Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment that utilizes a concentrated beam of light to target and destroy unwanted hair. For optimal results, hair follicle pigment absorbs laser energy while skin pigment does not.
But what if your tattoos cover areas where body hair grows? Can laser treatment over them without ruining them?
It’s Not a Good Idea
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to curb unwanted hair growth and save you the hassle and expense associated with shaving, waxing and plucking your body. However, it is important to remember that laser treatment could damage tattoos on parts of the body where there is body art present.
Technicians strongly advise against using laser hair removal on tattoos because the pigment ink of your tattoo will absorb some of the energy used to target hair follicles – this could result in its fading or even discoloration.
Tattoo removal may require laser light therapy on arms, legs or other areas of your body. An experienced technician will use an indirect beam that works around your tattoo instead. While not ideal, this approach should still be safe enough if your tattoo covers only small portions of skin.
But for larger tattoos on shoulders, chest, or back it’s an altogether different story. Along with increasing pain and scarring, laser energy may damage the ink that comprises your tattoo causing lines to blur or even bubble up changing its appearance and altering how people view your artwork.
But laser hair removal may not be your only option when it comes to unwanted body hair. There are other means available, including shaving and waxing which should all be safe around your tattoos as long as they don’t occur at the same time as laser hair removal treatments.
As life becomes ever busier and more demanding, it may be tempting to seek shortcuts in order to save time. Unfortunately, shaving, waxing and other hair removal processes such as laser aren’t always worth your while and money — especially if you have tattoos which need special care. Before considering laser hair removal as a solution for unwanted hair in an area with tattoos, other options may include chemical peels or dermaplaning as potential solutions.
It’s Not Safe
Laser hair removal works by targeting dark target material – typically melanin in your skin or hair follicles – while avoiding surrounding tissue. Light is absorbed by this melanin and heated up by laser to destroy hair follicles and prevent regrowth. When choosing a practitioner for cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal, make sure they use their device correctly so as to not cause irreparable damage to your skin; home laser devices may not be appropriate depending on your skin type or tone.
Laser hair removal may cause mild and temporary side effects, with redness in the area treated typically being the most prominent one – which should subside within a few weeks after treatment, though additional sessions may be necessary depending on skin tone and depth. You could also experience blistering or crusting of skin if your treatment involves deep or light tones.
Laser treatments such as hair removal should not cause cancer; their low levels of radiation don’t reach into cells to damage them and this type of radiation doesn’t compare to that used in MRI or CT scans that is known to increase cancer risks.
Laser hair removal should not be undertaken by those with pacemakers or defibrillators implanted, as this process could interfere with their heart rate or rhythm. Pregnancy hormone changes can also stimulate unwanted hair growth, so it’s wise to consult a doctor prior to undertaking any form of hair removal procedure. Some physicians may suggest applying skin bleaching cream prior to your procedure in order to address pigmentation issues and aid with any pigmentation issues that might arise during labor. As well as avoiding tanning products or tanning beds four weeks before any procedure, plucking and waxing activities such as plucking may impede its effectiveness; you should refrain from these before your appointment as well. It may also be advised that blood-thinning medications or aspirin are avoided for several days prior to starting any treatment plan.
It’s Not Effective
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method to permanently reduce body hair. This procedure uses handheld devices emitting laser light to target pigmented cells in the skin that emit heat that heats them up enough to destroy hair follicles; the destruction prevents new hair growth while some may still regrow, often thinner and lighter in color. Most patients find the process pain-free; for larger areas sessions may last up to an hour.
Lasers can be harmful when misused improperly. Without taking necessary safety precautions, a technician could cause burns and blisters on their patients’ skin. Therefore, it’s vital to find a knowledgeable practitioner who knows how to use this device correctly, such as a licensed dermatologist who regularly performs such procedures.
Laser devices used correctly do not harm either skin or tattoos in their vicinity, though some individuals may find the process uncomfortable. Therefore, practitioners should test the device on small patches of skin first to ensure it doesn’t cause excessive pain or irritation before initiating laser hair removal treatment. People should also refrain from tanning (even with self-tanning devices) at least one month prior to getting laser hair removal done.
Finding an experienced laser hair removal practitioner who offers affordable services may be challenging, so people should compare prices and reviews before making their final decision. Furthermore, check if the practitioner is listed on any register that verifies they meet set training and safety standards before settling on one as their choice.
Laser hair removal typically requires multiple sessions before noticeable results become evident. Although not permanent, laser treatments do help delay hair regrowth for prolonged periods. Pregnant women should avoid laser treatments due to potential adverse hormonal impacts; other options like plucking and waxing may provide temporary relief of unwanted hair growth.
It’s Not Cost-Effective
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to permanently reduce unwanted body hair growth, providing an alternative to waxing or shaving. Unfortunately, however, the process can be painful, requiring multiple sessions until hair-free results are seen. You can ease discomfort using numbing products or topical anesthetic. Also avoid sun exposure prior to laser hair removal to protect tanned skin; during treatment you may feel rubber bands snapping and/or sunburn-like sensations similar to snapping rubber bands or sunburn-like sensations while staying away from plucking or waxing that area as these actions could change its results forever!
Tattoo-wearers sometimes inquire whether laser hair removal could take place simultaneously with tattoo removal; unfortunately this is not feasible due to different technologies being employed by both procedures – the laser used for tattoo removal emits different wavelengths than that used for hair removal; should the two methods come into contact, it could result in blistering, scarring or even changes in tattoo color!
If you have tattoos and plan on undergoing laser hair removal, it is crucial that you consult a licensed practitioner first. Be sure to disclose any other medical conditions, medications or health issues that could potentially impact the outcome of treatment, including any prior tattoo experiences and medications taken. Furthermore, opt for someone with experience treating clients with tattoos and similar skin issues.
Find a licensed tattoo and laser specialist by searching online or calling local salons. Med Spa at Seena One (Corrective Skin Care)in Burleson, TX has highly skilled laser specialists available for treatment utilizing both Lumenis(r) LightSheer Duet laser for hair removal and Lutronic Spectra(tm) system for tattoo removal. Call them now to book either in-person or virtual consultation! Losing unwanted hair is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your appearance and boost self-confidence; with so many laser hair removal solutions available today, laser hair removal can finally put an end to any remaining razor shaving sessions and replace it with smooth, hairless skin!
