Laser hair removal is an efficient solution to unwanted body hair. Compared to shaving, waxing or plucking which are all time consuming processes that may also irritate skin in the process, this technology offers an alternative.
However, those with tattoos often worry that laser treatments could damage their artwork. To reduce any risk of laser light spilling onto tattooed areas during laser sessions, technicians create shielding templates.
What are the risks?
Laser hair removal is an extremely popular cosmetic treatment used to permanently eliminate or significantly reduce unwanted body hair. While the procedure itself is safe and can provide long-term, permanent results, there is the risk that laser hair removal could damage tattoos if done incorrectly – since lasers attract pigment, including that found in tattoos, which could cause it to reduce in color or even disappear altogether. Therefore, for your own safety it should only ever be performed by trained professionals on skin without tattoos present.
If a tattoo exists in the area being treated, it’s essential that it be covered with a thin layer of sunscreen to shield it from being exposed to laser’s light and heat energy. Furthermore, shaving before your session will ensure it will be less susceptible to damage caused by laser light energy.
Sharp blade razors should also be used when shaving the area to help minimize chances of nicking or scraping skin that could cause further damage. Following treatment, it’s also important to avoid sun exposure as exposed skin will be more vulnerable. Furthermore, moisturize the area regularly as hairs may take days or even weeks to fall out – therefore patience will be key.
As laser therapy can cause serious damage, trained professionals generally avoid placing it directly over a tattoo as this could create serious risks. They usually create a template to cover up the tattoo so it does not come into direct contact with the laser beam and have at least two or three centimeters between it and the treated area.
If you have a tattoo and are considering laser hair removal, it is advisable to first consult with a qualified medical practitioner to ascertain if laser is the appropriate choice for you. If unsure, alternative solutions such as tweezing and waxing can also help remove unwanted hairs; these methods however can take more time and cause ingrown hairs that require further maintenance in order to prevent infections arising later on.
What are the benefits?
Laser hair removal has become an incredibly popular cosmetic treatment that is used to permanently or significantly reduce unwanted body hair. It’s often a lifesaver for those who tire quickly of shaving, waxing, plucking and other methods for hair removal that take up precious daily time and can leave skin feeling dry, flaky, or itchy.
Laser hair removal can be safe and effective for most people; however, Michele Green, a dermatologist and cosmetic laser specialist advises against getting it over tattoos. She warns that light energy from lasers could have adverse reactions on tattoo pigmentation that cause it to fade or discolor, as well as damage the surrounding skin.
Green cautions that tattoo pigment can absorb the laser light energy and cause skin burn or scarring, so she advises protecting tattooed areas before receiving laser hair removal treatments with sunscreen protection or by shaving before an appointment is scheduled for laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal treatment works by targeting melanin in the skin with light energy, heating up its molecules to cause them to shrink and destroy hair follicles – ultimately leading to permanent reduction. Unfortunately, tattoo’s dark pigment can confuse lasers as melanin in skin as they cannot differentiate between tattoo pigment and hair follicles – meaning the laser targets both simultaneously!
Laser hair removal should not be undertaken near tattoos due to its risk of third-degree burns and discoloration of tattoos. Instead, other hair-removal methods like epilation, waxing and shaving could offer more permanent solutions without risking harm to either your tattoos or surrounding skin.
What are the side effects?
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular way to eliminate unwanted body hair. It provides an alternative to shaving and waxing, and can even treat ingrown hairs and other skin conditions. However, those who have tattoos should understand the potential impacts of laser hair removal on them as their ink may be damaged by laser light exposure.
Lasering skin with an existing tattoo can cause damage, blisters or even second-degree burns due to its absorption by skin pigment. As a result, your tattoo could fade or change color over time.
Before undergoing laser hair removal treatments, it’s essential to consult with a licensed and experienced practitioner. A qualified practitioner can create a protective template around the tattoo that prevents direct laser light contact from coming in contact with it, while at least 2-3 cm must exist between it and the area being treated – helping protect both artwork as well as reduce risks such as blisters and skin damage.
There may be exceptions, but in general it is wiser to choose tattoo removal over laser hair removal. This is because laser light penetrates deeply into your skin where it can destroy hair follicles and prevent further growth; furthermore it could potentially cause second degree burns which can result in permanent scarring if used on sensitive areas like face.
Other things that could impede laser hair removal include tattoos and other skin darkening treatments such as sunless skin creams that darken skin, medications that increase sun sensitivity, and antibiotics. Shaving before your appointment allows the laser to target each hair at its roots more effectively.
If you have a tattoo and are considering laser hair removal, alternative solutions exist that may still prove effective. L’OmBre, for instance, utilizes innovative laser technology that effectively eliminates unwanted hair without harming or altering its pigment or tattoos.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate?
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment used to rid oneself of unwanted body hair. The procedure uses a concentrated beam of light which targets pigment in hair to convert it into thermal energy, effectively stopping further hair growth. Unfortunately, however, laser treatment may also affect tattooed skin as the light energy may alter both color and integrity of ink designs.
Tattoo ink contains pigment that attracts laser light, potentially leading to damage inflicted upon both its target and surrounding tissues. Mistaken treatments could result in blistering, scarring or fading of tattoos; therefore it is vital that reputable medical practices offer free consultation before embarking on laser hair removal treatments.
At your consultation, a dermatologist or laser technician can assess your skin type, tone and hair color to help determine if laser treatment is the appropriate procedure for you. They may also suggest other forms of treatment that might be safer such as waxing or electrolysis.
By and large, people with darker skin and darker hair tend to make good candidates for laser hair removal, since laser light will be most effective at targeting hair follicles that contain dark pigments. However, it should not be performed on neck or chest areas as laser light can easily reach blood vessels there and lead to burns from overexposure to laser light.
Avoid sun exposure for four days post laser hair removal as exposure may increase the risk of side effects such as redness and swelling. Furthermore, shaving, tweezing and bleaching should not be done as these activities could potentially hinder its success.
Laser hair removal should not be attempted on people with large tattoos due to how tattoos cover an entire treatment area and make it hard for a dermatologist or laser technician to target individual follicles effectively. Furthermore, there have been reports of failed laser hair removal treatments at unregulated clinics or those employing untrained employees resulting in third-degree burns necessitating hospitalization for care.
