Will laser hair removal effect my tattoo?

Question

My tattoo is located on my lower arm just after my wrist and I am planning on getting laser all over my arms. I just want to know if the laser hair removal will hurt my tattoo or if I should be concerned about fading or blistering ?

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Laser is a very efficient way of getting rid of unwanted hair, however, it can permanently damage your tattoo and even make its color fade away noticeably. This happens because lasers target the black pigments in your tattoo and cause the pigments to scatter. You can get laser hair removal around your tattoo and find alternative hair removal procedures for the tattooed area.

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would consult with an experienced provider and mention your concern. They may recommend against treating the area as it could damage your tattoo. In any event, they would have to be very careful during treatment.

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. You can not treat an area that is tattooed. The provider will need to treat around the tattoo. Please discuss this with them and determine if this is something you’re ok with. Good luck!

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Yes, it is very likely that the laser used for hair removal can affect your tattoo and make it fade or go away, in addition to higher risk of a burn. So please remind your clinicians to pay extra attention and avoid going over it with laser. I hope it helps and good luck!

Stephen Giordano, DO · Answer

Hi Prettypeony2018, thank you for the question!Laser hair removal is great for the reduction of unwanted hair, not so great in the presence of tattoos. Tattoos are nothing but pigment, so the laser would be attracted to the ink on the tattooed skin. With a laser hair removal device, the laser does not target the actual hair, but rather the pigment in the hair. This is why the procedure is less likely to work on those who have light hair. If the skin is tattooed, the laser is going to attack the pigment of the tattoo. When the laser attacks the pigment in the tattoo, it could possibly cause burns or blistering. Not only will the tattoo be ruined, but it may also result in a painful experience.

Lynn M. Klein, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi there, thanks for your question. Laser hair removal is not recommended over an area covered by a tattoo, since the laser could affect the quality of your tattoo, as well as increase the risk of complications. Your laser technician will have to perform LHR around your tattoo, so that area won’t respond to the treatment. If you’re still interested in moving forward, be sure to voice your concerns during your consultation so you get the best possible results.

Patricia Faraz, MD · Answer

Hello Prettypeony2018,You do not want to do laser hair removal over the tattooed area. The laser is attracted to pigment, not only will it ruin your tattoo it can also cause burns to the skin.Best to you,

Colin Campey, MBBS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, lasers used for laser hair removal differ fromthose used for tattoo removal. There would be risks of blistering and damaging thetattoo. Please ask your treating technician to avoid the tattoo, which anexperienced technician would be sure to do. Regards, Dr Campey

Will laser hair removal effect my tattoo?

Answers (8)

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