Worried About Scars After Tattoo Removal? Here's How to Prevent Them
Scarring and hyperpigmentation after tattoo removal come down to aftercare, not just the procedure itself. Here's a quick guide to the critical first 2 weeks — and the 6 months that follow.
Worried About Scars After Tattoo Removal?
Here's How to Prevent Them
Search for tattoo removal online and
you'll inevitably come across reviews saying,
"The tattoo came off fine — but the scar stayed."
Here's the bottom line: roughly 70% of scarring
comes down to how you care for your skin during recovery,
not the procedure itself.
The first 2 weeks, and then the following 6 months,
are the windows that make or break your results.
If you're going through this for the first time,
here's a quick breakdown of what you need to know.
The First 2 Weeks After Your Procedure
Determine Whether You Scar
Within a few days of the laser breaking down the ink,
a Scab will form and naturally fall off
If you pick at it because it's Itching,
that area becomes highly prone to
Scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Frequent contact with water or rubbing the area too hard
is equally risky.
For the first few days after your procedure, stick to gentle Face cleansing,
and hold off on makeup for about a week —
this is one of the fastest ways to reduce your risk of Scarring.
Don't skip your Moisturizing ointment or the antibiotic cream
your doctor has prescribed.
The First 6 Months Are the
Golden Window for Hyperpigmentation
The first 6 months after tattoo removal are the most important period
for smoothing out the texture of any scarring.
Keep irritation to a minimum and stay consistent with Moisturizing during this time,
and you'll notice scars gradually becoming finer and lighter.
In particular, Asian skin types — including Korean skin —
are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH),
where the treated area stays noticeably darker for an extended period.
*Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): A change in skin color
where an area that has experienced irritation or trauma
remains darker than the surrounding skin for some time.
This is more commonly observed in Asian skin types.
Rather than trying to remove everything aggressively in one go,
spreading the process across multiple sessions at a safer intensity
consistently delivers cleaner, more even results.
Skipping Sun Protection Can Undo All Your Progress
UV exposure is the number one trigger for hyperpigmentation.
Apply a Sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to the treated area every day,
and if the area is exposed to the elements, cover it with a hat or clothing.
Even a single sunburn on a vacation
can set back an entire session's worth of results.
If you know you'll be exposed to strong sunlight
within the 4 to 6 weeks between sessions,
it's best to coordinate your schedule with your medical team in advance.
This post is intended as general information only.
For your actual Recovery management, always follow the guidance
of your medical provider based on your individual skin condition
and the intensity of your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. The Scab is really Itching — what should I do?
A. Whatever you do, don't pick at it.
If the Itching is intense, gently press a cool, damp cloth against the area
or apply an extra layer of Moisturizing ointment
to help Calming the sensation.
Q. When can I go back to working out or using
the sauna after my procedure?
A. For the first 3 to 5 days after your procedure, avoid Swelling-inducing
Heat sensation and sweat as much as possible.
Hold off on intense exercise, saunas, and jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses)
until the Scab has fully fallen off on its own.
Q. If I think a Scar has already formed,
is there anything I can still do?
A. If you catch it within the first 6 months,
there's a good chance consistent use of Scar ointment
and diligent sun protection can help it fade.
For scars that have been present for over a year,
a separate Recovery laser procedure may be needed.
