How to speed up recovery time & boost your tattoo removal results…
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and have booked your tattoo removal appointment with us (great choice). Naturally, you’re looking to get results as soon as possible and we’re happy to report that ink-redible results are absolutely within your grasp as long as you follow best practices and recommended aftercare.
These are our top recommendations for getting those results FAST and what to do both before and after your appointment with us…
Let’s jump in.
1. Avoid exposing the tattooed area to sunlight or tanning beds.
That’s right, one of the best things you can do to help your tattoo removal results is before you even step foot into a clinic. From the moment you decide to get a particular design removed try and avoid exposing it to sunlight. Aside from the well-known negative effects of sun exposure, it can cause the tattoo ink to fade, making it more difficult to remove. Not what we want.
It can also lead to hypopigmentation, a common side effect when the skin lightens around the tattooed area. In some cases, this can leave an outline of the tattoo even when the ink is removed. Where practical, cover up the design with clothing or if that’s not possible make sure to wear a broad spectrum 50+ SPF daily (yes even when it’s cloudy) until your appointment.
2. Keep it clean and moisturised.
Once you’ve had your first appointment then the real work begins. After the first 24 hours (during that time we advise leaving the protective dressing in place) keeping the area clean and regularly moisturised helps to keep the skin subtle, healthy and promotes healing by encouraging the skin to turn over new skin cells faster.
3. Resist the urge to pick or scratch.
It is common for there to be localised irritation after your tattoo removal appointments which can include: redness, itching, flaking skin and blisters. Resisting the urge to pick or scratch at the design is key as this can cause scarring and can interfere with the tattoo removal process. If you do feel any irritation, keeping to tip two and using aftercare will significantly reduce itchiness and redness between treatments.
Bonus tip: using ice is a great way to alleviate any discomfort.
4. Eat a healthy diet.
Ensuing that your body is fuelled with all the vitamins and minerals it needs to run optimally is a great way to speed up your recovery time and boost your results. A balanced diet and staying hydrated can help to support the body’s natural healing processes. Drinking plenty of water, at least 2 litres a day and more if you’re exercising (more on that later, can help to flush out the broken-down ink particles.
5. Exercise
Remember what we said about exercise? Aside from multiple benefits to both body and mind, exercising helps to speed up tattoo removal by keeping the heart strong and strengthening your immune system. The healthier the body is, the faster your body can clear out the unwanted ink.
6. Avoid (excessive) alcohol and caffeine.
In line with staying hydrated, avoiding diuretic substances (things that dehydrate the body) is best to be avoided if possible as part of your aftercare. Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body and can interfere with the tattoo removal process. With that being said, we’re not the caffeine police. It’s all about balance and moderation, perhaps cut down by a cup a week or keep alcohol just for the weekends.
7. Don’t tattoo over the treated area right away.
Closely linked with our final tip, if you’re removing to get a new tattoo, wait at least 6 weeks or till the area is fully healed before getting fresh ink. Any sooner than this can interfere with the tattoo removal process and can cause unwanted complications.
8. Be patient.
Despite the fact that we have some of the leading technology on the market, the tattoo removal process can take several weeks or months, depending on the size and colour of the tattoo. It’s important to be realistic in your expectations and allow the body time to naturally eliminate the broken-down ink particles. While several sessions are required, the results are well worth the wait.