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Tattoo Removal Aftercare: Tips for Smooth Healing

Tattoo Removal by W Aesthetics and Wellness in Bend, OR

Thinking About Removing a Tattoo? Here’s What You Should Know

Tattoo regret is more common than you might think. Whether it’s a design that no longer fits your lifestyle or a piece that didn’t age well, more people, especially those between 18 and 35, are seeking tattoo removal today than ever before. The rise in laser tattoo removal services reflects that shift. And while technology has made removal safer and more effective, what happens after your session is just as important as the treatment itself.

If you’re considering or have already started your tattoo fading laser treatment, knowing how to care for your skin post-session can make a big difference in your recovery and results. This guide from W Aesthetics & Wellness, a trusted tattoo removal clinic in Bend, walks you through practical aftercare strategies to support smooth healing and protect your skin.

Why Aftercare Matters: It’s Not Just About Comfort

After a non-surgical tattoo removal session, your skin goes through a natural healing process. The laser targets and breaks down ink particles, which your body then clears away over time. However, the treated area can feel sensitive, appear red or swollen, and be more prone to infection or irritation if not properly cared for.

Following aftercare instructions helps:

  • Reduce the risk of infection
  • Prevent scabbing or scarring
  • Promote even ink fading
  • Maintain skin health throughout multiple sessions

By giving your skin the attention it needs post-treatment, you’re more likely to get results that align with your goals—full removal or preparation for a cover-up.

What to Expect Right After Treatment

Immediately after a laser tattoo removal session, it’s normal to experience:

  • Redness and swelling around the tattoo site
  • Mild blistering (this can occur within the first 24 hours)
  • Tenderness or itchiness as the skin begins to heal
  • Scabbing or crusting over the area in the following days

These reactions are temporary and part of the healing process. Most people find symptoms ease within a week, but complete skin recovery may take longer, depending on your immune system and the tattoo’s characteristics.

Key Reminder: Avoid picking at scabs or peeling skin—this can lead to scarring and interfere with fading results.

Do’s and Don’ts for Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Here’s how to support smoother healing between your tattoo removal sessions:

Do: Keep the Area Clean and Dry

Wash the treated area with mild soap and cool water 24 hours after your session. Pat dry with a clean towel—never rub. Keep the area dry for the first few days unless otherwise instructed by your provider.

Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Aquaphor or Bacitracin) as directed. It prevents infection and keeps the skin moisturized.

Do: Protect the Skin from Sun Exposure

After tattoo removal, your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight. Cover the area with loose clothing and avoid direct sun for at least two weeks after treatment. Once the skin has healed, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly.

Do: Stay Hydrated and Rested

Your body’s immune system is responsible for clearing ink particles. To support internal healing, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and rest adequately.

Don’t: Pick, Scratch, or Pop Blisters

It can be tempting to touch the treated area, especially if it feels itchy, but this increases the chance of infection and scarring.

Don’t: Soak the Area

Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and long baths for at least a week. Stick to quick showers and avoid submerging the treated site.

Don’t: Apply Harsh Products

Skip retinoids, exfoliants, or fragranced lotions until the skin is fully healed. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products only.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Laser tattoo removal sessions depend on several factors:

  • Tattoo size and location
  • Ink color and depth
  • Your skin tone and type
  • How your body processes the ink fragments

Most clients require 6-10 treatments, about 6-8 weeks apart, for maximum fading or complete removal. Some ink colors, like green and blue, may take longer to break down, while black ink often responds the fastest.

Working with a licensed professional, like those at W Aesthetics & Wellness, ensures that your treatment plan is customized to your skin and tattoo type for the best tattoo removal outcome.

What Can Impact Healing and Fading Results?

Not everyone heals at the same pace. Here are a few things that can influence how well your skin responds post-treatment:

  • Smoking: Slows circulation and can delay ink clearance
  • Poor hydration: Makes it harder for the lymphatic system to remove ink fragments
  • Sun exposure: Can cause pigmentation issues or irritation
  • Skin picking: Increases the risk of permanent marks or uneven fading
  • Underlying skin conditions: May require adjustments to your treatment plan

Don’t hesitate to contact your provider with any concerns or unexpected symptoms between sessions.

Trust Local Experts for Tattoo Removal in Bend, OR

Regarding tattoo removal, finding the right clinic in Bend, OR, means more than finding someone with the right equipment. At W Aesthetics & Wellness, we offer proven non-surgical tattoo removal using Q-Switch laser technology. This method targets ink, promoting safer removal with less risk of scarring or discoloration.

Our team is here to guide you through your sessions and the healing process. With each visit, we prioritize your comfort and results, giving you the confidence to move forward—whether clearing space for a new design or saying goodbye to tattoos for good.

Services that You May Find Helpful For Your Tattoo Removal Aftercare

RF Microneedling

RF Microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, tighten skin, and improve overall texture. This treatment can be particularly beneficial after tattoo removal to enhance skin rejuvenation and address any textural irregularities.

SkinTyte™ Skin Tightening

SkinTyte™ utilizes infrared light to stimulate collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer skin. This treatment can be advantageous after tattoo removal to improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Ready to Start Fresh?

