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Laser hair removal burnt my tattoo? Will I be left with a scar?

slw93Oct 27, 2015
I recently went to get laser hair removal on my legs and the staff accidentally done it over the top of a tattoo I have on my ankle and now I'm in so much pain and the skin has started to peel and is bright red. Will I be left with a scar? And will it ruin my tattoo? I've never had a burn hurt this much before, will it take a while to heal?

Answers (3)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA profile photo
Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.7 | 53 Reviews
Answered on Oct 28, 2015
Answer
Dr. Monika Soni, MD
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Answered on Jun 13, 2018
Answer
1 person found this helpful
Dr. Morris Westfried, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Answered on Oct 28, 2015
Answer

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Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS

The red spots around the hair follicles indicate perifollicular edema which is normal and a sign of a therapeutic treatment. It should resolve in 24-48 hours.  If the skin feels irritated or uncomfortable, you can use over the counter hydrocortisone 1% on the legs twice daily.  Also,...

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