How to Prepare for Laser Tattoo Removal
The prep work you do in the days before your appointment shapes your comfort, your healing, and how quickly you get results. Here’s exactly what to do before your next PicoWay session at Clarity.
Your Pretreatment Checklist
Stay out of the sun for two weeks
Keep the treatment area out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks before your session. Tanned or sunburned skin is more sensitive to the laser and raises the risk of complications, which can also mean pausing your treatment plan until skin recovers. If sun exposure is unavoidable, cover the area or use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and skip self-tanners on the treatment area entirely.
Hydrate and keep your skin healthy
Well-hydrated skin tends to respond better to laser treatment and heals faster afterward. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment and keep the area moisturized as part of your normal routine.
On the day of treatment itself, skip lotions, oils, or creams on the area. They sit on top of the skin and can interfere with how the laser energy is absorbed.
Shave the area 24 hours ahead
If the tattoo sits somewhere hair grows, shave the area about 24 hours before your appointment. That gives any minor irritation time to settle while still leaving a smooth surface for treatment. Skip waxing or hair removal creams beforehand since both can irritate skin right when it needs to be calm.
Pause blood thinners 48 hours out
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners for 48 hours before your session, since they can increase bruising during and after treatment. If you’re on a prescribed blood thinner, don’t stop it without checking with your doctor first, and let our team know either way so we can plan around it.
Ease off retinoids and acids
If you use retinoids, glycolic acid, or other exfoliating actives on or near the treatment area, stop about two weeks out. These ingredients increase skin sensitivity and can make the treated area more reactive to the laser.
Come in with clean, bare skin
Make sure the treatment area is free of makeup, deodorant, lotion, or fragrance on the day of your appointment. Clean skin lets the laser do its job and lowers the risk of irritation.
Dress for easy access
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the treatment area and won’t rub against it afterward. Getting a spot on your arm or leg treated? Sleeveless tops or shorts make things simple.
Eat something and skip the caffeine
Have a light meal or snack before you come in. An empty stomach combined with appointment nerves can leave you lightheaded. It’s also worth going easy on caffeine and alcohol beforehand, since both can heighten sensitivity during treatment.
Tell us what’s changed
If you have a new medical condition, a skin infection near the treatment area, or a change in medication since your last visit, let our team know before your appointment. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before moving forward with treatment.
Common Questions
How long before treatment should I avoid the sun?
At least two weeks. Tanned or sunburned skin is more sensitive and more likely to react poorly to laser treatment, which can delay your session altogether.
Can I shave the tattoo before my appointment?
Yes, and it helps. Shave the area about 24 hours ahead of time to give the skin a chance to settle. Avoid waxing or depilatory creams, which are more likely to irritate the skin.
What medications should I avoid before laser tattoo removal?
Steer clear of aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners for 48 hours prior, since they increase the chance of bruising. Always check with your doctor before pausing a prescribed medication.
Should I moisturize before my session?
Keep the area moisturized as part of your normal routine in the days beforehand, but skip lotions, oils, and creams on the treatment area on the day of your appointment itself.
What if I have a new medical condition or I’m pregnant?
Let our team know before your appointment. Pregnant or breastfeeding clients should consult their doctor before proceeding with any laser tattoo removal treatment.
Ready for your next session?
Have questions or need to reschedule? Our team at Davis Square, Somerville and Framingham is here to help.