Laser Tattoo Removal. Preparation & aftercare guide.
How does the laser work?
The laser uses a powerful light beam to damage the ink under the skin. There is no cutting of the skin.
The tattoo ink soaks up the beam’s energy and gets extremely hot for a fraction of a second. This is enough to break up the ink causing it to fade slowly. Over the next few weeks the body can clear these small particles of ink. When these are out of the way the laser beam can shine down to the next layer of ink.
Allow at least a month between treatments
Before your treatment:
- No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment o Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.
- Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.)
- Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment
- History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment if treating in the area that breakouts occur.
After care steps to follow
There is immediate whitening of the treated area, which usually lasts for several minutes. Most clients describe it as a cross between a bad sunburn and a new tattoo.
Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area gently with soap and water and then pat the area dry. You may apply a thin coating of day cream.
You may apply cool compresses as necessary for 24 hours after the laser treatment to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. You may take pain relief medication, but avoid aspirin (it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.)
Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed.
Feel free to shower 2 hours after the treatment, but take care to avoid high pressure water hitting the treated area. Baths, hot tubs, swimming pool, or any form of soaking are not recommended for 2 weeks.
Wait 24 hours before carrying out any exercise as the overheating may cause increased swelling.
Wear a sun block with an SPF of 25 or higher over the area for 3 months following the treatment.
Itching is very common due to the dehydrating effect of the laser treatment. Keep the treatment area moisturised by using, for example, Vitamin E ointment or Aloe Vera gel.
If the area looks infected (honey coloured crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact me immediately.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Unfortunately, not all treatments are for everyone. Please check our contraindications list to make sure you avoid disappointment.
Conditions that would mean you were not able to have this treatments:
Before your treatment:
- No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment o Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.
- Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.)
- Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment
- History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment if treating in the area that breakouts occur.
Bleeding Abnormalities
- Haemophilia, Von Willibrands Disease, Thrombocytopenia
Blood Thinning Medication
Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Heparin, Clexane Or Dabigatron
High doses of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac (NB Prophylactic slow release Aspirin at 75 mg day or less is acceptable)
Skin Conditions
- Prone to Keloid or very thick scarring
- Vitiligo or any other skin pigmentation problem
- Psoriasis or eczema (on treatment area)
Cancer treatment
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Cancer
- Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy for Cancer, Leukaemia, Myeloma or Lymphoma
Other Conditions Where Fragmented Ink Particles Could Cause Harm
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Cancer
- Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy for Cancer, Leukaemia, Myeloma or Lymphoma
Conditions that need a doctor’s letter to confirm the treatment is suitable before treatments can begin:
- Currently Pregnant
- Breast Feeding
- Acute or Chronic Kidney Disease
- Type 1 Diabetes & type 2 when on medication
- Implants / Metal Plates/ or Pacemakers
Conditions that need a doctor’s letter to confirm the treatment is suitable before treatments can begin:
- Epilepsy
- Transplant Anti-Rejection Drugs
- Thyroid Disease
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension (High blood pressure treated with medication)
- Cancer – after 12 months
The list below is of things that require a waiting period until you can start treatments:
- Active Herpes simplex (Cold Sores) – wait 2 weeks until its healed and use antiviral medication a few days before and continue a week after treatment
- Acute fungal infections – Wait until the condition has cleared until having your treatment
- UV exposure from sunbathing or sunbeds – wait 4 weeks before your starting your treatment and please note you cannot sunbath or go on a sunbed during your course of treatment
- Chemical Peel, Microdermabrasion or Radio Frequency – wait 4 weeks before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course.
- Medical Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Laser Skin Resurfacing or Face Lift at site of treatment – wait 6 months before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course.
Drugs & Herbal Remedies
- Fever Few or St John’s Wort – both of these herbs are photosensitising
Recommend that the client stops taking the preparation and waits 4 weeks for the herb to be completely cleared from their system before treatment – otherwise client skin may be burned.
- Over the counter pain relief e.g. non-steroidal
Antiinflammatory/pain relief drugs such as Ibuprofen and/or Aspirin these must be allowed to clear from a client’s system before any treatment – suggest a delay of one – two weeks before treatment begins.
- Prescribed a drug for a short term (course of less than six weeks) by their GP/Hospital
The course should be finished and wait at least a further six weeks for any drug to be completely excreted from their system before having treatment. (Notable drugs that can cause problems during laser and or IPL use are Tetracycline antibiotics and steroids)
- Prescribed a long term drug (a course lasting longer than 6 weeks) by their GP/Hospital
The client should be referred back to the prescribing doctor for a letter of authorisation for the treatment to go ahead. Notable long term drugs that can cause problems are Ro-Acutane used in Acne treatments (specifically listed on Medical History form), Minocin which is an antibiotic (frequently used in long term Acne therapy) and Amioderone a drug used in Cardiology.