Can You Do Laser Hair Removal On A Tattoo

What Should I Do If I Want Laser Hair Removal And Have A Tattoo

Several people have chosen amateurs for the procedure and left the clinics with severely burned skins which cannot be re-inked either. To save yourself from such horrific accidents, you must consult a trained and experienced laser hair removal practitioner and inform them about your tattoos well in advance before the treatment begins.

While the laser will remove the hair from the surrounding areas, you can continue to shave the tattooed part to remove the hair. Also, if it is a small tattoo, then you do not have to worry much as it can be easily covered with a template.

However, if it is a big tattoo covering the entire arm, then you might not be the right candidate for laser hair removal in Melbourne.

What Are The Types Of Lasers

Ruby laser

This type of laser hair removal was used in the 90s. It was the time that the development of laser technologies in the fight against unwanted hair growth began. The ruby laser only removes black hair on white skin. The beam is not tuned to the hair pigment, which causes burns and pigmentation, so during the procedure the person experiences severe pain.

Alexandrite laser

The next step in laser technology is that the laser is already tuned to the hair pigment, but does not provide a built-in cooling system. It removes dark hair on fair skin. However, there is still not enough power to remove light hair, which requires more treatments than with a diode laser. At the same time, in 65% of cases, the alexandrite laser provokes burns and pigmentation on dark and tanned skin.

Diode laser

State of the art permanent hair removal machine. Distinguishes the degree of tanning and automatically builds the necessary parameters. In this case, the beam acts exclusively on the hair pigment or simply scatters.

Neodymium laser

The neodymium laser is fundamentally different from previous analogues that act on melanin and does not remove the follicle. It removes the blood vessels that nourish the hair and skin. In this case, all organs of the skin in the treated area are affected by heat. Thanks to the wavelength from 1064 nm. The beam penetrates up to the bone tissue.

Why Cant A Tattoo Be Removed With Laser Hair Removal

That its not safe is the quick response. However, there is also a more detailed explanation.

The lasers energy attracts pigment, which is how laser hair removal works. The lasers energy is attracted to and absorbed by the pigment in ones hair and hair follicles, inhibiting the growth of new hair. However, when there are tattoos present, this is less effective. Laser hair removal is great for this. Tattoos are nothing but pigment, so the laser would be attracted to the ink in the tattooed skin.

No matter what kind of laser is being used to remove hair, such as an Alexandrite or YAG, etc.if these lasers hit the ink in a tattoo, the skin would be very reactive. In actuality, the procedure would be excruciatingly painful, and the resulting wound would blister and possibly distort the tattoo after it had healed.

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How Does Laser Hair Removal Affect Tattoos

Laser hair removal and tattoos have a complicated relationship. Tattoos are an amazing means of self-expression a literal way of turning your skin into art! We love every little way that our clients express their creativity and celebrate their bodies. But how does laser hair removal affect tattoos?

If you already have a few tattoos and youre thinking of trying laser hair removal, this post is for you. Well explain exactly what happens if a laser comes in contact with your tattoo and whether you can still get laser hair removal.

Then, well go over what we do at SEV Laser when an inked beauty wants to come in for a laser hair removal treatment.

How To Protect Tattoo During Laser Hair Removal

You dont need to worry about protecting your tattoo during laser hair removal thats your providers responsibility!

At SEV Laser, one of the first things we do is mark the skin with a skin-safe white pencil. This allows the nurse or technician to keep track of which areas are being treated. Its a quick, simple step that allows us to ensure we dont miss any spots. Its also how we mark areas that cannot be lasered, like tattoos, moles, or blemishes.

So lets say you want to do a full legs laser hair removal, but you have a tattoo on your thigh or ankle. Your nurse or laser technician will draw a border around the tattoo, in addition to marking out the areas that will be lasered. Then, as they start zapping away, theyll easily avoid the area.

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Why Is Laser Hair Removal Over Tattoos Not Recommended

Certified laser technicians will not apply a laser hair removal treatment over tattooed skin. This has a very logical explanation. As explained above, it is the pigments in the hair that attract the light energy. That energy will damage the hair follicles upon turning into thermal energy and stop hair growth.

While laser hair removal works best on light skin with dark hair, it also is effective on both dark skin with dark hair and light skin with fair hair. Tanning will however put the skin in an excited state that may interfere with the treatment as there will be a change in natural pigmentation. Tattoos will lead to the same issue.

