American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons or share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community. The views expressed in Ask a Surgeon and the Patient Community are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community or post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons. The views expressed in Ask a Surgeon and the Patient Community are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons

or share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community. The views expressed in Ask a Surgeon and the Patient Community are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community

or post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons. The views expressed in Ask a Surgeon and the Patient Community are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Tattoo Removal

Eliminate Unwanted Tattoos

Tattoo removal can be achieved in a number of ways, ranging from laser treatments, chemical peels, dermabrasion and surgical excision.

Find a Plastic Surgeon

What should I expect during my recovery after tattoo removal?

No matter which type of tattoo removal procedure you have performed, you will have a gauze bandage applied to the area after the procedure is done. Your surgeon will discuss with you how to care for the area after the procedure is done. Typically, this will require no more than washing the area daily with soap and water and applying a new gauze dressing.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

How to care for you surgical sites following the procedure
Medications to apply or to take orally to aid healing and reduce risk of infection
Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
When to follow up with your plastic surgeon

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

What medications will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after the procedure? When will they be removed?
When can I bathe or shower?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow up?

Next: Results

Latest Blogs

Ink regret: Navigating the world of tattoo removal Kayla Peterson
For generations who've spent a substantial chunk of their lives under the thrall of ink, new advancements in tattoo removal technologies might just offer them the desired reset button. Some regret earlier decisions. Others simply wish to make a fresh start. For both, the science behind laser tattoo removal has kept pace, promising less pain and more efficiency.

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Anne Taylor, MD

U.S. Board Certified

7227 North High Street #256
Worthington, OH 43085
United States

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Jason Lichten, MD

U.S. Board Certified

680 Buckles Court North Suite 2B
Columbus, OH 43230
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Fernando Colon, MD

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#149, 947 East Johnstown Road
Gahanna, OH 43230
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