Having had your tattoos removed, what next?

Once you have had your tattoos removed, using the various skin-invasive techniques on offer, it is essential that you follow the aftercare instructions provided to the letter. This is to allow the newly broken skin to heal with as little scarring as possible. After all, there is no point in replacing an unwanted tattoo with an unsightly scar. The following are some of the more basic ‘dos and donts’.

Try not to expose the newly broken skin to sunlight and/or ultraviolet rays. If you are out in the sun, use a sunblock with a good protection factor. Healing skin is as much affected by ‘wind burn’ as it is by ‘sun burn’. Do not let your healing skin dry out – apply creams rich in vitamin E.

It is not a good idea to allow the skin to soak in water; so avoid hot tubs, pools, and saunas. And if the skin is an area you shave, wait until the skin is fully healed.

You will notice a redness appearing around the old tattoo area. And with time, a scab will form. Leave it alone! You really should resist even the slightest urge to ‘pick’ at the scab; even if it is just a bit that looks like its about to fall off anyway. Let the scab fall off when it is good and ready to do so.

During the healing process you should eat as nutritious a diet as possible, and take vitamin and mineral supplements. This might sound obvious, but it is something so easily overlooked. Remember to heal properly your skin requires essential vitamins and minerals.

And of course it goes without saying that having had your tattoos removed, you should never touch the affected skin with dirty fingers!