Can You Get Laser Hair Removal over a Tattoo?

Question

I am going in for a Brazilian and I have pink star tattoos with a black outline in that area. Can laser hair removal be done over a tattoo? I actually don't mind if the tattoo gets ruined, I could always have it redone, I just don't want to do anything that would hurt or damage my skin

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Laser will destroy the tattoo.I would recommend to avoid the tattoo when doing the laser hair removal. Since lasers are looking for pigment, the light will get attracted not only to the hair but to the pigment in the tattoo. If the laser gets on the tattoo will not only remove the pigment but it will blister and it may scar.  To be safe you can cover the tattoo with a band aid and let the technician know to be careful and stay away from that area.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

There are many types of lasers for hair removal, but most them do not penetrate the skin. A tattoo laser has to be pretty aggressive to remove the tattoo, so lasers for hair removal usually don't affect tattoos. If it does, you can always have the tattoo touched up. Be sure to discuss these questions with the person who is performing your procedures

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Depending upon the type of laser used for hair removal, this could cause the tattoo to fade or even be partially removed. It is also possible more heat can be absorbed in the skin and it is possible to have scarring since the laser looks for pigment and depending upon the type of laser device used, there is a risk to injury of the skin. Good luck in your decision.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Referrals from your family doctor are not necessary for laser hair or tattoo removal unless you suffer from certain conditions that would require consultation with an expert as well as with your family doctor. Nevertheless, if wanting to have laser or hair removal done, it is necessary to consult an expert and have it done by certified provider. Either way, cosmetic procedure such as laser hair and tattoo removals are not covered by insurance. Best of luck!

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal devices are searching for pigment and can therefore laser the pigment it finds in the tattoo. This can cause damage to the skin including burning, blistering, hypopigmenting, or hyperpigmenting, etc. For this reason you are not able to get laser hair removal over a tattoo. It is important that you let your laser technician know that you have a tattoo in the area to be lasered prior to treatment. At my facility, laser providers are trained to keep a safe distance between the lasered area and the tattoo. Prior to any treatment you meet with both a nurse practitioner and laser provider to document any areas where a tattoo is present and to clear you as a candidate for laser hair removal. At this time you are also able to go over any questions or concerns you may have. Your safety is our highest priority. You may wish to find a laser center equipped with multiple lasers for hair removal and a laser for tattoo removal as evidence of their experience and knowledge of lasers.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

I highly recommend lasering around the tattoo and make sure not to get too close. It will not only ruin the tattoo but can also badly burn you, turning into a scar. The technician doing your laser hair treatment should warn you of the danger of doing so.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for you question. Hair lasers go after pigment, they can not distinguish between hair and tattoos; treating over an area that has a tattoo will severely burn the area (most likely removing the color) and will leave possible scars on the skin. I would recommend having your technician laser around them to remove a majority of the hair and then shaving or waxing the areas you aren't able to laser once you are finished with your laser treatment sessions. -Best wishes

Stephen Mandy, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal works on the basis that the laser targets the pigment in the tattoo and passes through normal skin with no damage. But when a laser hits pigment in the skin, it will impart its energy and do damage, removing the pigment in the tattoo. Unless you want to get rid of the tattoo, don't do it.

Cheryl Lee Eberting, MD · Answer

Lasers look for pigment, not hair. If you are getting LHR and you have dark pigment from a tatoo, you can have traumatic burns when the laser is pulsed to the skin. Depending on the location, the technician can place a template over the tatoo to focus on the rest of the area and AVOID the black or dark colored area. P.S. Moles can have the same results.

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