Indeed, tattoos are stored as a pigment in the skin. Thus the laser will be attracted to the ink, which can lead to damaging consequences through the excessive production of heat. Not only can a laser treatment over a tattoo be painful but it can also cause burns, fading or even distortion of the tattoo.

Laser hair removal can permanently damage tattoos and cause blisters that will take a long time to heal. Should you decide to undergo laser hair removal close to tattooed skin, the technician will have to be very careful and avoid any reaction with the ink. You may still do the treatment but will have to laser around the tattoo as there is no way the laser will not affect your tattoos.

A Laser Hair Machine Will Be Effective At Removing My Tattoo

Absolutely not! Hair removal lasers often do use some of the same wavelengths as some tattoo removal lasers, but the duration of the pulse is MUCH longer. The pulse from a hair removal laser is about one million times longer than that of a tattoo removal laser. Due to the difference in pulse width, hair removal lasers are completely inappropriate to use for removing tattoos. It will direct a pulse of energy that lasts for much too long, causing thermal injury and potential scarring of the skin.

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Laser Hair Removal & Tattoos

Laser hair removal and tattoos have a complicated relationship. Tattoos are an amazing means of self-expression a literal way of turning your skin into art! We love every little way that our clients express their creativity and celebrate their bodies. But how does laser hair removal affect tattoos?

If you already have a few tattoos and youre thinking of trying laser hair removal, this post is for you. Well explain exactly what happens if a laser comes in contact with your tattoo and whether you can still get laser hair removal.

Then, well go over what we do at SEV Laser when an inked beauty wants to come in for a laser hair removal treatment.

There Are 5 Different Types Of Laser Systems:

• Ruby: one of the first ever developments, but has since become obsolete due to the slowness of the machine. It does not work well on dark and coarse hair, but better on light, fine hair and light skin.
• Alexandrite: one of the popular types of systems. Works well for people with light skin tones and it said to hurt less, as the wavelengths are shorter so it doesnt penetrate as deep.
• Diode: often compared against the Alexandrite, this laser system has longer wavelengths which penetrate deeper in the skin. Works well with coarse hair and medium dark skin tones.
• Nd:YAG: this system is heavy duty, with the longest wavelengths and can be a little bit uncomfortable for some. This is the best type for those with darker skin.
• IPL : sometimes classified under laser treatments, thought this system is not actually a laser. It tends to take far more sessions, as it doesnt fully destroy the follicle and is used more for surface treatments.

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Should I Get Laser Hair Removal Before Getting A Tattoo

Yes! If you are contemplating getting laser hair removal done, you definitely want to get this done before getting any tattoos. This will actually help keep the skin above the tattoo hair-free and smooth, long after the tattoo is in place.

Otherwise, you will just have to live with the little stubbles of hair starting to grow back. We all know what that is like, so its definitely recommended to remove the hair before, either through laser hair removal, IPL, or another alternative.

So What Are My Other Options

If you are eager to remove the hair on a tattoo, dont fret as there is a process that can be used as a substitute. Electrolysis treatments avoid the risk of scarring and damage to the tattoo itself.

Professional treatment is advised and the results are highly effective and can ease your concerns about excessive hair. You will not get the same results as having laser hair removal but it is the next best thing.

Of course, if you are genuinely concerned about the hair on your body then you could also decide what is more important: a tattoo or hair-free skin? If it is the latter, you could look at having the tattoo removed then waiting for a period of time, before undertaking the laser hair removal. At Premier Laser we do offer tattoo removal and laser hair removal.

Why not book a free consultation so we can have a look at your tattoo and hair growth and discuss any treatment plans along with performing a patch test to check your suitability.

Alternatively epilation could be the way forward although not as effective as laser hair removal it is still an option for you to be hair free. Then there are always the traditionally ways of shavingor waxing. Yes, they are a hassle and need to be constantly done but they are the options so you can enjoy hair free skin.

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Does Laser Effect Tattoos

Laser can have a pretty serious effect on tattoos, which is why you cannot laser over them. However, if you do have a tattoo in the area youre treating, you are still able to get laser done. The tattoo will be fully covered, plus two finger widths away, with a laser sticker. The sticker helps to protect the tattoo from being hit with the wavelength, which can cause the tattoo to kind of burst. It is extremely painful and will ruin the tattoo. Keep in mind wherever the sticker is over, there will still be hair there as the machine cant get to it.

