POST CARE GUIDE

Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Tattoo removal at The Spa by Sheena uses our Lumenis PiQo4 laser to send rapid pulses of light energy into the skin, shattering the ink into fragments small enough for your immune system to carry away. The same laser can also fade cosmetic and permanent-makeup tattoos such as microblading and lip blush. Most of the work happens between visits, which is why sessions sit 10 to 12 weeks apart: your body needs that time to clear the broken-down pigment. This guide walks you through the full healing cycle — the immediate frosting and blistering, the roughly two-week scab phase, gentle wound care, sun protection, and why the tattoo fades gradually across a series of about 6 to 12 sessions rather than disappearing at once. Complete clearance is never guaranteed, so we set realistic expectations and track your progress at every visit.

Download Post Care Guide (806) 701-5840

Your Tattoo Removal recovery at a glance

What happens, and when

Here is the path from treatment day to final result.

First 24 to 72 Hours

Cover, no soak

For the first 24 to 72 hours, leave any dressing your provider applied in place and keep the area covered as instructed. Frosting, mild swelling, redness, and pinpoint bleeding are all expected. Blisters and scabs may form within hours and are a normal sign the ink is breaking down. Do not pop, pick, or scrub the area, and keep it out of soaking water. Gentle cleansing and a thin layer of ointment are all it needs right now.

Two Weeks

No water, no sun

For the full two weeks of healing, skip swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, and long hot showers — submerging the wound raises the risk of infection and slows healing. Quick, cool showers are fine; pat the area dry afterward. Keep the treated skin out of direct sun and away from self-tanner until it is fully healed and the color has evened out. Sun on healing skin is the most common cause of light or dark patches.

10 to 12 Weeks

Wait, then return

Your sessions are spaced 10 to 12 weeks apart, and that gap is doing real work. After the laser shatters the ink, your immune system carries the fragments away over the following weeks, and it needs the full interval to finish. Returning too soon treats ink that has not cleared yet, which adds little fading while raising the risk of irritation or scarring. Booking your next visit near the end of the window gives each session the most to work with.

How to care for the treated area through fade and reveal

How to Care for the Treated Area After Tattoo Removal

Tylenol for pain

For soreness in the first day or two, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred choice and is gentle on healing skin. The spa asks you to avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen for about 24 hours after treatment, since these thin the blood and can add to bruising and pinpoint bleeding at the site. Most discomfort is mild and fades quickly, and a cool compress helps as well. If pain climbs after the first 48 hours instead of easing, call us at (806) 701-5840.

Daily SPF (once healed)

Sun is the biggest threat to your result, so once the skin is fully healed with no open areas, blisters, or scabs, protect it every day. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher — we use SkinBetter Science Sheer SPF 56 — to the treated area and keep it covered for the full stretch between sessions. Reapply every two hours with real sun exposure. Skipping this is the leading cause of light or dark patches, and pigment changes on healing skin can take months to settle.

Aquaphor or similar (first 3 to 7 days)

For the first three to seven days, keep the area lightly moist with a thin layer of Aquaphor or a similar petroleum-based healing ointment, applied two to three times a day and after each cleanse. A moist wound bed heals faster and with less scarring than one left to dry and crack. Thin is the goal — a heavy layer traps heat and can macerate the skin. Avoid antibiotic ointments like Neosporin unless we tell you otherwise, since they cause skin reactions in some people.

Cleanse gently (twice daily)

Once any initial dressing is off, cleanse the treated area twice a day with cool water and SkinBetter Science Cleansing Gel or a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Use light fingertips, not a washcloth or scrub, and let the water do the work. Rinse well and pat the skin dry with a clean, soft towel — never rub, and don't reuse the towel on the wound. Clean skin heals faster and lowers the chance of infection while the blisters and scabs run their course.

Cool compress for discomfort

During the first 24 to 48 hours, a cool compress eases swelling and tenderness. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of ice in a clean, thin cloth and hold it to the area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between. Never place ice directly on treated skin, which can worsen the injury. If the area is bandaged, apply the compress over the dressing. Let the skin return to normal temperature between rounds rather than icing continuously.

Dressing care (first 3 days)

If your provider sent you home with a sterile non-stick dressing, leave it in place for the first three days and change it if it becomes soiled, wet, or loose. When you replace it, wash your hands first and handle the area as little as possible. Some clear or lightly pink fluid on the dressing is normal in the early days. Once you retire the dressing, move on to the gentle cleansing and ointment routine described below and keep the skin protected as it closes.

Swelling, blistering, and what is normal in the first week

What's Normal: Tattoo Removal Downtime

Normal, temporary, and part of the process.

Itching during healing

Mild to moderate itching is common during the scab phase as the skin knits back together. Resist the urge to scratch or rub, which can tear open healing tissue and lead to scarring or infection. A cool compress calms most itching, and an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl or Zyrtec helps when it is more intense. Keeping the area lightly moisturized once it has closed also reduces the itch. If itching comes with spreading redness or pus, call the spa.

