Tattoo Removal Aftercare Instructions (Printable Handout)

The table shows what published sources say to expect, and where each line comes from. The editor above uses the same lines. Your own protocol, device and product come first.

The AAD page says to protect treated skin from the sun for 3 months, and the best way is clothing that covers the area and blocks light completely. It shows a photo where white and yellow shirts let light through.

Most aftercare sheets say only "avoid sun." A specific number and a tip about thin clothing is something a patient can follow.

Patients ask whether a cream or a home method works as well. The AAD page repeats the FDA warning: there is no evidence that tattoo removal creams, ointments or kits remove a tattoo, and they often contain strong acids that can cause a rash, burn or permanent scar. It also warns against salabrasion, which means scrubbing salt into raw skin, because of the risk of serious infection and scarring.

The template includes this as an avoid line, so the handout answers the question before the patient has to ask.

1. Add your practice name and phone number. Both print at the top and bottom of the handout.
2. Read each line. Uncheck what does not match your protocol, rewrite what needs your wording, and fill in the blanks marked "Fill in".
3. Add your own lines for products, follow-up dates or anything specific to your devices.
4. Show it to your medical director. Then print it, save it as a PDF, or copy it as plain text for your patient portal or a text message.

Your text stays in your browser. Only the practice name and phone are saved in the page address, so you can bookmark or share the link with your team.

Once the handout is final, it works best when it goes out automatically. Prospyr's digital intake and charting keep each patient's instructions with their visit, and the med spa software page shows how the rest of the practice fits around them. For related handouts, see the laser hair removal aftercare template and the Fitzpatrick skin type quiz.

• Antibiotic names, strengths or schedules. The AAD says your provider may recommend an antibiotic ointment, and the line leaves the product for you to fill in.
• Laser type, fluence and session spacing. Those are provider decisions.
• Treatment of permanent makeup or special inks. Edit the lines for your protocol.

It is a template to review and edit with your medical director before giving it to patients. It is not medical advice, and it does not replace your provider's instructions for a specific patient.