Appointment Care Instructions
Laser Tattoo Removal
PLEASE READ BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Appointment Information
We are so excited you're here! You have taken the step to boost your confidence and remove that unwanted tattoo. But more importantly we are honored that you choose us to give that to you. Our process is a team effort so please be sure to follow each step closely. There is a lot of important information here on this page, so be sure to bookmark it to reference back to in the future. If you have any questions at all please contact us!
** FOR YOUR SAFETY, WE REQUIRE THAT YOU COMPLETE YOUR ELECTRONIC CONSENT FORM FROM THE EMAIL YOUR RECEIVED WITHIN 24 HOURS **
Pre Care Appointment Instructions
Before the Treatment:
Have a Full Stomach: Eating before your appointment can be very important to help your sugar levels stabilize and reduce any nausea & pain.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TREATMENT:
Laser Pulses: The laser delivers pulses of light energy that shatter the tattoo ink into smaller particles.
Pain Level: Most patients report the sensation as similar to being snapped with a rubber band. Numbing cream can be used (most clients do not find that it’s needed because the treatment is so quick) to minimize discomfort for an additional charge.
Treatment Duration: Each session is relatively quick, often lasting only a few seconds to minutes.
Following the consultation, if we determine you are a good candidate, we will proceed with booking or doing your treatment. The treatment area will be cleansed and prepared for treatment. Your technician will talk you through the treatment to ensure you won’t experience any surprises while receiving laser tattoo removal, you will be required to wear protective eyewear.
The laser technicians wear protective eyewear, as well. During the treatment, all areas of the body that will not be lasered will be covered with clothing. Only the areas to receive laser treatment will be exposed. We are always mindful of your comfort and your peace of mind. Most patients compare the treatment discomfort as comparable to when they got the tattoo. Following treatment you may feel a little discomfort, but generally people experience redness, mild swelling and/or tenderness in treatment area that will resolve in a quick manner. The post treatment area response will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment.
Appointment After Care Instructions
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TREATMENT
Redness and Swelling: Expect the treated area to be red and swollen, similar to a sunburn.
Whitening (Frosting): The treated area may temporarily appear white or frosted due to carbon dioxide release.
Sensitivity: The skin may be sensitive and tender to the touch.
Potential Blistering: Blistering can occur, but is not normally part of the healing process.
Erythema (redness), edema (swelling), scabbing, flaking, irritation or blistering in treatment area may occur. This can persist for several days or you may not experience any of that. A white-gray discoloration of the treatment area may appear immediately following treatment and last for a few minutes to a few days. Your tattoo may darken, lighten, fade or even appear to have no change immediately post treatment. On average, it takes 8-12 weeks for your body to process the pigment of the tattoo. Tattoo removal works by eliminating pigment in the tattoo through the body’s lymphatic system, therefore, treatment results may not be visibly evident for 8-12 weeks. Discomfort may be relieved by taking an over the counter pain reliever or by using ice packs in 20-30 minute intervals. Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area throughout the course of your laser treatments. If sun exposure is necessary, keep treatment area covered with a non-adherent bandage or if on face, wear a hat. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for four weeks after treatment. Twice per day (morning and night) use a gentle antibacterial soap (available at our studio), to cleanse treatment area and pat dry. To keep the treatment area moist, apply post laser gel (available at our studio) twice per day. You can cover with a non-adherent bandage for 7-10 days post treatment if needed, or until the treatment area is healed. If scabbing occurs, it is very important not to pick, shave, rub, scratch or aggressively wash the area to prevent possible scarring. If blistering occurs, do not drain blisters. Allow them to dry and heal on their own. Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area for the first 7-10 days following treatment. Physical exercise (aerobics, sport activities) should be discontinued for 3-5 days. Rough physical activities (playing football) should be discontinued for 10 days post treatment. Do not immerse the treatment area in water for the first 2 weeks post procedure, or until the skin completely heals. This includes bathtubs, Jacuzzis, swimming pools, lakes, the ocean, etc. If the tattoo is on a lower extremity, keep the leg elevated to increase blood circulation which encourages the healing process. Return in 8-12 weeks for assessment.
If you have any concerns or questions, please call our office at (574) 314-1283
HEALING PROCESS:
Cool Compresses: Apply cool compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Avoid Picking: Do not pick at any scabs or blisters that may form, as this can increase the risk of scarring.
Sun Protection: Protect the treated area from sun exposure to prevent changes in skin pigmentation.
Observe for Infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or pus, seek medical attention.
DAY 1:
Ice: Apply an ice compress intermittently (on and off for 1-3 minutes) to the treated area for the first hour, avoiding prolonged application (no more than 5 minutes at a time).
Moisturize: Apply our post laser gel available at the studio.
Rest & Elevation: Limit physical activity and avoid activities causing perspiration, like exercise. Elevate the treated area above the heart whenever possible, especially for tattoos on the lower legs, ankles, and feet.
Avoid Heat & Harsh Products: Avoid hot showers, steam rooms, saunas, and harsh soaps or cleansers.
Normal Reactions: Expect some initial redness, swelling, and sensitivity, potentially resembling a sunburn. The area may appear white, pink, or red, and pinpoint bleeding, blistering, or discharge might occur.
DAY 2:
Continue applying ice if needed for burning.
Apply our post laser gel available at the studio.
Continue resting and elevating the area, limiting physical activity.
DAY 3 - UNTIL HEALED:
Keep applying a moisturizing topical as needed.
Avoid immersing the treated area in water sources like pools, oceans, or hot tubs until it is fully healed, which typically takes 5-7 days.
Do not pop or pick blisters or scabs, as they can be a normal part of healing (but rare) and picking can cause infection and scarring. Protect any broken blisters with a non-stick bandage.
Healing time can range from 5 to 25 days or longer, with redness and discoloration gradually fading as time goes on.
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of infection such as odor, fever, red streaks, yellow-green discharge, or pain.
Protect the treated area from direct sunlight with SPF 50 sunscreen before future treatments, as the skin may be more sensitive to the sun.
Schedule your next treatment in 8-12 weeks to allow your body time to process the ink.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Reactions to treatment can vary but are very rare.
Staying hydrated can support healing.
A diet including protein, vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3s, while avoiding processed foods and sugar, can aid healing.
Clean the area gently with mild soap and water once or twice daily, patting it dry.
Avoid using irritants like hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin®, Polysporin®, Bacitracin®, most Aloe Vera products, or numbing agents.
You can shower after 2 hours, but avoid high water pressure on the treated area and soaking it until it's healed.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol can help with discomfort, but avoid aspirin due to the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Contact your healthcare provider with any concerns or unusual reaction
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2311 Cassopolis St, Elkhart IN 46514
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W: 10am - 6pm
TH: 10am - 6pm
F: 10am - 6pm
Sa: Appointment Only
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