Tattoo Removal Near Cambridge

How Take Care of Your Skin Before (and After) Tattoo Removal

November 20, 2025

At Worthy Skin & Beauty Bar, we’re all about getting you the best results—safely. And tattoo removal near Cambridge is no different. 😌

If you’re looking to fade a tattoo you no longer love, our PicoSure® Pro for tattoo removal delivers results faster and with less downtime than traditional tattoo removal lasers.

But to keep you and your skin safe, following pre- and post-care instructions is key. Here’s a look into what to expect on how to take care of your skin before and after tattoo removal.

Before Tattoo Removal

If it’s your first tattoo removal session, your practitioner walks you through the consent process and chats about your treatment plan. After that, future visits start with a quick check-in to make sure you’re good to go.

Before each treatment session, make sure to:

Avoid certain medications: Anti-inflammatory medications (such as Advil) and antibiotics can interfere with the healing process. Discontinue taking these medications 3 to 4 days before treatment.
Use only gentle skincare products: Do not use harsh skincare products or topical irritants in the treatment area 2 to 3 days prior (for example: physical scrubs, chemical exfoliants, or vitamin C). Also avoid use of retinoids in the treatment area 1 week before.
Keep the area covered: Stay out of the sun for 1 week before treatment, taking care to keep the treatment area covered when you go outside. You cannot be excessively tanned or sunburnt, since this can make your skin too sensitive.
Avoid tanning: Do not use any self-tanning products 2 to 3 weeks prior (ensure it is fully removed in the treatment area before your appointment).
Wait to book other procedures: Don’t schedule any other cosmetic treatments within 2 weeks of your appointment—such as injectables, tattoos, or microneedling—that could irritate the skin.

A provider uses the handheld PicoSure device for tattoo removal near Cambridge as a client reclines comfortably, the tattoo removal appointment going smoothly after she followed pre-care instructions.

After Tattoo Removal

After tattoo removal near Cambridge, we cover your tattoo with Vaseline and a sterile dressing.

As it heals, make sure to:

Change the dressing once a day: Clean your tattoo with warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, allow it to dry, and apply a thin layer of Vaseline before covering the skin once again.
Keep the tattoo clean and covered: Do not pick your skin and avoid friction from clothing. Blistering is normal and will heal within 1 to 2 weeks.
Avoid heat and intense exercise: Stay away from swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, hot yoga, etc. until the skin is fully healed.
Avoid taking antibiotics: Discontinue antibiotics (or other contraindicating medications) 2 weeks post-treatment.
Wait to book other procedures: Don’t schedule cosmetic treatments for 2 weeks after your appointment, such as injectables, tattoos, microneedling, etc.