BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT

• NO SUN tanning, self-tanners, spray-tans, or sun exposure for 4 weeks prior to treatment. A minimum SPF 30 or greater should be used for any sun exposure during your treatments prior to going outside. KEEP IT COVERED, if in the sun! Our clinic carries recommended sunblock, please talk to your technician.
• Discontinue taking Photo Sensitizing medications including antibiotics for 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Consult with your Physician before discontinuing and medications.
• Do not wear makeup on area to be treated the day of treatment if applicable.
• Shave area the day prior or on the day of treatment if applicable.
• Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 2 weeks prior to treatment
  (Retinols, waxing, depilatories, acids, harsh chemicals, etc.)
• To minimize any discomfort, we would recommend that you take Tylenol 30 minutes prior to the procedure. Please take special consideration: anti-inflammatory pain medications such as Ibuprofen, aspirin, and Naproxen thin blood and promote bruising and therefore should be avoided seven days before treatment.
• Notify Clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your consultation.
• History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment.
• Do not have your laser tattoo removal treatment done under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This can cause thinning of the blood, which can increase bleeding and bruising, and other more serious problems.
• Treatment should be scheduled at the discretion of a medical professional and should not be scheduled sooner than six weeks apart unless otherwise specified.
• A digital photo will be taken every session to track the removal process.
• Patients who are pregnant, nursing or may be pregnant cannot receive treatment.

AFTER TREATMENT

• Avoid sun exposure for 2-4 weeks as much as possible following treatment. If in the sun, keep area covered and protected and use a minimum SPF 30 (UVA/UVB) sunscreen. SPF 30 or greater should be used for any sun exposure during your treatments prior to going outside.
• Avoid skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.) until the skin is fully healed and all crusting has resolved.
• For tattoos located on the ankle or feet, it is imperative not to stand or walk too long. Legs need to be elevated for at least 48 to 72 hours, or until swelling have subsided. Failure to do so will increase the probability of developing edema, blisters and infection. Even with the most care during and after laser treatment, there is still a risk of developing blisters.
• Only non-aspirin over the counter pain drugs such as acetaminophen should be taken for discomfort after the laser treatment.
• Minimize any vigorous activity for a few days to optimize healing after your laser tattoo removal treatment.

WOUND CARE INSTRUCTION

• Cold compress: Immediately following treatment, apply a clean cold compress to the treated area and continue for up to 48 hours. Apply 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, or as often as you can.
• Dressing should be changed once a day or after a shower in the first 3 days of treatment.
• Prior to removing the dressing, wash hands with soap and water, then carefully remove the dressing, gently cleanse the wound with soap and water and pat dry with a clean towel.
• Do not let the area to dry out. This is especially important during the first 48 hours.
• Apply Epidermal Repair- may be purchased at Well Medical Arts, or alternate with Hydrocortisone1% for decreasing inflammation – may be purchased over the counter, and cover with a non-stick gauze dressing. Make sure it is not too tight. Some patients may require help of another person to reach difficult locations.
• Try not to bump or stretch the treated tattoo.
• Scabbing over the treated area is expected and may last 7-14 days.
• Do not pick scabs and avoid scrubbing the treated area when showering.
• No submerging, hot tubs or saunas for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. You may shower the following day but, avoid waterlogging the area.
• Do not unroof blisters if they occur. Apply Triple antibiotic ointment –may be purchased over the counter to prevent infection. Continue until the treatment area is healed.. It will take a few days before the blister ruptures. Keep the area clean and moist with Triple Antibiotic Ointment and avoid getting wet. Clean clear or pink drainage after the blister pops is normal. Contact the clinic if blisters occur.
• Hydroquinone 4% Cream (Clear or Blender): to be used prior to treatment or immediately after blister has healed twice daily. This is recommended to patients who have a history of, or are potentially prone to, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Specifically skins with the Fitzpatrick of four or higher. Hydroquinone 4% can be purchased at Well Medical Arts.

• Area gets warmer than after treatment or area has increased heat day after treatment
• Increased redness or swelling
• Uncomfortable blisters
• Yellowish or greenish drainage coming from the wound
• Persistent or worsening pain that lasts more than 24 hours
• Fever