The Effect Of Laser Hair Removal On Tattoos

If laser hair removal was performed over a tattoo the laser would have trouble accurately finding the pigment in the hair as there would be pigment from the tattoo surrounding, confusing the laser.

So you have the double effect of poor laser hair removal and exposing tattooed skin to the laser which could cause severe scarring or long term issues to the skin. So bad all round.

Also different lasers are used for laser tattoo removal and hair removal. What about IPL?

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How Quickly Do You See Results With Laser

Results will be different per person, and depending on your hair colour to your skin tone. Generally dark hair on light skin will see quick results, while light hair and skin will take a little longer. This is because the dark hairs on lighter skin are easier for the machine to find, while light hair makes the machine work just a little bit harder to find them. Usually you can start to see results within the 2-3 sessions, where the hair will be growing back much slower and even falling out.

A Total Overview To Eliminating Your Tattoos

A whitewash can be a affordable, fast choice for camouflaging the tattoo you currently have. If you donât like the design of your current one but wouldnât mind another tattoo that would suit better to your liking, this method is perfect! Tattoo cover-ups are a preferred alternative for those who would certainly rather not totally eliminate their tattoo. This can be achieved by applying another layout on top of the unwanted one, or simply concealing that section with some even more shade.

How To Remove Tattoo By Laser

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgical procedure has exposed the total price of dermabrasion treatments can vary from a number of hundred to hundreds of bucks. In contrast, you could be surprised by what a single therapy can do! Bear in mind that this number refers only to treatments required as well as not all offered options like laser removal or tattoo whitewashes which are additionally an alternative if your tattoos have faded with time. How To Remove Tattoo By Laser

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How Long After Youve Had A Tattoo Removed Can You Get It Covered With Another

Just as your mind and soul need time to recover after a bad breakup or divorce, your body requires the same.

A minimum of6-8 weeks is recommended but always make sure your removed tattoo has healed properly. Your laser tattoo removal specialist can verify this at your last treatment or during a follow-up visit. There should be no signs of blistering, scarring or bleeding.

Once you have the official clearing, its time to visit a few tattoo shops and begin the search for a reputable artist who can work on your new skin. Be sure to find the RIGHT design this time. Insist upon not settling. Find your dream artist as well, so you can wear this new design, at last, foreveras tattooing was intended.

Even slight scar tissue can pose a few challenges for your tattooist. The skin surface will be uneven, and the ink will not distribute itself in the same manner. This is why its crucial to find a skilled tattooist, and follow the advice of your tattoo removal specialist before jumping the gun and getting back in the tattoo chair.

Bear in mind scar tissue may rest on your nerve endings, which means tattoos performed on scar tissues are often times more painful. Either way you may experience a differentiating feeling from a new tattoo.

Once your tattooist completes the project, youll want to follow all of their aftercare instructions diligently. Lack of proper tattoo aftercare can cause a shoddy tattoo, one that may warrant removal down the road. And who wants to do that again?

What Must I Do After Getting Laser Hair Removal

To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should:

• Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.

• Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.

• Follow your dermatologists after-care instructions.

You will see some redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort.

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Answer: Laser Hair Removal Over Tattoo

Laser hair removal devices are searching for pigment and can therefore laser the pigment it finds in the tattoo. This can cause damage to the skin including burning, blistering, hypopigmenting, or hyperpigmenting, etc. For this reason you are not able to get laser hair removal over a tattoo. It is important that you let your laser technician know that you have a tattoo in the area to be lasered prior to treatment. At my facility, laser providers are trained to keep a safe distance between the lasered area and the tattoo. Prior to any treatment you meet with both a nurse practitioner and laser provider to document any areas where a tattoo is present and to clear you as a candidate for laser hair removal. At this time you are also able to go over any questions or concerns you may have. Your safety is our highest priority. You may wish to find a laser center equipped with multiple lasers for hair removal and a laser for tattoo removal as evidence of their experience and knowledge of lasers.

Can I Get Laser Hair Removal Over My Tattoos

Getting a laser hair removal treatment over your tattooed skin is notadvisable. The pigments in your hair attract the light energy that damages hair follicles and prevents hair growth. Therefore, pushing through with the procedure means the laser will get attracted to your tattoos ink, which can cause burns, fading, discoloration, or distortion due to excessive heat production.

As a result, the treatment can permanently damage your beloved tattoos and even cause blisters. If you want to undergo laser hair removal close to your tattooed skin, inform the technician before the procedure, and consider doing the laser around your tattoo to avoid any reaction with the ink.

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