Aftercare

The most important thing: ice, ice, ice!

Seriously. If you take away one thing from this page, it’s this: ice the treatment area for at least an hour after your session. On and off, with appropriate barriers (don’t put ice directly on skin).

The more you ice, the less heat stays in your skin, and the better you’ll heal. Most post-treatment symptoms – redness, swelling, blistering – are significantly reduced when you prioritize icing.

The first 24-72 hours

What you’ll probably see: Redness, swelling, possible bruising. This is all normal stuff – your body’s doing its job.

What to do:

• Ice regularly using the on-and-off approach with a barrier (towel, cloth)
• Clean gently with unscented soap and lukewarm or cool water
• Keep it dry – avoid bacteria-heavy environments like pools, hot tubs, gyms, martial arts clubs, saunas, bathtubs, natural bodies of water
• Skip lotions and ointments for the first 48-72 hours unless your skin gets itchy or dry

If your skin gets itchy, flaky, or dry: Use an unscented product you’ve used before – Vaseline, Aquaphor, Vitamin E oil, or unscented Lubriderm. If you have sensitivities, stick with Vaseline (it’s hypoallergenic).

For itchiness: Ice helps. Otherwise check with your pharmacist for some treatment options. (We’re not doctors).

If you get blisters

Don’t panic. Blisters happen sometimes with tattoo removal, even when you do everything right.

Don’t pick it or leave it exposed to bacteria. This is how bad things happen.

Sun protection is a must

Keep the treatment area covered when you’re outdoors. Sun exposure post-treatment can cause blistering, hyperpigmentation (darkening), or hypopigmentation (lightening).

Best option: Sports tape to completely cover the area if you’re spending significant time outside.

Alternative: Take a break from treatments during summer months and come back in fall/winter when you’re at your fairest.

Permanent Makeup Removal: Extra Considerations

Removing cosmetic ink on your face requires additional care:

STOP 2 weeks before treatment:

• Retinols in the treatment area
• Sunless tanning products and tanning beds

STOP 1 week before:

• Botox or fillers

STOP 3 days before:

• Makeup on the treatment area
• Waxing, threading, sugaring, or dermaplaning

STOP 6-8 weeks before:

• Saline treatments in the treatment area
• Eyebrow tinting or lamination

After treatment:

• No makeup for 72 hours
• NO sun exposure for 1 week (not negotiable)
• No waxing, threading, sugaring, dermaplaning, or chemical exfoliants for 2 weeks
• Wear SPF 30+ or zinc oxide 20%+ and consider wearing a hat

When can I go back to normal activities?

Once the redness has gone down, typically within 3-7 days.

Got Questions?

We’ve got answers!

We’ll check in with you within a few days, but don’t wait for us. If something feels off or you’re worried, reach out immediately.

Text, call, or email: 825-925-7398 | info@legacytattooremoval.ca

We’re here to support you through the entire process, not just the treatment itself.