Healing timeline
Frosting → redness
The treated area looks white (“frosted”) for ~30 minutes after the laser. It then turns red and warm, like a fresh sunburn. Apply ice packs for 10 mins on, 10 off, for the first 4 hours.
Swelling and possible blistering
Some swelling is normal. About 30% of clients get small water blisters — leave them alone, do not pop. Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturiser 2–3x daily.
Scabbing
Small scabs may form. DO NOT pick. They'll fall off in 2–3 weeks. Picking causes scarring and can cause patchy clearance.
Skin settles
Redness fades. Tattoo may look unchanged at first — this is normal. Your immune system clears the shattered ink over the following 6–8 weeks.
Visible fade
You'll see clearance progress 6–8 weeks after the session. This is when you book the next one.
Do's and don'ts
- · Apply cold packs for the first 4 hours
- · Keep the area clean with mild soap
- · Apply fragrance-free moisturiser 2–3x daily
- · Wear loose clothing
- · SPF50+ on the area for the entire treatment course (12+ months)
- · Drink plenty of water — helps your immune system clear ink
- · Pop blisters or pick scabs
- · Take hot baths, swim, or hit the sauna for 7 days
- · Exercise for 24–48 hours (sweat irritates the area)
- · Apply makeup, perfume or fake tan to the treated area
- · Expose to direct sun without SPF50+
- · Schedule the next session before 6–8 weeks have passed
How to actually fade faster
- · Sun protection — UV exposure is the #1 thing that slows clearance.
- · Quit smoking — clinical studies show smokers clear ink ~30% slower.
- · Hydrate — your immune system uses lymphatic fluid to clear shattered ink.
- · Cardio — regular exercise (after the 48-hour rest period) increases lymphatic flow.
- · Stick to the schedule — sessions need 6–8 weeks to clear visibly. Going every 4 weeks doesn't help, just damages skin.
When to call your clinic
- · Signs of infection (increasing redness after day 3, pus, fever)
- · Severe blistering covering more than ~30% of the treated area
- · Persistent dark or light spots after 3+ months
- · Anything that worries you — most clinics offer free post-session check-ins