Paramedical Tattooing Post-Procedure Instructions
Everything You Need To Know After Your Scar or Stretch Mark Treatment
You’ve just completed your paramedical tattooing session with Andie, and the treated area will look darker than your final result right now. This is a normal part of the healing process! Paramedical tattooing works differently from cosmetic tattooing: results develop gradually over multiple sessions, and each treatment builds on the last.
This page will walk you through what to expect as you heal and how to care for your skin between sessions.
Do you have an urgent question about your recovery?
What You Should Have At Home To Aid In Recovery:
- Hustle Butter or Alastin Healing Balm: Andie will send you home with your aftercare ointment. Apply a thin layer 2-3 times a day for the first week. If you run out, Aquaphor is a reliable backup.
- Clean, Non-Adherent Dressings: If needed, use clean non-adherent dressings to protect the treated area.
- Mineral Sunscreen: Once healed, protecting the treated area from sun exposure is critical to preserving your results. Mineral sunscreen is preferred, but the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear.
- OTC Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage any discomfort during the first day or two.
Do not pick or scratch at any flaking or scabbing skin.
Picking can disrupt pigment, slow healing and affect your overall results.
It Is Completely Normal To Experience The Following:
- Darker Initial Appearance: The treated area will look more pigmented immediately after treatment, before it lightens during healing.
- Inflammation & Redness: Mild pinkness or redness in the area is normal for up to 1 week post-treatment.
- Peeling or Scabbing: Part of the natural healing process. Allow it to resolve on its own.
- Itchiness: Itching during healing is completely normal. Do not scratch.
What You Should Avoid After Your Treatment
- Picking or scratching at any flaking or scabbing skin
- Touching the area with unwashed hands
- Makeup and fragranced lotions over the treated area for 1 week
- Retinols and exfoliants over the treated area for 1 week
- Sun exposure, heavy workouts and saunas for 1 week
- Swimming for 2 weeks
Everything You Should Do After Your Treatment
- Apply Your Aftercare Ointment: Use Hustle Butter or Alastin Healing Balm 2-3 times a day. Apply a thin layer only; over-applying can prevent the skin from breathing properly and slow healing.
- Protect the Area: Use clean, non-adherent dressings over the treated area if needed, especially during the first few days.
- Keep Hands Clean: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the treated area.
- Ice, If Needed: Cold compresses can be applied during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and soothe the area.
- Protect From the Sun: Consistent sun protection between sessions is essential. UV exposure can fade pigment and compromise your results over time.
Understanding Your Treatment Plan
Paramedical tattooing is a progressive treatment process, not a single-session procedure. Each session builds on the last, gradually improving the appearance of scars or stretch marks over time.
Timing Your Appointments to Match Your Goals & Schedule
Most patients see Andie for anywhere from 2 to 8 sessions, scheduled every 6 – 8 weeks to allow for full healing between appointments. The number of sessions needed depends on the size, depth, age and color of the area being treated, and Andie will give you a realistic picture of your individual plan during your consultation and as treatment progresses.
Results are cumulative and the improvements build meaningfully with each visit!
Contact Us Immediately If You Are Experiencing Any Of The Following Unusual Symptoms:
- Signs of Infection: Increasing redness, warmth, swelling or discharge beyond the first week should be evaluated promptly by a provider.
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Signs include hives, significant swelling or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Unusual or Persistent Scarring: If the treated area is not healing as expected between sessions, contact us so Andie can evaluate and adjust your plan.
