I got laser hair removal near a tattoo. It blistered, got darker and is now very sore. Is this a burn? Is it infected? (photos)

Question

Had a laser hair treatment on my Brazilian area. I have a large black tattoo around my thigh. On the way home, a portion of the tattoo felt hot. I called the service provider who advised me to ice the area. I did and the next day it blistered. The blister popped and now the area is much darker. It feels itchy and sore. I'm not sure what to do. the provider has admitted the laser must have touched the tattoo but seems surprised. Should the tattoo have been covered? Will i have permanent damage?

Richard Bloy, MD, FACOG · Answer

Laser hair removal devices use energy that is attracted to pigment in the hair, but also pigment in general. It is not so much that the tattoo needed to be covered, but is important to stay clear a good inch or so distance from the tattoo so that the wavelength doesn’t reach the tattoo and heat does not dissipate and hit the tattoo. Often patients want to treat nearest to the tattoo that they can but maintaining a safe distance is vital for your safety. If the tattoo was hit with the laser or received the energy and blistered, take good care of it until it heals, then you can assess the damage to the tattoo if any change results. You should heal well and be ok but the tattoo may be affected. Good luck!

I got laser hair removal near a tattoo. It blistered, got darker and is now very sore. Is this a burn? Is it infected? (photos)

Answers (1)

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I got laser hair removal near a tattoo. It blistered, got darker and is now very sore. Is this a burn? Is it infected? (photos)

Answers (1)

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