Tattoo removal involves both professional treatment and personal care. With proper aftercare, you can reduce discomfort, support healthy healing, and see more consistent fading over time. Whether this is your first session or you’re planning, taking these steps seriously can help you achieve the results you’re hoping for.

If you’re looking for the best tattoo removal service backed by experienced professionals, W Aesthetics & Wellness offers expert-led tattoo removal in Bend, OR, tailored to your skin and goals. We’re here to support you at every step of your removal journey.

Book a tattoo removal session today and take the first step toward clear, confident skin.

Contact us if you have questions about laser tattoo removal, want to know what to expect during treatment, or need guidance on the proper aftercare steps. You can call our office, message us through our website, or stop by our clinic in Bend, OR. At W Aesthetics & Wellness, we’re committed to making your experience as informed, safe, and effective as possible.

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Zoey Steele

Intern

Zoey brings a warm and welcoming presence to W Aesthetics & Wellness as our dedicated intern. With a strong background in customer service and a passion for helping others, she’s currently working toward her goal of attending nursing school in Louisiana. At W, Zoey supports our team in a variety of essential roles, from checking in patients and scheduling appointments to assisting with the day-to-day flow of the office. Her commitment to creating a seamless and positive experience for every patient makes her an invaluable part of our team.

Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Zoey is deeply connected to the local community and brings that same sense of care and authenticity into every interaction. Her interest in the medical field, paired with her compassionate nature, fuels her drive to one day become a nurse and continue making a difference in people’s lives.

Outside of the office, you can find Zoey spending time with friends and family, boating on the lake, or floating the river during Bend’s sunny summer days.

Brianna Knipe, MA

Medical Assistant

Bri’s career began as a surgical dental assistant, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and precision. Her passion for making others feel confident and beautiful led her to the field of aesthetics, where she now thrives at W Aesthetics & Wellness. Bri is dedicated to helping patients feel rejuvenated, empowered, and confident through advanced skincare and aesthetic treatments.

Bri assists during a variety of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, skin rejuvenation procedures, and more. Known for her calming presence and attention to detail, she ensures that every patient feels comfortable, informed, and truly cared for throughout their treatment experience.

When she’s not assisting during treatments, Bri enjoys spending time by the lake, nurturing her garden, and spoiling her two hound dogs. Her down-to-earth energy and genuine passion for her work shine through in every patient interaction, making her a trusted partner in your aesthetic journey.

Breanne Gumaskas, BSN, RN

Nurse Injector

Born and raised in Ventura, California, Bre relocated to Oregon in 2008 and made the stunning southwestern coast her home. After completing nursing school in 2016, Bre honed her skills as a surgical nurse, where her deep understanding of anatomy and sharp attention to detail were finely tuned. In 2019, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University and, in January 2022, became a certified Aesthetics Nurse Injector.

Now based in Central Oregon, Bre is thrilled to be part of this vibrant community. She offers a wide range of aesthetic treatments and is known for blending her medical expertise with a keen artistic eye. Bre takes a personalized approach to every patient, focusing on subtle, natural results that enhance each individual’s unique features. Her goal is always to help you feel confident and rejuvenated, while educating you on every step of your treatment process.

Bre is proud to work alongside the talented team at W Aesthetics, where together, they focus on achieving the best possible results and making every patient feel their absolute best.

When she’s not working her magic in the clinic, Bre enjoys exploring all that Central Oregon has to offer, whether it’s snowboarding, swimming, hiking, camping, or catching a live music show. She treasures spending time with loved ones and embracing the beauty of her new home.

Holly Decker MSN, RN

Nurse Injector

Holly is a dedicated and highly skilled nurse injector who recently joined W Aesthetics & Wellness, bringing years of experience and a deep passion for aesthetic medicine. Before moving to Bend, she trained under a plastic surgeon, honing her expertise in injectables. With nearly seven years in the operating room at St. Charles, she had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Jacobson and Cody Manriquez while earning her Master of Science in Nursing. 
 
Now, as a full-time aesthetic provider, Holly is thrilled to focus on what she loves most- helping patients enhance their natural beauty and feel their most confident. She believes in highlighting the unique features that make each person shine from within. 
 
Outside the clinic, Holly enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their beloved dog, Chumley.

Brittany Perez

Patient Care Coordinator

With a strong background in customer service and a genuine passion for helping people achieve their best skin, Brittany brings warmth and expertise to every patient interaction. As a Certified Advanced Esthetician and former esthetic business owner, she has a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for skincare solutions. 

In her free time, she loves hanging out with her daughter and her husband and exploring new restaurants around Bend, Oregon. 

Katie Gifford

Patient Care Coordinator

With her extensive background in customer service and a genuine passion for helping people, Katie is here to make every step of your journey with us seamless and enjoyable. You’ll see her shining face at the front desk, ready to assist with scheduling and ensuring your aesthetic goals come to life!

When she’s not busy making magic happen at W Aesthetics & Wellness, Katie loves spending time with her dog and boyfriend.

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