Do you need to know does laser hair removal affect tattoos? There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on several factors, including the type of laser used, the ink used in the tattoo, and the depth of the tattoo. Some people report that their tattoos become lighter or fade after laser hair removal, while others say there is no change. Check out this article to learn more about laser hair removal and its effect on tattoos.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Impact Regions That Have Been Tattooed?
What happens if laser hair removal hits a tattoo?
Unwanted hair is removed using laser technology by focusing a light beam. The pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs the laser light emitted during laser hair removal.
The laser used in laser hair removal penetrates deeply into the layers of your skin because it is drawn to the pigment in your hair follicle. The laser cannot distinguish between the pigment in your hair follicles and the pigment in the ink when laser hair removal is done over a tattoo.
The pigment in your tattoo may scatter or lose some of its colors if the laser is directed at that region.
Can You Do Laser Hair Removal Over Tattoos?
The quick response is no. Even if you want to remove the tattoo tomorrow, trained laser specialists will advise you against using laser hair removal on top of a tattoo.
In addition to distorting your tattoo, inappropriate lasering on inked skin might result in burns, blisters, or skin damage. Laser hair removal equipment is not intended to erase tattoos.
Preparation is the best course of action. In the region where you want your tattoo, schedule a complete course of laser hair removal. An added advantage is that your tattoo will seem much more amazing on a smooth canvas!
Why Is Laser Hair Removal Not Recommended Over Tattoos?
There is a rational reason why professionals advise patients to avoid laser hair removal on tattooed body regions. The pigment in the hair and hair follicles attracts the laser used for hair removal, absorbing the laser energy. To prevent hair regeneration, it kills the hair follicles.
It works best on fair skin that hasn't been tanned, burned, or tattooed. The laser is drawn to the ink since tattoos are stored in our skin as pigments. This excessive heat generation from the laser might have harmful effects. In addition to hurting, it can also result in burns, fading, or even deformation of the body art.
It may result in blisters that take a long time to cure and irreversible tattoo damage. Thus, to prevent any adverse reactions from the ink, the artists must carefully work around the tattoo. As a result, you should seek the advice of a skilled specialist who can carry out the treatment precisely.
It is best to turn around if someone tells you to go differently since they are just taking advantage of you. As previously stated, there is no way that the hair removal laser won't impact the tattoo.
After Laser Hair Removal, Is It Possible To Get A Tattoo?
After the laser hair removal, you will need to wait a few weeks before getting your tattoo. This allows the skin to recuperate because laser hair removal damages the hair follicles, which must have time to repair. So let's talk about your possibilities after getting a tattoo.
Location
Where the tattoo is placed is one of the essential things to ask if you're considering laser hair removal and have tattoos. You shouldn't have any problems with laser hair removal if you have a tattoo on your ribcage.
Huge tattoos in places where hair growth is inescapable, like on your arms if you have sleeve tattoos, on your back, on your legs, or in less obvious locations!
Using a tattoo cover-up for laser hair removal
If you still want to get rid of hair using lasers but have a tattoo, skilled technicians can cover the tattoo and then focus on the surrounding region, often leaving 2-3 cm between the tattoo and the laser-treated skin.
You'll be alright if the laser stays away from the tattoo. You might ask the artist to draw a white circle around the tattoo as an added measure. Plasters and medical tape are not required.
Be advised, however, that while utilizing this procedure may lessen the tattoo's color, the skin may still be damaged. Finding a skilled professional you can believe in is the most crucial thing you can do.
How Do You Remove Hair, And How Does It Effect My Tattoo?
Targeting the melanin or pigment in the skin with specific light wavelengths is how laser hair removal works.
The hair follicle is attacked by this light radiation, which stops the hair from regrowing. Lasers cannot distinguish between tattoo ink and hair follicles with dark pigment.
For a laser, a dark color is a dark color. Automatically, laser light is pulled to the dark color to obliterate it. Unfortunately, no laser hair technology can now distinguish between the two, although it could exist in the future.
laser hair removal's impact on tattoos
The laser would have difficulty locating the pigment in the hair if laser hair removal was done over a tattoo since there would be pigment nearby, confounding the laser.
Thus, you have the dual consequence of ineffective laser hair removal and laser exposure to tattooed skin, which may result in severe scarring or long-term skin problems. Awful all around.
Additionally, several lasers are utilized for both hair removal and tattoo removal. How about the IPL?
Can You Use IPL On Tattoos?
IPL aren't considered to be lasers. In essence, they function as full-spectrum flashlamps. Similar to a camera flash. They are effective in treating rosacea and sunspots, among other skin disorders.
Not as successful as laser hair removal. You have the same problems with your tattoos as with IPL; hence we do not advise IPL for laser hair removal.
What Should I Do If I Have A Tattoo And Want Laser Hair Removal?
Many clients who picked amateurs for the operation left the clinics with skin that was badly scorched and could not be reinked. You must speak with a skilled and experienced laser hair removal professional and tell them about your tattoos well before the procedure starts to protect yourself from such terrible mishaps.