Pinpoint bleeding (immediate)

A little pinpoint bleeding right after treatment is normal. The laser breaks tiny blood vessels along the edges of the ink as it works, and small red dots or a light ooze can show at the surface. Gentle, steady pressure with clean sterile gauze stops it within a few minutes. There is no need to worry unless bleeding is heavy, will not stop with pressure, or restarts well after your visit. Once it settles, follow your dressing and ointment routine as usual.

Gradual fading (weeks to months)

The tattoo does not vanish at the appointment. It fades gradually over the weeks and months after each session as your immune system clears the fragmented ink through the lymphatic system. Some sessions bring an obvious change and others look quieter, which is normal — clearance builds across the whole series rather than in one leap. Cosmetic and permanent-makeup ink can behave differently and sometimes shift shade before it fades, which is why we watch your progress closely at each visit.

Blistering and scabbing (up to 2 weeks)

Blisters can appear within hours of treatment, and scabs form over the days that follow. Both are normal, and in fact they mean your body is lifting the broken-down ink toward the surface. Blisters and scabs can linger up to two weeks before they resolve. Let them run their course: do not drain, pop, or peel them, and don't pick at flaking skin. Picking is the single most common cause of scarring and lasting color changes after tattoo removal. If a blister is very large or oozing, call us.

Immediate (first 24 to 48 hours)

Right after treatment with our Lumenis PiQo4 laser, the tattoo often looks frosted, gray, or white. This frosting is a harmless release of gas from the shattered ink and usually fades within about 20 minutes. Over the first 24 to 48 hours expect mild redness, some swelling, warmth, and possibly a little pinpoint bleeding. This is the skin reacting exactly as it should. A cool compress and a thin layer of ointment keep you comfortable while the surface settles.

Sun, water, and products to avoid post-treatment

What to Avoid After Tattoo Removal

NSAIDs (first 24 hours)

Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen for the first 24 hours. NSAIDs can increase pinpoint bleeding and bruising. Tylenol is fine.

Strenuous Exercise

Avoid sweating, strenuous exercise, saunas, and heavy lifting for at least 1 week. Sweat introduces bacteria into the healing area and heat dilates vessels, increasing swelling and blister risk.

Water Submersion

No baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or ocean swimming for at least 14 days, or until the area is fully healed. Submerged skin during healing is at high risk of infection.

Sun Exposure

Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks and continue SPF 30+ on the treated area for 3 months between sessions. Sun on healing skin causes hyperpigmentation that takes months to resolve.

Picking & Popping Blisters

Do not pick scabs, pop blisters, or peel any healing skin. Picking causes scarring, hypopigmentation (white patches), and prolongs healing. If a blister breaks on its own, cover it with Aquaphor and gauze.

Shaving, Exfoliating, Makeup

Avoid shaving, exfoliating, or applying makeup to the treated area until fully healed (typically 2 to 3 weeks). Friction and product can introduce bacteria and irritate the healing tissue.

When to Call The Spa After Tattoo Removal

Contact The Spa immediately if you experience:

Frosting, blistering, scabbing, mild swelling, redness, itching, and a little pinpoint bleeding are all normal parts of healing after tattoo removal. Call us right away if you notice any of the following:

Signs of infection — redness that spreads or increases after day 2, warmth, pus or cloudy drainage, a foul smell, fever, or red streaks moving out from the treated area.
Severe or spreading blistering that does not settle within 5 to 7 days, or blisters larger or more widespread than we discussed at your appointment.
Pain that worsens after the first 48 hours instead of steadily easing.
Bleeding that won't stop with gentle, steady pressure, or that restarts well after your visit.
Unusual scarring, raised texture, or open areas that are not closing as the skin heals.
Hypopigmentation (light patches) or hyperpigmentation (dark patches) that persists beyond 8 weeks.

During business hours, call us at (806) 701-5840 and we'll guide you on next steps. For severe symptoms outside business hours — trouble breathing, a rapidly spreading infection, or a high fever — go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room and let us know as soon as you can. When in doubt, reach out; we would always rather hear from you.

FAQ

Your questions, answered

We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help make your experience simple, transparent, and stress-free.

Measure the longest dimension of your tattoo—the farthest point of ink to the farthest point of ink. If your tattoo is 5" wide and 2" tall, it's a Level 3 (4"–5.9"). Use a tape measure or ruler before booking. When in doubt, book the higher tier—we'd rather adjust down at the appointment than have you arrive expecting one price and discover you need another. Call (806) 701-5840 if you want help sizing.

How do I measure my tattoo to choose the right tier?

Color add-ons apply on top of the base tier price. Black + 1 color: +$25. Black + 2 colors: +$50. Black + 3 or more colors: +$75. Count every color beyond black, even faded or subtle ones. Colored pigments respond differently to laser energy than black, and color tattoos typically require more sessions for full removal.

What if my tattoo has colors other than black?

