When undergoing laser tattoo removal, there are a number of factors that can influence the tattoo removal process, such as the size, color, and location of your tattoo. These factors may be out of your control, but there are aftercare tips to make the process easier on yourself. On the flipside, there are also some lifestyle choices that can complicate the tattoo removal journey.
Here’s what NOT to do after your laser tattoo removal treatment:
Sun exposure – Sun exposure must be avoided to get the best results. Laser tattoo removal creates an artificial sunburn, so avoiding direct sunlight immediately after your session is very important. Even after the area heals and appears to be completely normal, you will need to keep the area covered when going outside. The laser treatment temporarily depletes healthy proteins in your skin that help protect against the sun, so your skin is left virtually naked in that area after your treatments. If keeping it covered is not an option, you will need to liberally cover your tattoo with sunblock and reapply throughout the day. We recommend covering completely – as opposed to just using sunblock – in order to prevent skin complications and treatment postponement.
Water – In the days following a treatment, we suggest avoiding any public water source – such as swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, and natural bodies of water such as oceans, rivers, and streams. Contact with these bodies of water increases the risk of infection, as you could potentially expose yourself to harmful bacteria. Your pores will be swollen and dilated for the first couple of days, or (in some cases and much less likely) you may have some minor blistering or scabbing, so avoiding dirty places will always benefit your skin.
Drinking and smoking – In order to speed up the removal of your tattoo, we recommend limiting toxins such as alcohol and cigarettes as much as possible when you’re in between treatments. Alcohol and tobacco can hinder your body’s immune system and make it more difficult for your liver and kidneys to naturally flush out ink particles, which is a key aspect of the laser tattoo removal process.
Increasing your water intake and exercise, eating healthy foods, etc. could potentially buy you some quicker response time in regard to your removal. Following these simple steps will help make your tattoo removal journey as smooth as possible.
If you’d like to find out more about the laser tattoo removal process, the experts at New Wave Laser Tattoo Removal would love to hear from you. We can give you all the information you need to confidently begin the process of removing or fading your tattoo. Contact us today to schedule a free in-person consultation. We hope to hear from you soon!
