Many people get a tattoo for a lot of reasons, like love, commitment, or a deep expression of oneself. However, there may come a time when you no longer want your tattoo. While it may seem impossible in the past, erasing a tattoo is now possible with laser tattoo removal. Laser technology is now far more advanced, wherein there’s little pain in removing tattoos. Your regret fades even with your permanent, stubborn tattoos.
But how do you prepare for a laser tattoo removal? Find out more by continuing to read below.

Manage Your Expectations
Most of the time, laser tattoo removal is successful. But some circumstances affect the best outcomes. That’s why you have to speak with a laser tattoo removal expert from a trusted and reputable provider, such as A&E SNY Surgery Center. You’ll feel more confident to undergo the procedure if you know what to expect.
Here are the things you can expect from a laser tattoo removal:
- The location of your tattoo affects the outcomes. Ankle tattoos are pretty hard to remove. Larger tattoos take a longer time to remove.
- The procedure involves wearing eye protection and applying an anesthetic cream to the area. After which, the medical professional will place a handpiece device over your tattooed skin to deliver laser pulses.
- The sensation when the laser pulse is applied is similar to a rubber band that snaps against your skin. Most sessions of laser tattoo removal treatments last a few minutes, but the amount of laser pulses your tattoo needs highly depends on the size.
- After several hours or a couple of days, you may experience redness, bleeding, blistering, or swelling. The treated area may peel, flake, and scab for the next several weeks.
- Some tattoos are difficult to remove with traditional laser but tend to fade to become less visible. It’s a good idea to check before and after photos to make comparisons and decide if laser tattoo removal is a smart choice for your case.
- Ask your laser tattoo removal specialist about the type of laser that will be used, like the PICO laser technology, to remove stubborn tattoos.
- Avoid public swimming pools and sun exposure while the treated site is healing.
- You may need to undergo additional laser tattoo removal sessions after 4 to 6 weeks once your skin completely healed.
Get Some Calories
To avoid vertigo or light-headedness during the procedure, you need to eat a balanced diet and take a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration. This step is crucial because you’ll feel discomfort or a little pain depending on the site and size of your tattoo.
Stop Smoking
As much as possible, you have to quit smoking for the entire duration of the treatment. Nicotine and other toxic substances in cigarettes can slow the healing process of your body. It may lead to complications like infection and scarring.
Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure
If you’re planning to undergo a laser tattoo removal, it’s not a good time to sunbathe and get a beautiful tan because the procedure takes place for several months. Keep your tattoo out of the sun for a month at the very least.
If you work for the fashion or beauty industry, wear clothing over the tattooed area or sunscreen lotion if you can’t avoid being exposed to sunlight. Laser removal specialists usually don’t treat tanned skin because it increases the risk of permanent pigment changes.

Avoid Topical Products
Don’t apply perfume, oil, lotion, moisturizer, and other cosmetic products on the area to be treated. These products will only impede the optimal effect of laser on the skin and won’t do any good during the procedure. Keep the area shaven, unadorned, clean, and clear.
Wear Loose Fitting Clothes
Wear something that won’t touch the treated area to avoid scratching or grazing your skin after the treatment. Expect that your skin will feel sunburned and applying a dressing can help prevent discomfort.
Take Pain Medication
To relieve or reduce the discomfort associated with a laser tattoo removal treatment, you can take acetaminophen (like Tylenol). Don’t take ibuprofen or aspirin because these pain medications can aggravate bleeding. Also, numbing creams and cold compresses are not advisable to avoid negatively impacting the final results.
Conclusion
Always remember that it’s best to eat a snack or a full meal before the laser tattoo removal session because you might experience light-headedness due to an empty stomach while undergoing the procedure. Also, quit smoking, avoid sun exposure, and take pain medication (non-aspirin) to alleviate discomfort.