How to Prepare for Your First Laser Tattoo Removal Session
Finally getting rid of that tattoo? Preparing for your first session and aftercare are key to having successful tattoo removal treatments!
Once you have attended your consultation and had your skin test you will have a much better idea of what to expect from laser tattoo removal. At Pulse Light Clinic we have invested heavily in the lastest tattoo removal technology. Using Picosure, Picosure Pro, Picoway and Revlite lasers for all skin types and ink types. All of our machines can have temporary side effects depending on the intensity of the session and the wavelength used. Generally the more sessions you have the deeper the laser and the stronger the reaction. Lasers used for coloured ink have shorter wavelengths and are also more likely to blister.
Laser tattoo removal can reach up to 300 degrees in temperature. It is therefore important to keep in mind that this level of heat will of course carry side effects such as, blistering, swelling, redness, weeping and crusting. Taking good care of your skin before and after laser ensures your skin will be left in the best possible condition once you have finished.
Things to avoid
Sun exposure/ sun beds
Fake tan
AHA’s or peels
Other laser treatments for 2 weeks prior
How to prepare
Cover the tattoo if you are going away and avoid sun beds unless you can put a plaster over and around the tattoo, for at least 6 weeks prior to your first session and continue to avoid between sessions
Don’t come to your appointment with a tan over your tattoo EVEN if its an ‘old’ tan, you should be at your natural skin tone at every appointment.
Exfoliate a few days before your treatment, this helps in case you have any fake tan or residual tan on the area that the laser may mistake for ink
Don’t apply moisturiser, oil or perfume on the tattoo before your session
Shave any dark hair on top of your tattoo the night before (unless you are having eyebrow tattoo removal)
Buy numbing cream if you felt your skin test was uncomfortable, such as Emla 5%. This can really improve your experience during the laser session, apply ample amounts 2 hours before your treatment and place Tegaderm or cling film over the top
Get the right aftercare- Vaseline and Bio oil are great additions to your aftercare. Vaseline can be applied after the bandage is removed (48 hours after the laser treatment). Bio Oil with a daily massage can help from 2 weeks after each laser session to heal the skin and promote circulation to the area for faster ink removal
For larger or colourful tattoos some clients like to have spare bandages at home as they are more likely to blister. Extra protection for blisters is great as they can sometimes last several days. Try to avoid popping them as it can lead to skin damage. The preferred bandages are Jelonet and Tegaderm.
Good pre treatment care is essential to get the most out of your laser sessions and not cause any delays to your treatments. If you have any more questions before your first session on how to prepare, contact Pulse Light Clinic and speak to your consultant.
