How To Prepare For Laser Tattoo Removal How To Prepare For Laser Tattoo Removal

1. Do Your Homework

In preparing for laser tattoo removal, the first thing is finding a reputable laser clinic. There are countless medspas offering laser tattoo services, but not all are qualified to perform successful tattoo removal. Working with an unqualified laser clinic can lead to scarring, permanent discoloration, or even blistering of the skin. Though most of these medspas might seem appealing and cheaper, their laser may never remove your tattoo entirely and do more damage than good.

2. Understand What To Expect

Before the tattoo removal process, it’s essential to understand and manage your expectations. Remember that some factors contribute to the number of laser treatments you require for complete tattoo removal.

Your tattoo's location, quality, ink color, and skin type might contribute to how many laser treatments you’ll need for successful tattoo removal. It’s therefore advisable to consult a trained medical laser technician to get a rough idea of the number of treatments you might require. Though they might not specify how many laser treatments you might need until they see how you’ll react to the first few treatments, they’ll give you a rough idea. Mainly, individuals might require up to five sessions to attain satisfying results.

3. Ask Whether Numbing Options Are Offered

While laser tattoo removal can be a bit uncomfortable and similar to tattooing, it’s worth reducing discomfort with a numbing agent. Different clinics use different numbing agents such as cryogenic cooling machines, cold compresses, or numbing cream, but it’s wise to ask ahead of time for more information. If the clinic of your choice doesn’t offer numbing services, you can pick a numbing cream at a drugstore near you and apply it to your skin before your appointment.

4. Limit Your Exposure To Sun

If you love spending time under the sun, you might need to take a break before your laser tattoo removal. It will be impossible for a laser medical technician to perform the treatment if your skin is tanned or sunburned. The skin tends to be more sensitive after exposure to the sun and might react to laser treatments. Therefore, it’s advisable to stay away from the sun or cover the tattooed area for about two weeks before each treatment. Also, you’re required to keep the treated area away from the sun for two weeks during the healing process.

5. Eat And Drink A Lot Of Water

Before laser tattoo removal, you’ll need to be well hydrated and with a full stomach, more so if you have a fainting history or experiences dizzy spells. Ensure to eat a well-balanced diet and indulge in healthy fluids before tattoo removal. While a laser tattoo removal session might last for 20 minutes, depending on the size of your tattoo, it’s better to be prepared than sorry.

6. Keep Away From Cosmetics And Topical Creams

Immediately before the laser tattoo removal, avoid using perfumes, lotions, concealers, body sprays, or other alcohol-based skin products. They can negatively affect your skin during the removal process, leading to itchiness, burns, or irritation. Laser tattoo removal is more effective on a clean and freshly shaved surface for better results. However, you can use a numbing cream or coconut oil, but let the technician know about it. Remember to avoid applying cosmetics to the treated area until you’re sure it will no longer react to it.

Conclusion

Tattoos are great forms of expression. However, there are some instances when a person regrets a tattoo and opts for a removal. Keep in mind that before your laser tattoo removal, there are some guidelines you must adhere to for a successful procedure. From finding reputable medspas to eating well before the treatment, you need to be well-prepared for the procedure ahead. The information provided above will help you prepare well for your laser tattoo removal appointment.