The hair on the tattooed region can still be removed by shaving, while the laser removes the hair on the surrounding parts. Additionally, you don't need to worry too much if it is a little tattoo because a template may hide it.
You might not be a good candidate for laser hair removal in Melbourne if the tattoo is large and covers the full arm.
FAQs
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is a method of permanent hair reduction that can reduce hair growth by up to 90%. It functions through selective photothermolysis, an optical method that uses a laser to eliminate tissues in particular locations.
Many clients choose this technique since it targets specific follicles to stop further hair growth without damaging nearby tissues.
Can Laser Hair Removal Remove My Tattoos?
Lasers are used in both laser hair removal and laser tattoo removal. This implies that by dissolving the ink particles, the hair removal process might disrupt your tattoos and perhaps permanently harm them.
It may seem alluring to utilize laser hair removal to remove your tattoos, but remember that different lasers of differing intensities are used during the procedures.
Can I Still Get Laser Treatment If I Have Tattoos?
Even if you have tattoos, laser hair removal is still an option. However, the placement of your tattoo affects how well the therapy works. For instance, if you undergo laser hair removal on your upper lip, a tattoo on your rib will have no effect.
On the other hand, having laser hair removal done on a portion of your body with a tattoo might be challenging. Generally, leave at least two to three centimeters between your tattoo and the treatment region.
What Choices Do I Have For Hair Removal If I Already Have Tattoos?
There are still possibilities if you already have tattoos and have made the decision to have laser hair removal as well. A tattoo won't hinder the armpit hair removal procedure on your forearm.
The issue arises if you have a tattoo on your thigh and opt to get laser hair removal for your entire leg. Your tattoo will be covered with a template with an appropriate-sized buffer to protect you and your ink, depending on its size and location.
We can laser the region, but you'll still need to utilize other hair removal methods on the untreated area, such as shaving.
Laser Hair Removal Or Tattoo: Which Is Worse?
An elastic band breaking on the skin is a common way to describe the pain or feeling following laser hair removal.
The agony is a night and day contrast from getting a tattoo. Laser hair removal is much less painful than getting a tattoo.
However, with both, it also matters where part of the body is experiencing the most discomfort.
Is Laser Hair Removal Possible Without Harming The Tattoo?
Yes, but the process is challenging.
To prevent the tattooed region from coming into contact with the laser, the laser technician must create a template that covers it. Additionally, they will ensure a minimum of two to three centimeters between the treated areas and the tattoo.
This keeps the artwork safe and lowers the possibility of getting blisters.
I believe this response. Will laser hair removal harm a tattoo?
There are no concerns if you want your underarm hair removed and have a tattoo on your arm, for instance. A skilled specialist will prevent the laser from going directly over your tattoo and damaging it if you want hair removed from the same region as your tattoo.
Without a template to cover it, laser hair removal cannot be done over the tattoo; instead, the laser must maneuver around it.
Can People With Tattoos Still Receive Laser Therapy?
Patients with tattoos can still have laser hair removal, yes. The treatment's viability will first rely on where the tattoo is located. For instance, your tattoo on your forearms won't be damaged if you opt to laser your underarms despite having one. The upper lip or Brazilian laser hair removal will not be affected by a tattoo on the thigh, and vice versa.
It could be more difficult if you want laser hair removal on a portion of your body with tattoos. For instance, you could want to get rid of undesirable body hair from your lower legs because you have a tattoo on the back of your calf.
The technician will have to maneuver around your tattoo in this case. To prevent harm or change, the laser must avoid your ink.
To preserve the tattoo and lower the chance of blisters and burning, two to three centimeters should be between the treated areas and the tattoo. As waxing and shaving do not affect tattoos, you might need to use different techniques to remove the hair on the tattoo.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe On Tattoos?
Contrary to popular belief, IPL laser hair removal on tattoos happens often. We assure you this is an unpleasant error for your skin and the tattoo's aesthetics.
The good news is that you may safely laser the tattoo's surrounding area and, if you can, cover it. If you have a little tattoo, we advise bandaging it up. If your tattoo is larger, it is also safe to laser around it; just make sure there is adequate distance between each laser flash and the tattoo.
Is Laser Hair Removal The Same As Tattoo Removal?
No, and again, neither normal nor IPL laser hair removal and tattoo removal using entirely distinct technology and are thus not comparable. You must effectively remove a laser tattoo from your body before having laser hair removal on the same skin area. You won't be able to do laser hair removal on the region until your skin has fully recovered.
Conclusion
The answer to the question "Will laser hair removal ruin tattoos?" is that it does. You risk burning and blistering your skin, which takes a long time to cure. As a result, stay as far away from laser hair removal on skin with tattoos as possible. If you are concerned about it, it is best to speak to a dermatologist or other medical professional before undergoing treatment.
Restorbio hope you found this article useful and let us know if you have any questions.
