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

Question

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?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Unfortunately,  if you received a burn after a laser hair removal then you most likely will end up with some type of scar.  You need to see a plastic surgeon to manage the burn and subsequent scar

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have laser tattoo removal to remove the remaining ink over scar tissue. I recommend having treatment with the Picosure laser as it is effective in removing 70-90% of a tattoo and works best on dark colors. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

You need medical attention to evaluate burn. Laser hair removal is normally not done over a tattoo . It sounds like you had a second degree burn which became infected. I would avoid laser hair removal until this is properly treated

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

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

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.