You may NOT be a good candidate for this treatment if any of the following apply to you. Please notify your provider and they will determine whether treatment is appropriate based on your medical history, skin type, and treatment goals.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have an active skin infection, rash, cold sore, open wound, or irritation in the treatment area.
- You have recently tanned, used a tanning bed, or experienced significant sun exposure within the past 2–4 weeks.
- You have a history of melasma or are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- You have a history of poor wound healing, keloid formation, or hypertrophic scarring.
- You are taking medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight, including certain antibiotics, acne medications, or herbal supplements.
- You have used isotretinoin (Accutane®) within the past 6–12 months
- You have an autoimmune or inflammatory skin condition affecting the treatment area.
- You have a history of seizures triggered by flashing lights.
- You have recently undergone another cosmetic procedure in the treatment area.
- You have a history of herpes simplex (cold sores) in the treatment area.
- Have a history of poor wound healing or keloid scarring
Before Your Appointment
- To ensure the safest treatment and best possible results:
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner on the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
- Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotion, oils, deodorant (if applicable), or topical medications.
- Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to treatment.
- Avoid waxing, chemical peels, or other procedures that may irritate the treatment area for 1 week prior.
- If possible, avoid taking blood-thinning medications or supplements (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or alcohol) for 24-48 hours before treatment unless prescribed by your physician.
After Your Treatment
Some redness, swelling, whitening, pinpoint bleeding, blistering, or mild bruising is expected and is a normal part of the healing process.
For the First 24-48 Hours
- Apply a cool compress for 10-15 minutes at a time if needed for comfort.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor® or petroleum jelly if recommended by your provider.
- Cover the area with a non-stick dressing if clothing may cause friction or if blistering develops.
Until Fully Healed
- Do not pick, scratch, or pop blisters.
- Allow any scabs or crusting to fall off naturally.
- Wash gently with mild soap and water beginning the following day, then pat dry. Continue applying a light layer of Aquaphor® or another recommended healing ointment until the skin has healed.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and prolonged soaking until the skin is completely healed (typically 5-10 days).
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours if excessive sweating may irritate the area.
- Do not shave over the treatment area until the skin has healed.
Sun Protection
- Sun protection is absolutely crucial throughout your tattoo removal journey.
- Keep the treated area physically covered whenever possible.
- Apply SPF 30+ or higher once the skin has healed.
- Avoid tanning throughout your series of treatments, as excess pigment increases the risk of unwanted skin discoloration.
Healing Timeline
Healing varies from person to person, but most patients experience:
First 24 hours: Redness, swelling, tenderness, and temporary whitening of the tattoo.
Days 2-7: Possible blistering, crusting, or scabbing.
Weeks 2-6: Continued healing as your body's immune system gradually clears fragmented ink particles. Tattoo fading occurs progressively over the following weeks—not immediately after treatment.
Treatment Schedule
Most tattoos require 6-10 or more treatments, depending on:
- Ink color
- Ink depth and density
- Tattoo age
- Professional vs. amateur tattoo
- Location on the body
- Your immune system and healing response
Treatments are typically spaced 8-12 weeks apart to allow adequate healing and maximize ink clearance.
Tips for Better Results
Your immune system does the work of removing the shattered ink particles after the laser treatment. You can support optimal results by:
- Staying well hydrated
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly (once healed)
- Avoiding smoking or vaping when possible
- Keeping all recommended treatment appointments
Consistency and proper aftercare produce the best long-term results.
When to Contact PRFCT
Please contact our office promptly if you experience:
- Increasing redness after the first 48 hours
- Warmth, worsening pain, or significant swelling
- Yellow or green drainage
- Fever or chills
- Persistent bleeding
- Any reaction that concerns you
Early evaluation allows us to address concerns before they become more serious. Our office can be reached at 858-230-2876