PRE AND POST CARE
It’s pretty straightforward
If you do your part.
These guidelines are here to keep your skin safe, your healing smooth, and your results as good as possible. If you ignore them, we might genuinely have to send you home without treatment. (And no one wants that.)
Before Your Appointment
A few things to know before you come in:
Your tattoo needs to be old enough
No brand new tattoos, sorry.
Your tattoo must be at least 4 months old before we can begin laser treatment.
Numbing cream (optional)
If you plan on using numbing cream, apply it an hour or 2 before your appointment.
Leave it on if you like. We can remove it for you before treatment begins.
Just let us know you’ve used it.
If you’ve just come back from a holiday, or you’ve been catching a few rays between Tassie’s cloud cover, you’ll need to wait.
We recommend waiting 2 weeks after tanning before having laser treatment.
The same applies for fake tan. Please make sure the area you want treated is completely free of fake tan.
Laser and fresh tan do not mix.
Avoid sun and tanning
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Unfortunately, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we cannot treat you.
Photosensitive medications
Some medications can increase the risk of side effects from laser tattoo removal.
Common examples include:
Antibiotics such as doxycycline
Acne medications such as Roaccutane and Retin A
If you are taking any photosensitive medications, we will not be able to treat you. Please contact us before your appointment if you are unsure.
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
Your body does the work between sessions, so aftercare matters.
Rest and take it easy
Swelling and discomfort
We recommend resting and elevating the treated area, and limiting activity for around 24 to 48 hours.
Yes, this includes the gym.
You can apply an ice pack periodically to ease pain and swelling.
You may take Panadol (paracetamol) for discomfort.
Avoid aspirin products or anti-inflammatory medications such as Nurofen.
Blistering and scabbing
You may notice blistering, pinpoint bleeding, or bruising after treatment.
If this happens, it’s okay. This is a normal bodily response.
Do not pop blisters, pick scabs, or remove any healing skin. Let it do its thing.
Dry or itchy skin
You may have dry, flaky, or itchy skin over the area for several weeks.
Many clients describe it as feeling similar to sunburn.
A fragrance-free moisturiser may help. We recommend Ink Nurse.
Sun exposure is a hard no
It’s very important to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen over the affected area until it is fully healed.
Keep the tattoo completely out of the sun for 2 weeks after treatment.
Avoid pools and spas
We also recommend avoiding swimming in chlorinated pools, hot tubs, or jacuzzis until the skin is completely healed.
QUESTIONS? ASK US.
If you’re unsure about anything before or after your appointment, reach out.
We’d rather answer a “silly” question than fix a preventable problem later.
Your skin deserves better than guesswork.