Can you have laser resurfacing in an area that you have a tattoo (that you don't want to remove)?

Question

Is it possible to have laser resurfacing if you have a tattoo, without removing the tattoo or likely causing scarring? Presumably the tattoo will be deeper than the resurfacing lasers go?

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Tattoo removal is targeted at the pigment that is in the skin. Laser resurfacing should not effect the tattoo, but it may depend on the depth that they resurface. I would have an in person evaluation to see the coloring of the tattoo and see if it is an option.

Alicia Sanderson, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The pigment of a tattoo is deposited deep in the skin.  To remove a tattoo you need a high energy laser designed to target the specific color of the tattoo (there are different lasers for different colors).  Laser resurfacing to improve skin quality typically has a different target and should not have any effect on a tattoo.  I would recommend consultation with a board certified physician to discuss options for treatment.  Good luck!

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question! Depends on the laser type and the depth. Tattoo can cause burns and therefore scarring or tattoo damage but it really depends on a variety of factors. Is it possible to edit your question with more detail? Thanks! Best of luck!

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

Where is the tattoo and what areas are being resurfaced? On the face its primarily lip and eyelid tattoo which are NOT disrupted by laser resurfacing. I use erbium resurfacing to remove some very difficult facial tattoos but you need to go very deep. Off the face the depths used for resurfacing will not disrupt tattoo pigment

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

It is not advisable to laser over a tattoo. Many lasers are attracted to color or pigment   in which case can cause a burn. Some lasers such as those that are fractionated are attracted to water are safer but overall any laser has the potential to cause a burn and disrupt the features of the tattoo.

Daniel Baber, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thanks for the interesting question.
Most tattoo removal devices use wavelengths in the visible spectrum, or colors we can see with our eyes. Erbium can be controlled very precisely and loves superficial water. We use the Dynamis that allows for micro adjustments of depth. Also CO2 is much further away from the visual spectrum, and can be safe, but the depth of injury is not as well controlled and may disrupt the color or visibility of the tattoo. NdYAG, diode lasers, and IPL devices will all be attracted to the colors of the tattoo so they can burn you or disrupt the tattoo for sure. If you love your tattoo, and want to have resurfacing, the only laser I would use is a superficial Erbium laser. If you don't care much about it then CO2 is fine as well. I have seen permanent tattoo ink that had faded with time but when hit with a laser change the color of the ink, but those have been NdYAG lasers. Ultimately, it will be up to your provider to discuss the risks with you. I hope this was helpful, and I wish you the best.

Can you have laser resurfacing in an area that you have a tattoo (that you don't want to remove)?

Answers (6)

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