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Tattoos are no longer forever. If you decide to remove yours, laser removal technology is probably the best way to go. It’s clean, relatively inexpensive and it brings just a couple of side effects. Patients who choose this procedure may experience swelling or bruising, but this is a perfectly normal reaction and a sign that your immune system is doing its job.
It’s imperative to take special care of your skin after the procedure, to prevent infection or changes in skin texture. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Ice
It’s not uncommon to have a burning sensation after the tattoo removal procedure. This isn’t dangerous, just unpleasant. Ice is usually the best solution for this. You should apply it during the first hour and then – if needed – repeat this for a couple of days. Don’t leave the ice on for too long. Press it for 3-5 minutes and make pauses twice as long. If done correctly this will prevent blisters from appearing and help with the burning sensation. There are other ways to do the same as well – Aloe Vera gel being the most popular one.
Antibiotics
The proper antibiotics will be provided by the facility in which you were treated. Ask the doctor about anything that makes you uncomfortable. The antibiotics will come in form of ointment and you should apply it 3 times a day for 3 days. Wear a bandage for those 3 days, but make sure to take it of afterword and expose your skin to air, and allow it to breathe. There could be some scabbing and that can be less than pretty, but keep the skin exposed anyway. This will speed up the healing process and protect you from infections.
Showers
It’s OK to take a shower couple of hours after your tattoo removal. But make sure to take some precaution anyway. Don’t use high pressure water on that area. Also don’t take baths, go to swimming pools or swim at all as long as there are blisters. The water is likely contaminated with bacteria and you’re more vulnerable than before. Try not to shave that area as well – cuts are likely to cause infection. Use mild soap and sponge for a couple of days and be gentle.
Rest
The exercise itself isn’t dangerous, the treatment is superficial. But the perspiring can be a problem. It can cause infections and make the burning sensation worse. Try not to do any exercise for a while, at least 72 hours. Changes in the blood flow (like the one happening when you’re running really fast) can also slow down the healing process. Gym showers are not the cleanest places in the world as well, so that can be a problem too. There are no clear rules, but if the tattoo is (or rather was) larger it might be better not to exercise for a while longer – even up to ten days.
Moisturize
Keep the treated part of your skin moist after the treatment. Itching is usually caused by dehydration, so this will make you feel better. Use anti inflammatory oils that are rich with vitamin E. Sunflower oil is probably the best choice, but coconut is also fine. Continue with this treatment even after you’re done with all the others. Four to eight weeks will be enough. The laser dehydrates the skin, which makes it prone to tearing and scabbing. After two months you will be completely fine.
Laser tattoo removal is a simple procedure and it’s quite effective. Take special care of your skin after the surgery and soon you will be as good as new. If you notice anything out of the ordinary call your doctor straight away.
