Sun Exposure and Laser Tattoo Removal

If you are undergoing laser tattoo removal treatment, it is highly recommended that you avoid sun exposure before, during and after your treatment.

Laser tattoo removal has suffered from a bad reputation the past with many people believing it didn’t work or would take many sessions to make a difference. However, laser technology has improved and contributing factors to tattoo removal are now better understood. Things like skin tone and ink quality as well as the size, location and age of the tattoo are all taken into consideration.

Sun exposure is an important factor that affects the success of laser tattoo removal. Even though Rethink Laser Tattoo Removal  uses the latest Quanta laser machine, which has transformed the process in many ways, sun tanning and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure can still be consequential.

If you have any concerns about sun exposure and laser tattoo removal, please read through the following Q&A’s.

How does the sun affect laser tattoo removal?

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun increases the production of vitamin D and melanin in our bodies. Vitamin D can help us absorb things like calcium and iron, increase metabolism and regulate our immune system. But it is in fact melanin that soaks up radiation and causes our skin to turn brown. However, increased levels of melanin pigment in your skin can make you liable to burns. So when it comes to laser tattoo removal, your skin might not be as strong, protective or receptive as it could be.

Can I have laser tattoo removal after a holiday in the sun?

No and ideally the tattoo will have been out of the sunlight for at least six weeks. In order for laser tattoo removal to work effectively, skin colour needs to be natural and healthy. This will give us the best chance of removing your tattoo in the fewest sessions possible. If you have a dark tan, it might take several attempts to remove and you could suffer from future problems.

Will laser tattoo removal be effective on tanned skin?

To some extent, but it will be far less effective. With an increased level of melanin in your skin, it is more difficult for the laser removal technology to break the pigment up. Even though we use the latest Quanta laser machine on the market,  tanned skin makes the redistribution of ink through your blood stream a lot harder to achieve. Don’t worry, this ink won’t stay in your blood for long and eventually escapes through pores and body waste.

What about fake tan?

This is not recommended, as you could be coming back time and time again for multiple sessions when only half a dozen are actually required. Although we want to remove tattoos quickly and effectively, our main concern is your health and well-being. This is more difficult if your skin has absorbed products containing toxins.

Some fake tans contain activators that can react with laser treatment and lead to skin pigmentations. Therefore, do not use fake tan products for at least two weeks before or after treatment.

Can I go in the sun after tattoo removal treatment?

Again, wait at least four weeks before going back in the sun. You don’t want to risk the significant process of removing a tattoo with just a few days in the sun. You have plenty of time to get a bronzed and beautiful complexion, but the recovery period immediately after laser treatment is crucial.  Because we are spoilt in Queensland with beautiful warm sunny days, for best result we do recommend keeping your tattoo covered from the sun completely during the duration of your treatments.

This is one of our smart clients keeping their tattoo covered from sun exposure

What will happen if the treated area is exposed to sun?

As we mentioned before, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun increases levels of melanin. In turn, this can lead to pigmentation marks in and around the area where the tattoo was removed. If for any reason you suffer from broken skin or blisters after laser removal, getting sunburnt will be an incredibly painful sensation and could cause permanent scarring. Unnecessary heat from any source, which includes baths, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis, are to be avoided.

We have many before and after photos to view so you can see how successful tattoo removal

Interested in the effects of sun exposure, this is an interesting article.