PICO TATTOO REMOVAL AFTERCARE
Your skin needs time to recover after Pico tattoo removal.
Redness, swelling and tenderness are common after treatment, and some clients may also develop blistering, crusting or scabbing as the area heals.
The most important thing? Leave it alone and let it heal naturally.
WHAT'S NORMAL AFTER TATTOO REMOVAL?
YOUR TATTOO REMOVAL AFTERCARE
KEEP IT CLEAN
Gently wash the treated area as instructed by your clinician.
Avoid scrubbing, rubbing or using harsh products on healing skin.
Pat dry gently with a clean towel or gauze.
KEEP IT COOL
If the area feels hot or swollen, use a cool compress wrapped in a clean cloth.
Do not place ice directly onto the skin.
DON'T PICK, PEEL OR POP
This is one of the most important parts of tattoo removal aftercare.
DO NOT:
- Pick scabs
- Peel crusting
- Scratch the area
- Pop blisters
- Remove loose blister skin
- Let your skin heal naturally.
FOLLOW YOUR DRESSING INSTRUCTIONS
Your clinician will tell you whether your treated tattoo needs to remain covered and when to remove or change the dressing.
Aftercare can vary depending on the size, location and reaction of the treated area.
Use only the dressing and aftercare products recommended to you.
WHAT IF I GET BLISTERS?
Blistering can happen after Pico tattoo removal.
Do not intentionally pop a blister.
The skin over the blister helps protect the healing skin underneath.
If a blister opens by itself, keep the area clean, avoid removing the remaining skin and follow the wound-care instructions provided by Kalani.
If you develop a very large, tight, painful or concerning blister, contact us so we can advise you.
WHAT IF I GET SCABS?
Let them fall away naturally.
Picking or peeling a scab can interrupt healing and increase the risk of infection, pigmentation changes or scarring.
Avoid shaving or exfoliating directly over the area until it has healed.
CAN I SHOWER AFTER TATTOO REMOVAL?
Yes.
Keep showers lukewarm and gentle.
Avoid:
- Very hot water
- High-pressure water directly on the area
- Scrubbing
- Soaking the treated skin
Pat the area dry rather than rubbing it.
CAN I EXERCISE AFTER TATTOO REMOVAL?
Avoid strenuous exercise, overheating and heavy sweating for at least the first 48 hours.
If the area is still blistered, broken, very swollen or irritated by friction, wait longer.
Light activity that does not heat or rub the treatment area is generally better tolerated.
CAN I SWIM AFTER TATTOO REMOVAL?
Wait until the skin has healed before swimming.
Avoid pools, spas, hot tubs and prolonged soaking while you have:
- Blisters
- Scabs
- Crusting
- Weeping
- Broken skin
SUN EXPOSURE AFTER TATTOO REMOVAL
Keep the treated tattoo protected from direct sun while it heals.
Covering the area with clothing is ideal where possible.
Once the skin surface has healed, use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ on exposed skin and continue protecting the area between tattoo removal sessions.
Avoid tanning the treated area throughout your tattoo-removal journey.
WHAT SHOULD I PUT ON MY TATTOO?
Use only the aftercare products recommended by your Kalani clinician.
Avoid putting unnecessary products on freshly treated or broken skin, including:
- Retinol
- Exfoliating acids
- Scrubs
- Fragranced products
- Fake tan
- Harsh antiseptics
If you're unsure whether you can use something, ask us first.
WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT KALANI?
Contact Kalani if you develop:
- A very large or painful blister
- Increasing rather than improving redness
- Increasing warmth or swelling
- Worsening pain
- Pus or unusual discharge
- Persistent weeping
- A reaction you're unsure about
If redness is spreading quickly, you develop a fever or you feel significantly unwell, seek medical attention.
BETWEEN YOUR TATTOO REMOVAL SESSIONS
Your body continues clearing fragmented tattoo pigment for weeks after treatment.
Kalani generally spaces Pico tattoo-removal sessions approximately 6–8 weeks apart, giving your skin time to recover and your body time to continue clearing the ink.
Your skin should be fully healed before it is treated again.
PICO TATTOO REMOVAL AFTERCARE FAQS
Yes. Blistering can occur after laser tattoo removal and usually settles as the skin heals.
Do not intentionally pop or peel the blister.
No.
Leave the blister intact wherever possible. If it breaks naturally, keep the area clean and do not peel away the remaining skin.
Most redness and swelling settle within several days.
If blistering, crusting or scabbing occurs, the surface of the skin may take around 1–2 weeks to heal.
Healing time varies between people and treatment areas.
Yes.
Use lukewarm water, don't scrub the treated area and gently pat it dry afterwards.
Avoid soaking the area until it has healed.
Aftercare products can vary depending on how the treated skin has responded.
Use the product recommended by your Kalani clinician rather than adding creams or ointments yourself.
If scabbing develops, it commonly settles over approximately one to two weeks.
Do not pick it. Let it separate naturally from the skin.
Keep the area clean and leave the remaining blister skin in place.
Follow your Kalani aftercare instructions and contact us if you notice increasing redness, pain, warmth, swelling or discharge.
Redness and swelling immediately after treatment can be normal.
More concerning signs are symptoms that are getting worse instead of better, particularly spreading redness, increasing heat or pain, pus or unusual discharge, or fever.
Kalani Clinic is a Sydney-based cosmetic and skin clinic offering advanced treatments for anti-ageing, acne, pigmentation, laser, body contouring, and professional skincare for both men and women.
