Laser hair removal is an efficient and long-term way of getting rid of unsightly body hair. Rather than shaving, plucking, or waxing to get rid of unwanted follicles, laser technology offers lasting solutions.
However, it’s essential that people with tattoos understand how laser treatment can impact them. Undergoing laser hair removal while covering an existing tattoo could potentially cause irreparable damage or scatter the pigment altogether.
The Best Course of Action
Laser hair removal utilizes a concentrated beam of light to target and destroy pigment in hair follicles, heating the skin to disable future growth and discourage its recurrence. Though a safe treatment option, complications may include pain, blisters, scabbing or hyper- or hypopigmentation (brown spots). While these side effects usually resolve within days with proper sun protection (at least 30SPF sunscreen can help), some could persist for weeks afterward.
Tattoos present unique challenges to laser light energy as its light energy cannot distinguish between dark pigment of hair follicles and that in your tattoo. This may cause it to distort or even fade in color over time – which is not something anyone wishes for!
Employing a hair removal laser on a tattoo is like using a fork with a spoon: it simply doesn’t work and may lead to scarring and blisters on your skin, as well as damage the ink itself and leave behind ghost-like images on your skin.
Before having laser hair removal treatments done on any area you plan to tattoo, it is wise to first clear them of all hair. This will allow your tattoo to heal properly while also creating a clean canvas for subsequent treatments.
Ideally, when considering laser hair removal and have tattoos, it is essential that you inform your practitioner prior to beginning treatment in order to adjust laser settings or technology accordingly. In addition, having a consultation before beginning is recommended; this allows them to assess your skin tone and hair color as well as any conditions which could alter results; you can ask any questions about treatment here as well. They will be happy to answer them! They may also suggest ways of preparing for it effectively such as forgoing sunless skin creams and lightening the area with bleaching agents – just some examples!
Precautions to Take
Laser hair removal works by sending a beam of light deep into your skin’s layers to target pigment, and this light absorbs by hair follicles where its energy destroys them enough to reduce further growth. However, tattoo ink also contains pigment which could potentially be targeted during laser hair removal sessions and cause it to fade or reduce in color over time.
In order to avoid this scenario, always seek the services of an experienced laser technician for body hair removal treatments. At their consultation session, they will suggest the most suitable course of action based on your skin type and goals; should there be tattoos involved they will recommend undergoing full laser tattoo removal prior to starting hair removal on that area.
Your artist will create a template that covers your tattoo and allows for at least two to three centimeters between it and where you need treatment. Furthermore, they may advise limiting sun exposure on treated areas to reduce risks of fading or discoloration.
Before your laser treatment, it is wise to refrain from any physical activities that increase body temperature, such as exercise. Furthermore, be sure your skin is free from makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant products or numbing cream – anything on it could trigger an adverse reaction with the laser beam.
If you are uncertain whether your tattoos will respond well to laser hair removal, it would be prudent to speak to an expert first before undertaking this treatment. Viewing examples of both successful and unsuccessful outcomes may help make a more informed decision as to if this treatment will suit you best.
At the end of the day, there is no definitive answer to this question; rather, you must carefully weigh each option’s advantages and disadvantages before choosing what’s best for your skin. In essence, your choice ultimately boils down to how much value you place on tattoos as well as your specific skin needs.
Post-Procedure Care
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment that works by targeting specific hair follicles with energy from laser beams to destroy them. The laser’s heat destroys pigmented hair follicles to permanently reduce hair growth on your body; typically conducted over multiple sessions over six months for full results. For best results, always consult a dermatologist prior to beginning laser hair removal, who can assess your skin tone and determine whether laser is safe.
Tattoos on your body may make laser hair removal challenging as the heat from the laser could damage its ink, yet it is possible. Therapie Clinic’s experienced laser technicians will create a template to protect the tattoo ink before treating the surrounding areas – leaving approximately two or three centimeters between treated area and tattoo, so your desired hair removal results won’t be compromised.
Tattoo ink may fade after laser hair removal as laser light will break down pigment in your skin, causing it to bleed and flake off of its base layer. Therefore it is vital that after treatment your tattoos are professionally taken care of; other cosmetic treatments like waxing or shaving won’t affect them either.
Laser hair removal is an excellent way to permanently get rid of unwanted body hair, and can be performed on almost any part of your body. However, laser hair removal should be avoided in areas with tattoos as this could result in damage or scarring; so save it for areas without tattoos on them instead.
Getting Started
Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment option for unwanted body hair. It can reduce or even eliminate the need for shaving, waxing and other methods of hair removal such as threading and plucking of unwanted follicles. Furthermore, it eliminates time consuming processes like tweezing threading and plucking as well.
Many individuals who have tattoos want to take advantage of laser tattoo removal treatments, but are concerned about how it may alter the design of their precious ink. There have been cases in which unlicensed clinics performed laser treatments on tattooed skin without the appropriate permits, causing third degree burns, scarring and changes to its color – this due to different wavelengths being used between laser hair removal and tattoo removal treatments.
When visiting a certified cosmetic professional for laser hair removal, they will conduct a full consultation to assess both your skin and tattoo ink. Testing of skin in tattooed areas for reactions or potential issues with laser treatments will then take place; after which, the practitioner can recommend the best plan of action tailored specifically to you and your situation.
Prior to laser hair removal sessions, it is necessary to prepare the area by applying a light layer of ointment three or four times each day for several weeks prior. Some individuals may experience a slight tingling sensation or heat during treatment – this is completely normal! Immediately following laser treatments, treated areas may become red and swollen but this should subside within an hour or two; tanning beds should not be used prior or following these sessions due to complications that could affect its efficacy.
If you’re considering both tattoo removal and laser hair removal, it is often best to tackle one before the other. This allows the laser to treat a wider area more effectively, eliminating issues posed by ink/hair follicle overlap. If electrolysis remains as a viable solution to remove hair in areas where tattoos exist without damaging skin or pigment of tattoo ink pigmentation, that might also be beneficial.
