Advances in laser technology mean that tattoos are no longer permanent. However, tattoo removal can have consequences, including scarring, skin discoloration, pain, and skin irritation. How do you take care of a tattoo after removal to avoid -said side effects?

You may use CBD oil for tattoo aftercare to prevent the majority of the side effects caused by laser removal. You should also get a tattoo removed by a professional, preferably a physician/dermatologist. Additionally, it is vital to follow a physician’s instructions after getting a tattoo removed. 

If you have made bad decisions or the aesthetic value of your tattoo is gone and are considering removal, below is everything you need to know about preventing tattoo removal complications using CBD oil. 

CBD oil for tattoo aftercare. 

• Avoid at-home tattoo removal chemical peels and products because they do not work. They also increase the risk of permanent skin damage and infection. 
• If you are prone to keloids, surgical, laser, and chemical peel tattoo removal can cause occurrence. Recommend avoiding any procedure that damages the skin, including getting a tattoo. 
• Tattoo removal is associated with ailments, including eczema, infection, allergic reaction, morphea, and lichen planus. We recommend following your physician’s instructions. 
• You may use CBD oil for tattoo aftercare or CBD products to manage the side effects of all tattoo removal methods. Remember, CBD oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and there is evidence that direct application to the skin hastens skin healing. 
• Religious application of CBD oil prevents scarring, discomfort, and itching and hastens healing. 

What to expect after getting a tattoo removed?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there are at least three ways to remove a tattoo, each with its own merits and demerits. Laser tattoo removal is the most popular but requires multiple sessions, and ‘tattoo ghosting’ may occur, meaning you may or may not be able to get rid of a tattoo completely. 

Laser tattoo removal: what you need to know.

• The procedure can be painful, but most patients can tolerate the laser removal and its side effects. 
• Laser removal creates an open wound, and thus proper care and hygiene should be practiced. 
• Healing can take anywhere from five days to a month, depending on the size of the tattoo.
• Compared to other methods of tattoo removal, laser removal is less invasive. 
• Some colors may resist removal or may sink deep into the skin. 

Note that if the procedure is not done right, or if the patient does not take proper care of the wound, complications, including scarring, keloids, infections, blistering, and temporary changes in skin color 

can occur. 

What to expect after laser tattoo removal?

After laser tattoo removal, it is normal to experience:

• Minor blistering.
• Itching.
• Redness.
• Inflammation.

The skin should also feel sensitive and tender. Pain may or may not occur. Too much pain is an indicator that something is not right.  You should thus consult a physician or dermatologist, especially if it is accompanied by signs of infection. 

You know that there is an issue if the symptoms above persist beyond two to three weeks without improvement.

Related: Can I use cannabidiol after laser tattoo removal

Surgical tattoo removal.

Direct excision of a tattoo is possible, but the procedure has a high-risk of scarring, keloids, and pain. Consequently, it is recommended that you only excise small tattoos. The procedure involved removing a layer of the skin, meaning it can be painful, and healing will last longer -compared to laser removal. 

Surgical tattoo removal: what to remember. 

• Surgical excision usually requires the use of anesthesia. 
• You must practice proper tattoo aftercare.
• Without proper care, there is the risk of infection, keloids, and other complications. 

Tattoo excision via chemical peels or abrasion. 

The problem with chemical peels is they only fade ink on the upper surface of the skin. Depending on how deep the tattoo is, chemical peels are the least effective removal method. 

Chemicals, they can cause side effects, including:

• Permanent skin damage or scarring. 
• Bleeding.
• Infection. 
• Skin discoloration.
• Bruising. 
• Swelling

It is also possible to use abrasive agents, including salt, to fade tattoos, but the risks are plenty.

What is CBD oil for tattoo aftercare, and how to use it for tattoo removal?

Applying CBD oil directly to a tattoo will not fade it. 

There is evidence that CBD may improve the aesthetic value of a tattoo, especially when mixed with coconut oil.  

To remove a tattoo, you must undergo a procedure of your choosing. 

We recommend:

• Consult with a dermatologist. The idea is to understand your options and the consequences. You may also get recommendations from friends or family who have undergone procedures. 
• avoid back-alley treatments that do more harm than good. Recommend not using back alley chemical peels or other dangerous methods such as cutting. 

Related: What to do after chemical or surgical tattoo removal.

Why use CBD oil after tattoo removal?

Post-procedure, you are likely to have an open wound. an open wound is problematic in that it can introduce microorganisms into the body, and if it does not heal properly, you could suffer permanent skin damage. 

To avoid that, you should:

• Treat the ‘normal side effects’ of tattoo removal using CBD oil, antibiotic ointment, and petroleum jelly. The goal is threefold (1) to keep the damaged area from drying (CBD oil and body butter are good moisturizers and form a protective layer on the skin). (2) prevent infection (you may use petroleum jelly, or warm petroleum jelly, mix it with CBD oil, then apply). (3) prevent scarring by gently massaging CBD oil on the affected area. 

Dermatologists recommend doing the following after getting a tattoo removed.

• Do not pick at scabs, peels, or blisters that form, especially if you are prone to keloids. The risks are infection and permanent damage. What you must do is give your skin time to heal. Depending on the removal method, it should take six to eight weeks for the affected area to heal. You know that the skin is healed if you no longer exhibit any of the symptoms above. 
• Avoid sun exposure. Exposing removed tattoos to the sun can cause an allergic reaction or photosensitivity. There is also the risk of sunburn. What you must do is keep treated skin out of direct sunlight by wearing protective clothing or using sunscreen. If you develop photosensitivity, you may apply CBD oil or butter to prevent or relieve inflammation, pain, itchiness, and dryness. 
• Wash treated skin using antimicrobial soap at least once per day. Apply CBD oil or butter to keep the skin moist. Remember, dryness makes skin easy to damage and increases the risk of infection. 

Can CBD oil treat infected treated skin?

Multiple studies suggest that CBD oil can destroy antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. However, if an infection spreads, CBD is unlikely to yield any benefits. Consequently, use CBD oil as a preventative measure for infections, by applying it directly to treat recently tattooed or treated skin. 

Remember, infections, if left unchecked, can be fatal. The signs of infection are:

• Pus/pus-filled lesions or pimples.
• Scabbing.
• Inflammation and pain. 
• Slow healing (see a physician if a wound does not heal within a week).

Immediate care is necessary if you exhibit symptoms, including nausea, spreading inflammation or redness, red streaks from a wound, fever, or chills.