Tattoo Removal Recovery - What Should I Expect?
There are so many different reasons for looking into tattoo removal. No matter what the reason that you are looking for a change, the more information that you have about the process, the better. You want to know exactly what is going to be done and more importantly what you are going to need to do during the recovery time to make sure that you take care of this area of your body.
The Procedure
Tattoo removal depends on the area of the body,
the colors that were used and the age of the design. Consulting with a board certified surgeon will give you an idea of what type of procedure will be used, how many treatments it will take and what you can expect from the final results. The appointment involves the use of lasers which bring light to the area is a burst of high intensity.
After the Treatments
Taking care of the tattoo removal area after each treatment is important. While it should be kept clean be sure to avoid harsh scrubbing. This area is going to be tender and may in fact even bleed in small pinpoint areas so you don't want to cause any more irritation. Avoid getting the area wet immediately following the procedure and wait till the next day to shower.
Antibacterial ointment may be necessary. If this is the case, be sure to follow all of the directions given to you by the surgeon to make sure that you are applying the right amount at the right times throughout the day. Also, apply a dressing to the area to keep the ointment in and other materials out. This protects the space of the tattoo removal and gives it a better chance to heal.
Because each person's body is different, some of the results after the tattoo removal will be different. If a scab does form don't worry. This does happen occasionally so don't panic. However, one of the most important things to remember is that you want to avoid picking, scratching or itching the scab off. This may create scarring and you don't want that to replace the image that you are having removed.
Calling the Surgeon
If at any point during the recovery if you have concerns or worries, be sure to contact the office. You can speak with someone over the phone and talk about what you are concerned about. Based on that conversation you may be able to receive instructions over the phone or you may be asked to come in for a quick exam. Either way it is important for you to know that there is someone available to assist you during the recovery process.
While this is an important decision, once you are sure that this is what you want to do, contact a board certified surgeon and meet up for a consultation. You can find out just what your options are and what you can expect as far as results. The sooner you begin the process of treatments the sooner you will be able to enjoy the results.