Aftercare Following Tattoo Removal: How To Look After Your Skin

Hello, I am Lee Sang-ju, a dermatologist. Last time, we learned about a new method to shorten the number of tattoo removal treatment sessions. Since tattoos vary in pigment amount and depth, there are many differences in the treatment process. While it is important to remove tattoos quickly, it is even more important to remove them safely with minimal scarring or pigmentation. Even if scars or traces inevitably remain, they can be improved through treatment. Therefore, it is very important to manage the skin well after tattoo removal to reduce such scars and side effects. Today, we will learn in detail about how to care for the skin after tattoo removal procedures and the treatment of potential side effects.

After tattoo treatment, pain is generally present. The pain varies depending on the body part. Areas with thin skin tend to experience more severe pain, while areas with thicker skin experience less pain. Generally, when a tattoo is removed, the tattoo pigment particles inside break, damaging the surrounding skin. If blood vessels are damaged, bleeding may occur, and blisters (fluid-filled sacs) may also appear on the skin. In addition, pain, swelling, and redness, which are common after general laser treatment, may occur. Furthermore, the representative long-term side effects that may appear after acute reactions are scars and pigmentation.

If scars and pigmentation remain after tattoo treatment, an appropriate method will be selected based on the diagnosis of a dermatologist.

• If scars remain, they can be improved through Laser Scar Treatment.
• If pigmentation remains, the color can be removed using medication or pigment lasers.

Many people are hesitant about laser treatment during the summer. However, tattoo removal lasers take a long time for treatment, and generally only cause minor wounds, so light exercise or sweating is not a major problem.

However, after laser treatment, it is advisable to avoid hot and humid environments such as saunas or jjimjilbangs, and to refrain from activities that involve excessive sweating or immersion in water, such as swimming. It is recommended to avoid activities like saunas or swimming for at least two weeks after tattoo removal laser treatment.

It is best to avoid sunbathing or tanning immediately after any laser treatment, not just tattoo removal lasers. It is generally possible after about two weeks, once the skin has recovered.

After tattoo removal laser treatment, tiny wounds will form on the skin. Therefore, wound care is very important. To prevent secondary bacterial infection, it is good to apply antibiotic ointment and avoid prolonged deep exposure to water. However, general showering is considered possible.

There may be some oozing from the treated area for a day or two, but if blisters form, oozing increases, or pain persists after 2-3 days, it is necessary to revisit the clinic for a specialist's diagnosis.

Today, we learned about how to care for the skin after tattoo removal procedures and the treatment of potential side effects. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. This has been dermatologist Lee Sang-ju. Thank you.