Laser Tattoo Removal Before & Aftercare
Everything you need to know before and after your laser tattoo removal session at Bare Skin Tattoo Removal in Lakeland, FL. Good prep and good aftercare protect your skin and help your body clear the ink between sessions.
Based on Candela PicoWay® patient care guidelines · Updated October 2026
Who should not get laser tattoo removal
Laser tattoo removal is safe for most healthy adults, but some conditions mean you should wait, and others mean we need to talk first. Bare Skin treats clients 18 and older only.
Please wait if you are
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Tanned, sunburned, or recently used a tanning bed or self-tanner (wait until the tan fully fades)
- Taking oral isotretinoin (Accutane), or took it in the last 12 months
- Dealing with an infection, open wound, or rash where the tattoo is
- Under 18
Tell us first if you have
- A history of melanoma or squamous cell skin cancer
- Keloid scarring or a history of poor wound healing
- Seizures triggered by light, or a light-sensitive condition such as lupus or porphyria
- A weakened immune system, or take immune-suppressing medication
- Blood thinners, or medication that affects healing or makes you sensitive to light
- Cold sores (herpes simplex) near the treatment area
- A pacemaker, defibrillator, or metal implants
- Iron, ginkgo, ginseng, garlic, or fish oil supplements
- Surgery, a laser resurfacing treatment, or a deep peel in the last 3 months, or filler near the area
- Any medical condition that isn't well controlled
Not sure where you fall? That's what the free consultation is for. We review your health history before every first treatment, and when needed, our supervising physician makes the call. Being honest on your intake form keeps you safe.
Before your session
A little prep goes a long way. Laser light reacts to tanned skin, so sun protection is the biggest one.
Avoid the sun
Avoid the sun and tanning beds before your session and throughout your treatment series. Wear SPF 30+ daily.
Skip self-tanner
Stop using self-tanner 1 to 2 weeks before your session and let any tan fade completely.
Pause harsh skincare
Stop retinoids and other irritating topicals on the area 3 to 5 days before treatment.
Arrive with clean skin
No lotion, makeup, perfume, powder, or oil on the treatment area, except numbing cream if you choose to use it.
Want extra comfort?
Zimmer cooling is included with every session. If you'd also like numbing cream, buy an over-the-counter product and apply it before your appointment, following the package directions. Let us know when you arrive.
Shave the area
If the tattoo is in a hairy area, shave it before you come in. Don't shave your eyebrows for brow removal. We'll protect them during treatment.
Tell us about cold sores
If you get cold sores near the treatment area, let us know ahead of time. A preventive antiviral may be prescribed before treatment.
The day of your treatment
Every treatment is performed by a licensed APRN using the Candela PicoWay® laser. Most sessions take under 30 minutes. Read more about what to expect at laser tattoo removal in Lakeland.
Yes, it hurts, but it's quick
It feels like a quick, sharp snapping on the skin, and each session is over fast. Every session includes Zimmer cold-air cooling, which blows chilled air on your skin throughout treatment to keep you comfortable. If you'd like extra comfort, you can buy an over-the-counter numbing cream and apply it before your appointment, following the product directions. More on pain.
Eye protection
You'll wear protective eyewear for the entire treatment. Everyone in the room does.
The white "frost"
The tattoo turns white right after treatment. This is normal and fades within about 5 to 30 minutes.
Redness & swelling
Redness and swelling are expected and can last a few hours to a few days. Pinpoint bleeding can happen too.
Laser tattoo removal aftercare
Follow these steps for the first 7 to 10 days after every session, or as long as your APRN tells you.
Wash gently
Shower as normal. Lukewarm water, mild soap, no scrubbing. Pat dry.
Ointment
Aquaphor or Vaseline a few times a day for 7 to 10 days. No bandage needed.
Hands off
Blisters, scabs and itching are normal. Don't pop, pick or scratch.
Rest it
No exercise for 1 to 2 days. No rough sports or heavy sweating for 10 days.
No soaking
No pools or hot tubs until fully healed.
Sun smart
Keep it out of the sun. SPF 30+ daily for your whole treatment course.
What healing looks like
Everyone heals differently, but here's what's normal after laser tattoo removal.
Frosting fades
The white frost disappears, and the area looks red and raised.
Redness & swelling
Redness, swelling, and tenderness settle down. Some pinpoint bleeding is possible.
Possible blistering
Blisters are a normal response. Leave them alone. Don't pop or pick them.
Crusting & itching
Scabs and light crusting flake off on their own. Itching is common. Don't scratch.
Your body clears the ink
The laser breaks the ink into tiny particles, and your immune system carries them away over the following weeks. Sessions are spaced 6 to 12 weeks apart to give your skin time to heal and clear. See how many sessions tattoo removal takes.
When to call us
Call or text the studio if you notice any of these:
- Pain, warmth, or redness that gets worse after the first few days
- Pus, a bad smell, or red streaks spreading from the area
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Large blisters, or a rash or hives that could be an allergic reaction
- Skin lightening or darkening that doesn't fade
- Anything that just doesn't feel right
If you have trouble breathing or a medical emergency, call 911.
Aftercare FAQ
Can I put Neosporin on my laser tattoo removal?
No. Neosporin is not recommended after laser tattoo removal. Use a thin layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline a few times a day for 7 to 10 days. No bandage needed.
Is blistering normal after laser tattoo removal?
Yes. Blistering, crusting, and itching are normal parts of healing. Don't pop or pick them. Let them heal on their own. Call us if blisters are very large or you see signs of infection.
How long does it take to heal after laser tattoo removal?
Most of the surface healing happens in 7 to 10 days, when scabs and crusting flake off. Your body keeps clearing the ink for weeks after each session.
How far apart are laser tattoo removal sessions?
Sessions are spaced 6 to 12 weeks apart so your skin can heal and your body has time to clear the broken-up ink.
Can I go in the sun after laser tattoo removal?
Keep the area out of the sun and wear SPF 30+ daily for your whole treatment course.
When can I work out or swim after laser tattoo removal?
No exercise for 1 to 2 days, and no rough sports or heavy sweating for 10 days. No pools or hot tubs until the area is fully healed.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Yes, it hurts, but it's quick. Most people describe a sharp snapping sensation. Every session at Bare Skin includes Zimmer cold-air cooling to keep you comfortable. For extra comfort, you can buy an over-the-counter numbing cream and apply it before your appointment, following the product directions.
Who should not get laser tattoo removal?
You should wait if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, tanned, taking or recently took Accutane, under 18, or have an infection or open wound at the tattoo. Talk to us first if you have a history of skin cancer, keloids, light-sensitive conditions, a weakened immune system, or take blood thinners. We review your health history at your free consultation.
Just you. Bare skin.
Questions about prep or aftercare? Start with a free consultation, in person or by photo, at Polk County's only dedicated PicoWay® studio.
Get a Free Photo Estimate Join the WaitlistThis page is general guidance. Always follow the specific instructions your Bare Skin APRN gives you.