Can I remove my tattoo, get laser hair removal, then make the same tattoo again?

Question

I have a tattoo on my left arm, back and chest. The tattoo is just black lines and I want to remove my body hair with laser but I can't because of the tattoo so I was wondering if I could remove the tattoo do the laser hair removal then make the tattoo again.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. You can get treated for laser hair removal while avoiding your current tattoo, then have a tattoo removal treatment, separately. Settings on the lasers used will vary between treatments, you do not want to get treated all at once. After a tattoo is removed, the area can be re-tattooed. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

If done correctly you should have no problems removing a tattoo, getting laser hair removal, and then re-tattooing as desired.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If a tattoo remains the laser hair removal will burn the skin. I suggest seeing an expert for the appropriate treatment option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! This is not a great idea since it will require a lot of time and money, but it will not yield permanent results. Let’s say that you will need 6 treatments with Picosure to remove your tattoo which will take about 7 to 10 months, depending how your provider spaces out the treatments. Afterwards you would have to wait for your skin to heal. Then you would start your hair removal process which would probably take few months as well. Laser hair removal is not permanent so you will eventually need touchups. If you have your tattoo done again, you will not be able to do touchups and your hair will regrow, not in the same consistency though. Maybe you can look into getting laser removal done avoiding your tattoo area. To discuss your options I suggest you to make an appointment with experienced provider. Best of luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

This is not a great idea since it will require a lot of time and money, but it will not yield permanent results. Let’s say that you will need 6 treatments with Picosure to remove your tattoo which will take about 7 to 10 months, depending how your provider spaces out the treatments. Afterwards you would have to wait for your skin to heal. Then you would start your hair removal process which would probably take few months as well. Laser hair removal is not permanent so you will eventually need touchups. If you have your tattoo done again, you will not be able to do touchups and your hair will regrow, not in the same consistency though. Maybe you can look into getting laser removal done avoiding your tattoo area. To discuss your options I suggest you to make an appointment with experienced provider. Good luck!

Joseph Doumit, MD · Answer

You can start by removing your tattoo, wait for the healing of the skin, and then you can do hair removal. Once the treatments finished you can do your tattoo. However, since hair removal is not completely permanent you may need to do maintenance. Maybe you can re-do your tattoo in an area where you don’t need to do hair removal.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is the only way to get treated for the hair. The laser for hair removal will cause a burn if used over the tattoo. It seems like a significant amount of money and time to get the hair removed though.

Can I remove my tattoo, get laser hair removal, then make the same tattoo again?

Answers (7)

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