The care required after a tattoo removal can be just as delicate and crucial as the removal process itself. Those who neglect proper care are vulnerable to texture changes, skin discoloration, and infection. It’s for this reason why individuals are encouraged to adhere to an aftercare regimen. Much like tattoos, tattoo removals heal best when sun exposure, salt water, and hot tubs are avoided. Scabbing, blistering, and itching are common side effects that react poorly to warm and salty environments, making the above elements no-nos. For those who experience itching, scabbing, and blistering, Aquaphor and Vitamin E ointments provide optimal relief.
If you’re showering 24 hours post-tattoo removal, low-pressure water is advised. What’s more, it’s essential not to soak the treated area in any water. To mitigate the pain, experts suggest keeping the area elevated and iced. These remedies are great for reducing inflammation as well. Should the pain persist, pain relief medications such as Tylenol will do the trick. Ibuprofen and Aspirin are notorious for creating undesirable side effects such as bruising, which is why Tylenol works best. Once you’ve hit the three-day mark, sun exposure is still ill-advised. Fortunately, your recovery is in the low-maintenance phase. During this period, be sure to change your bandage daily while applying a thin layer of ointment as desired.
Approximately five days post-removal, you’ll find that the area is beginning to heal itself. However, a gentle daily massage bodes well for speedy recovery. Lightly kneading the area enables the body to absorb the broken up ink, in turn expediting the fading process. For the first 10 days of your recovery, keeping the skin covered and out of sunlight is paramount. In fact, you should be wearing SPF 25 for up to three months. If you wish to experience an efficient, painless, and hassle-free healing process, abiding by the above recommendations is key.