Numbing cream forms a barrier on the skin that prevents the laser from reaching the ink effectively. That compromises results and requires more sessions for the same outcome. The same issue applies to cold air or cooling devices during laser firing. For pain management we use Pro-Nox instead, which doesn't interfere with the laser.

Why don't you offer numbing cream for tattoo removal?

Pro-Nox is a self-administered 50/50 blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen that you breathe through a handpiece during treatment for pain management. It takes effect within seconds, wears off within minutes, and you can drive yourself home afterward. It's $50 per session as an add-on. Most patients getting Level 3+ tattoos add Pro-Nox; smaller tattoos are often tolerable without it.

What is Pro-Nox and how much does it cost?

The price you pay reflects the actual size and complexity of your tattoo, not what you booked. If you book Level 2 with no color add-on but arrive with a 5" tattoo containing two colors, the price will be adjusted up to Level 3 + $50 color add-on at the appointment. Measure carefully and count colors honestly before booking. Call (806) 701-5840 if you're unsure—we'd rather help you book correctly than surprise you at check-in.

What happens if I book the wrong tier or forget a color add-on?

We use the PiQo4 picosecond laser, which delivers extremely fast pulses (one trillionth of a second each) that shatter tattoo ink into particles small enough for your body's immune system to clear naturally over the following weeks. Multiple sessions are needed because each session breaks down a portion of the ink.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

Most tattoos require 6–12 sessions for full removal, spaced 10 to 12+ weeks apart. Some clear faster (lighter inks, less dense tattoos); some take more (dense black, very old tattoos, multi-color). The longer spacing allows your body to fully clear the fragmented ink between sessions, which protects the final result.

How many sessions will I need to remove a tattoo?

Each laser pulse feels like hot grease snapping against skin. Sessions are quick (5–30 minutes depending on tattoo size). We do not offer topical numbing cream or cooling devices for tattoo removal—both prevent the laser from reaching the ink effectively and would compromise your results. For pain management we offer Pro-Nox as a $50 add-on: a 50/50 nitrous oxide and oxygen blend you self-administer through a handpiece during treatment. It takes effect within seconds, wears off within minutes, and you can drive yourself home. Most patients getting Level 3+ tattoos add Pro-Nox.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Most tattoos achieve complete or near-complete clearance after a full series. Some stubborn inks (especially yellows, certain greens, white ink) may leave faint residual. We'll set realistic expectations at consultation based on your specific tattoo's age, ink colors, and depth.

Will my tattoo be completely gone?

Tattoo removal is priced per session by tattoo size: Level 1 (0"–1") $99, Level 2 (1.1"–3.9") $149, Level 3 (4"–5.9") $199, Level 4 (6"–7.9") $249, Level 5 (8"–9.9") $299, Level 6 (10"–11.9") $349, Level 7 (12"+) by consultation. Color add-ons apply: +$25 for one additional color, +$50 for two, +$75 for three. Pro-Nox pain management is an optional $50 add-on. Most tattoos need 6–12 sessions total.

How much does tattoo removal cost in Lubbock?

Treated area will be red, swollen, and tender for 1–3 days. Possible blistering or scabbing for 7–14 days—do not pick. Keep area clean with mild soap, apply healing ointment, cover with non-stick dressing for the first few days. Avoid sun exposure, swimming, hot tubs, and excessive sweating for 1–2 weeks. We provide detailed aftercare.

What's the recovery from tattoo removal?

PiQo4 handles all standard tattoo ink colors including blue, green, and yellow—colors that older Q-switched lasers struggled with. White ink, fluorescent ink, and metallic inks remain difficult to fully clear. We'll evaluate your specific tattoo at consultation.

Can all tattoo colors be removed?

Properly performed laser tattoo removal rarely scars—the picosecond technology specifically minimizes thermal damage. The biggest scarring risk comes from picking at scabs during healing. Pre-existing scarring from the original tattooing process won't be removed by the laser. Most patients end with smooth skin.

Will tattoo removal leave a scar?

10 to 12+ weeks between sessions. Skin and lymphatic system need that time to clear the fragmented ink before the next session can work effectively. Going sooner doesn't speed up clearance and can stress the skin. Some patients with stubborn ink benefit from even longer intervals.

How long should I wait between sessions?

Yes—but most cover-up tattoos still benefit from at least 2–3 laser sessions to fade the original tattoo first. A faded base gives the new tattoo more flexibility in color and design. If you're planning a cover-up, talk to your laser provider and your tattoo artist together.

Can I cover my tattoo with another tattoo instead?

We commonly do partial fade sessions (3–4 instead of full removal series) to prepare for cover-up tattoos. Pricing is per session—you stop when you've reached your fade goal. We'll coordinate with your tattoo artist on the desired fade level if helpful.

What if I want to fade my tattoo for a cover-up?

Book a complimentary consultation. Bring the tattoo (or photos if it's a sensitive location). We'll evaluate size, ink, age, and your skin, then quote per-session pricing and estimate total sessions. Call (806) 701-5840 or book online.