Successful laser tattoo removal: care tips and precautions
For smooth healing after laser tattoo removal, follow the Ray studios aftercare protocol, designed to ease your concerns and protect the health of your skin.
Preparing for laser tattoo removal sessions: good practice
Good tattoo removal starts with good preparation. Here are the precautions to take before each session to avoid complications and get the most from your results.
Avoid tanning before your sessions
Whether you favour natural or artificial tanning, it is essential to limit any exposure to the sun, UV lamps and self-tanning products for at least two months before treatment begins. If you like to tan, you can schedule your first removal sessions in winter to avoid any risk.
Take care with hair removal on the treatment area
Permanent hair removal treatments, such as laser or intense pulsed light, should be carried out at least two weeks before your laser tattoo removal session. Before each appointment, shave the area with a clean blade to avoid irritation or cuts that could lead to infection.
Prepare your skin on the day of the session
On the day, arrive with clean skin, free of make-up, cream or perfume. A numbing cream can be applied an hour beforehand, on the advice of your skin therapist, to reduce any discomfort during the treatment.
Aftercare following laser tattoo removal: the healing protocol
After your session, an aftercare protocol is essential for good healing. Follow the steps below carefully to protect the health of your skin.
Ray studios supports you with a precise aftercare protocol to follow after each session. If you follow this protocol and the recommendations of your skin therapist closely, your skin should recover well. Individual results vary.
The first 24 hours: leave the dressing in place
At the end of the session, your skin therapist applies a protective dressing, which should stay in place for the first 24 hours. During this period it is crucial to keep the area dry to avoid infection. When showering, protect the treated area with cling film to keep it away from water.
After 24 hours: daily care and changing the dressing
From the second day, apply a greasy dressing based on petroleum jelly, or a repairing skin balm covered with a compress. Change this dressing once or twice a day for around ten days, until the scabs and dryness have gone. Avoid any rubbing so as not to irritate the skin.
Healing ointment: long-lasting hydration
Once healing is well under way, moisturise the treated area daily with a healing ointment to support cell regeneration. This care helps to prevent unwanted scarring and makes the healing process easier.
Protecting your skin from the sun: essential UV protection
Sunlight is the number one enemy of healing skin after tattoo removal. Throughout the treatment, and for up to a month after the last session, avoid the sun as much as possible.
Use SPF 50 sun protection
If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply an SPF 50 sun cream and an opaque dressing over the treated area. Reapply the sun protection every two hours, and after every swim. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, so do not be shy with the cream. Ideally, plan your holidays around your removal sessions to keep the risk of exposure to a minimum.
Preventing infection and looking after yourself
After each session, the risk of infection can be reduced by following a few sensible rules:
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms and swimming pools for 2-3 days after the session. Swimming is not advised until healing is complete; if it is unavoidable, protect the area with a waterproof dressing.
- Choose loose clothing in cotton, linen or silk to limit rubbing and skin irritation.
- Look after yourself: a balanced diet, good hydration and moderate physical activity after 48 hours will support the healing process.
Finally, try to cut down on tobacco and alcohol, which slow healing by generating toxins. Use your tattoo removal as an opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
How long does it take to remove a tattoo with a laser?
The total time needed depends on the type of ink and the depth of the tattoo. In general, expect between 5 and 12 sessions, spaced eight weeks apart, for complete removal. At Ray studios we use a latest generation picosecond laser, capable of removing a tattoo in only 4 to 5 sessions in some cases. Individual results vary.
If complications arise: speak to your skin therapist
Redness, swelling or soreness can sometimes occur after a session. If these effects persist, contact your skin therapist for personalised follow-up. That said, by following these recommendations and the aftercare protocol, complications are rare and healing is usually gentle. Keep in mind that we are all different, so healing time varies from one person to another. You will need to be patient and keep smiling, because time does its work.
Ready to consider laser tattoo removal?
If you are ready to take the step, contact the Ray studios team to book an initial consultation. We support you with advanced technology and personalised follow-up for safe laser tattoo removal, and our Full Remove plan gives you unlimited sessions at a single fixed price.
By following these recommendations and looking after your skin after each session, you give yourself the best chance of a good result and smooth healing. Patience and consistency are your best allies for successful laser tattoo removal. Individual results vary.
FAQ
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Laser tattoo removal can cause a tingling sensation with each pulse, due to the shattering of pigments under the skin. However, it is not a burn, and the discomfort remains manageable and varies from person to person. Sensitivity also depends on the area of the body treated and the density of the tattoo. At Ray studios, everything is done to limit discomfort: prior application of an EMLA numbing cream and a Zimmer cryotherapy system cooling the area to -30°C during the session.
How many sessions are needed to remove my tattoo?
The number of sessions needed to remove a tattoo depends on several factors:
- the tattoo itself: its size, its location on the body, the density of the ink, skin pigmentation, the colours it contains
- each customer's profile: their skin type, how their skin reacts, their history, their healing capacity...
This therefore varies considerably from one person to another. During the initial consultation, the skin therapist can give you statistical data on the number of sessions for customers with a profile similar to yours.
Can I expose myself to the sun after a session?
No, you should not expose yourself to the sun after a laser session, as UV exposure can damage your already sensitized skin. You should cover the treated area with clothing until your skin is fully rehydrated again (generally around 2 weeks after the session).
Can I swim after tattoo removal?
It is best to avoid swimming during the healing process to prevent infections. If swimming is necessary, use a waterproof dressing to protect the area.
