Before your session
A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these guidelines to protect your skin, maximize your results, and keep your appointment on schedule.
Before your session
A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these guidelines to protect your skin, maximize your results, and keep your appointment on schedule.
The week before
Stay out of the sun
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds on the treatment area for at least 1 week prior. Tanned or sunburned skin cannot be safely treated and will require rescheduling.
Skip the self-tanner
Spray tans and self-tanning lotions must be fully faded before your session.
Don't wax or use hair removal creams
On the treatment area for at least 1 week prior.
Avoid retinoids and exfoliants
Retin-A, tretinoin, glycolic acid, etc. on the treatment area for 1 week before your appointment.
Stay hydrated
Well-hydrated skin responds better to laser treatment. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session.
The day of
Come with clean skin
Arrive with the treatment area free of lotions, sunscreen, makeup, or any topical products.
Shave the area
If there is hair over the tattoo, do this the day before or morning of your appointment. Note: if coming in for permanent eyebrow makeup removal, do not shave your eyebrows.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing
That gives easy access to the tattoo without a lot of adjusting.
Eat beforehand
Don't come on an empty stomach — blood sugar stability helps with comfort during treatment.
Skip the numbing cream unless prescribed
Do not apply over-the-counter numbing creams unless we have specifically discussed and approved this with you.
Your appointment may need to be rescheduled if…
- •The treatment area is actively tanned, sunburned, or has a fresh spray tan
- •You have an open wound, active infection, cold sore, or rash near or on the tattoo
- •You are currently taking Accutane or have taken it within the past 6 months
- •The skin shows signs of recent trauma (bruising, irritation, or broken skin)
- •You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- •You have had a cosmetic injection (Botox, filler) near the treatment area within 2 weeks
If any of these apply, please contact us before your appointment so we can reschedule without a fee. We want every session to be safe and effective.
A note on nicotine
If you smoke, vape, or use any nicotine products, please know that nicotine constricts blood vessels and significantly slows your body's ability to clear fragmented ink between sessions. Reducing or eliminating nicotine use during your removal journey will meaningfully improve your results.
Questions before your appointment? We're happy to help.