTION! Failure to follow these post-treatment instructions will likely reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and potentially cause scarring. Final results are not guaranteed and can only be determined once healing is complete. Healing can take several months. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your Tatt2Away technician.
PHOTO SCHEDULE
To monitor your healing progress, periodically take close-up, high-resolution pictures of the entire treated area and surrounding skin with a smartphone or digital camera, and share these pictures with your Tatt2Away technician. Ensure the healing area is in focus and fills the entire screen. By sharing these pictures with your technician, they can identify any problems with your recovery early and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
At a minimum, take and send pictures:
- 2 days post-treatment – A visual check to ensure it’s clean, dry, and free from infection.
- 7 days post-treatment – After the first week, photographs will ensure your treatment area is healing properly.
- Weekly Updates – These updates will help your Tatt2Away technician identify potential problems and address them early, as well as check on scab formation and determine if healing is progressing as expected.
- After the Scabs Fall Off – Your Tatt2Away technician will need monthly, rather than weekly, updates to look for signs of dermal maturation and assist in determining when the tattoo is ready for another Tatt2Away treatment.
*The required healing time between subsequent treatments is highly dependent on following the aftercare, your body’s natural healing, and the number of treatments you have had. One time frame does not suit all. When the unexpected occurs, contact your Tatt2Away technician by sharing pictures to help identify problems with the recovery early, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Following the aftercare is crucial for optimal results and must be adhered to diligently for the skin to heal properly and expel the tattoo ink. It can take several months for your skin to fully mature, regain its normal colour, and tolerate being in the sun. During this time, be patient and follow the steps and advice provided by your Tatt2Away technician.*