"I have a tattoo on my leg, can I still have laser?" "What about my moles?" "I get eczema, is that a problem?" These are some of the most common questions I'm asked. The good news is that laser hair removal with tattoos, moles or many skin conditions is usually possible. We simply plan around them to keep your skin safe.
Usually yes, we just work around them
Tattoos are covered and we treat at least two fingers' width away. Moles are covered or avoided. Eczema and psoriasis can usually be treated once the skin is calm, but never during a flare-up. Tell me about anything at your free consultation and we'll plan your treatment around it.
Quick guide: can I have laser if…
| If you have… | What we do |
|---|---|
| A tattoo | With care Cover it, and treat at least two fingers' width away |
| Permanent make-up or microbladed brows | With care Avoid the pigmented area completely |
| Moles or birthmarks | With care Cover or avoid raised and dark moles |
| Freckles | Usually fine Assessed individually at your consultation |
| Eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis | Not during a flare-up Treat when the skin is calm and unbroken |
| Active spots, cuts or broken skin | Not on that area Work around it, and treat once healed |
| Recent dermal filler | Wait 4 weeks We can treat the area 4 weeks after your filler |
A general guide only. Every client is assessed individually at their free consultation.
Laser hair removal with tattoos
Tattoo ink absorbs laser light, just like the pigment in your hair. If the laser passed over a tattoo, the ink would heat up, which could burn the skin and fade or damage your tattoo.
So I always cover the tattoo and treat the skin around it, leaving a gap of at least two fingers' width. You can still have laser on the rest of the area. The hair growing directly over the tattoo can be shaved or trimmed as normal.
The same goes for permanent make-up. Microbladed brows, eyeliner tattoos and lip blush all contain pigment, so we avoid those areas completely.
Moles, freckles and birthmarks
Moles and birthmarks contain concentrated pigment, so they can absorb more laser energy than the skin around them. To keep them safe, I cover or avoid raised, dark or larger moles. Flat freckles are usually fine, but I'll check them at your consultation.
If you have a mole that has changed in size, shape or colour, or is itchy or bleeding, please get it checked by your GP before any laser treatment.
Eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
Many people with eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis have laser hair removal very successfully. The key is timing: we never treat skin that is inflamed, broken, cracked or in a flare-up, as it's more sensitive and slower to heal.
- Book when your skin is calm, and let me know if a flare-up starts before your appointment.
- Tell me about any creams or medication, including steroid creams, acne treatments, retinoids and antibiotics, as some can make skin more sensitive to light.
- Your patch test lets us check how your skin responds before your first full session.
Other things to tell me about
At your consultation, I'll ask about your health and skin so we can plan safely. Please let me know if:
- 01You're pregnant, could be, or are breastfeeding
- 02You're taking any medication or antibiotics, or this changes during your course
- 03You've had dermal filler or other skin treatments recently
- 04You have a history of cold sores, if we're treating the upper lip
- 05You scar easily or have had keloid scars
- 06You've had any sun exposure or a tan recently
Everything you tell me is kept private, and it helps me choose the safest settings for you. Pre and post care guide
Frequently asked questions
Can you have laser hair removal over a tattoo?
No. Tattoo ink absorbs laser light, which could burn the skin and damage the tattoo. The tattoo is covered, and the skin around it is treated at least two fingers' width away.
Can laser hair removal be done over moles?
Raised, dark or larger moles are covered or avoided, as they contain concentrated pigment. Flat freckles are usually fine. Any mole that has changed should be checked by your GP first.
Can I have laser hair removal if I have eczema?
Usually yes, as long as the area isn't in a flare-up. We only treat calm, unbroken skin, and a patch test checks how your skin responds first.
Can I have laser hair removal with microbladed eyebrows?
The microbladed area must be avoided, as the pigment absorbs laser light. Other areas of the face can still be treated.
How long after filler can I have laser?
We can treat areas where dermal filler has been placed once at least 4 weeks have passed since the procedure.
Not sure if laser is right for you?
Book a free consultation and patch test. I'll look at your skin, talk through any tattoos, moles or skin conditions, and let you know honestly what we can treat.
Luminier Laser Aesthetics is a private laser studio in Leighton Buzzard, welcoming clients from Linslade, Dunstable, Tring, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury.