Pretreatment care

Do before your session

• Avoid sun exposure & tanning (2–4 weeks) – Sunburn or tanned skin increases pigmentation risk and reduces laser safety

• Shave the treatment area 24 hours beforehand – No waxing, plucking, bleaching, or depilatories for at least 2 weeks

• Keep skin gentle – Stop retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, hydroquinone or bleaching creams 1–2 weeks prior

• Avoid blood thinners (24–48 hours) – Skip aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil to minimise bruising

• Come with clean skin – No lotions, deodorant, makeup, perfumes, or oils on the day

• Stay hydrated & nourished, and avoid alcohol or caffeine on the day

Posttreatment care

Immediately after

• Cool the area with a cold compress (not ice directly) to reduce heat, swelling, and discomfort

• Keep it clean & dry – Use lukewarm water and mild soap. Pat dry gently

• Apply ointment if advised – Options include Bepanthen, antibacterial ointment, aloe vera gel, or light aqueous cream (e.g. E45)

• Cover if needed – Use a sterile non-stick dressing for 24–48 hours to protect from friction

First 24–72 hours

• Avoid heat sources & exercise – No hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, or intense workouts

• Don't soak the area – No swimming or baths; just light showers

• Avoid tight clothing – Loose garments to minimise friction

• No picking, scratching, or popping – Let blisters and scabs heal naturally to prevent infection or scarring

Up to 1 week

• Continue sun avoidance & SPF – No direct sun or tanning beds for at least 2 weeks; use SPF 30–50 even after healing

• Moisturise lightly – Gentle hydration with recommended ointments or straight-up aloe vera; some avoid ointments initially, then add after a day or two

• Ease into normal cleansing and moisturising routines as healing progresses

• Resume gentle activities gradually, avoiding strenuous exercise for 1 week

Follow-up & ongoing care

• Tattoo fading may take 6–8 weeks post-session

• Schedule next treatment after 6–10 weeks to allow full healing

• Monitor for complications – Seek medical advice for signs of infection (pus, fever, persistent swelling) or unusual pigmentation

• Stay sunprotected throughout the removal process to minimise hyperpigmentation risk

Summary checklist

Precare
2–4 weeks no sun/tan
±24 h shave, no plucking/depilatories
1–2 weeks stop actives
No creams on day
No blood thinners

Day of treatment
Come clean, hydrated, a light meal, cool mindset

Immediately after
Cool the skin
Cleanse gently
Apply ointment
Cover if needed

Next 1–3 days
No heat, sweating, soaking, tight clothing
Keep area clean, moisturised, protected

1 week onward
Sun protection
Rehydrate properly
Slow return to normal

Long term
Multiple sessions
Monitor healing
SPF always