Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment that provides an alternative to shaving, plucking and waxing as means for removing hair. While these techniques may work effectively in terms of hair removal, they take much more time and can become costly in the long run.
Most certified laser technicians strongly advise against performing laser hair removal on tattooed skin, due to pigment absorption during laser hair removal which would inhibit future hair growth.
Tattoos Can Be Discolored
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that is used to permanently reduce or eradicate unwanted body hair. The technique involves targeting each follicle with light energy to target and destroy its pigment; then flushing away dislodged strands through lymphatic system drainage. While in theory laser hair removal should work on all areas with hair growth, tattoos present additional challenges when employing this technique.
Laser hair removal on tattoos can damage their ink and cause blisters due to being darker than surrounding skin and absorbing laser light. A trained laser technician should use a template to cover up the tattoo so it does not come into direct contact with laser light; also they will ensure there is at least two centimetres between treated areas and tattoo for maximum protection.
Tattoo ink may also be damaged by laser heat generated during hair removal treatments, causing it to swell and break apart, detracting from its overall look and even leading to blistered skin around the tattoo, which can be very painful.
Laser hair removal poses several other potential dangers to skin features other than tattoos, including moles and freckles, because its light energy targets pigment. Untrained technicians have even used lasers on tattoos or darkly pigmented areas causing faded, blackened, or distorting effects ink patterns resulting from using too many repetitions of laser treatment on it.
Laser hair removal can be an effective and safe solution for most areas of the body; however, its use on tattooed areas should be avoided as other methods such as shaving and waxing may be better suited to do away with unwanted hairs. If you have a tattoo and you’re considering laser hair removal as an option for its healing, it is wiser to wait at least until this has fully resolved before considering laser treatments such as these.
It Can Damage the Ink
If you already have tattoos and wish to undergo laser hair removal, there are a few things you need to remember. A tattoo is a permanent decision so removing excess hair before getting more ink might be wiser. When scheduling consultation with a clinic offering laser hair removal treatments be sure to ask about expert advice from skin specialists as this could make all the difference for success.
Laser hair removal uses light energy that passes through all layers of skin, including those containing tattoo pigments. Your tattoo ink absorbs some of this light energy and may fade or distort over time; luckily, experienced practitioners will be able to shield it so the laser doesn’t come into direct contact with it during treatment.
If your tattoo cannot be covered with anything to shield it from being treated, the technician must move their laser around it in order to treat the hair. This may take more time and limit how much of an area can be treated at one time; depending on its location it may mean that waiting until your ink has healed before getting laser hair removal may be necessary.
Laser hair removal can be an effective method for reducing unwanted body hair, however not every area of skin may benefit from laser treatment. If you wish to get tattooed in areas without hair growth on them prior to receiving laser therapy treatment.
Tattoos and laser hair removal are two different treatments that should not be combined. Laser treatments on an area where a tattoo exists could distort its colors, damage your skin and lead to third-degree burns; so it is wise to wait until after healing for any laser treatments on such areas of your body with no visible hair growth.
It Can Damage the Skin
Laser hair removal uses a laser light beam to target melanin pigment in the skin and eliminate unwanted hair growth. It is safe and effective treatment, providing long-term reduction of unwanted hair in treated areas. Unfortunately, its ability to discriminate between tattoo ink and skin pigment means it could potentially discolor tattoos or cause burns on adjacent skin areas.
If you have a tattoo in the area where you plan on using laser hair removal, wait until it heals before beginning treatment with laser. This allows the laser to destroy hair follicles without harming surrounding skin or wiping away ink from your tattoo.
Laser hair removal should only be conducted in areas without tattoos; if you do have one and wish to pursue laser treatment, first get it removed before beginning treatment.
Before proceeding with laser hair removal treatment, it’s essential that you consult with a dermatologist or laser technician first. They can offer impartial and practical advice as to the best course of action; whether that means waiting until your tattoo heals before beginning treatment, or opting for alternative forms of hair removal in the meantime.
Overall, laser hair removal is an extremely safe and effective treatment that can permanently diminish unwanted hair growth. Furthermore, this procedure can also be used in tandem with tattoos provided that certain precautions are taken to protect them during treatment. Before having this procedure done, consult a dermatologist or laser technician with experience working with clients who both possess unwanted hair as well as tattoos – this will help avoid potential issues and maximize results of the procedure.
It Can Burn
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular solution to eliminate unwanted body hair. It is more safe and effective than shaving, plucking or waxing; plus it offers long-term results. Some people may fear that laser hair removal will alter their tattoos; therefore it is wise to take some measures prior to commencing laser hair removal treatment. If this applies to you as well, take precautions.
Laser hair removal involves directing a beam of light at your skin and targeting pigmented hair follicles with laser light, whereupon these pigments are destroyed by laser heat generated by its heat beam. Depending on your skin color and pigmentation level, this procedure could result in burns or other serious side effects; additionally, any tattoo in that same location could also be targeted by this laser beam, damaging and possibly even destroying its ink permanently.
If you have tattoos and plan to undergo laser hair removal, it is imperative that you discuss this matter with the technician prior to beginning treatment. They will likely create a template covering your tattoo so as to protect it from direct laser targeting – this will protect it and ensure a safe procedure.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it’s advisable to shave and apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the heat of the laser and reduce risk of burn. Applying aloe vera gel might also help soothe any burns during treatment.
As well as safeguarding tattoos during laser hair removal, it is also advisable to consider other means of hair removal. Shaving, waxing, and plucking can be time-consuming processes that leave behind painfully irritated skin; for the fastest solution consider permanent hair removal solutions like electrolysis as permanent solutions for body hair.
Contact Therapie Clinic now to explore how laser hair removal could benefit you. We can arrange an in-person or virtual consultation with one of our licensed dermatologists who will discuss all available treatment options before helping find one best suited to your individual needs.
