5 questions about laser tattoo removal, answered

The idea of saying a permanent goodbye to an unwanted tattoo might sound almost too good to be true.

But how does laser tattoo removal work? Does it harm the skin? And is laser tattoo removal safe for someone undergoing cancer treatment?

Here, dermatologist Anisha Patel, M.D., answers questions about laser tattoo removal and its impact on skin health.

Are the lasers used for tattoo removal harmful to the skin? 

“In general, they're very safe,” Patel says.

During tattoo removal, lasers target and break down specific color pigment while keeping the surrounding skin safe. This means that if you are looking to remove a multi-colored tattoo, multiple lasers may be required.

Your provider will consider the colors in your tattoo, as well as your skin color, before selecting a laser. The laser must be able to differentiate between skin color and tattoo color to prevent burning and scarring.

"If the patient has pigmented skin, the pigment in the skin can be confounding for the laser so that it accidentally burns the skin instead of the tattoo pigment,” Patel says. 

Just like any medical treatment, where you seek care for tattoo removal matters.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves which lasers can be used for tattoo removal.

The FDA also notes that multiple sessions are needed to fully remove a tattoo. These sessions are usually scheduled several weeks apart to allow the skin to recover between appointments.

Patel says it is important to choose an experienced practitioner who has the tools to remove your tattoo correctly. “The key thing is going to a board-certified physician who has a variety of lasers and is experienced in utilizing them.” 

Are there side effects to tattoo removal?

Much like the process of getting a tattoo, the process of removing a tattoo can be a bit irritating to the skin. “It's a little bit inflamed afterward because you were just shooting through it with a laser,” Patel says.

In addition to the risks of skin burning or scarring due to incorrect laser usage, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that skin discoloration can occur after laser tattoo removal, but typically goes away within a year of treatment.

If you are experiencing any side effects after laser tattoo removal, contact your health care provider.  

How can people protect their skin before and after the tattoo removal process?

When it comes to preparing skin for tattoo removal, keep it simple. Patel says it is best to keep your skin in a natural state. This means forgoing self-tanner and other cosmetic products like lotions.

“You want your skin to be as pale as possible so there’s the least amount of natural pigment in your skin. That makes it easier for the laser to only affect the tattoo pigments,” she says.

Post-removal, Patel recommends a gentle skin care routine, but she doesn’t suggest any new steps. 

“You don’t need to do anything special,” she says.

Is your skin more susceptible to sunburn or skin cancer after tattoo removal?

“Removal doesn't inherently cause any increased risk of skin cancer or sunburn,” Patel says.

That doesn’t mean skipping the sunscreen, however. Whether or not you’ve recently had a tattoo removal session, it is always best practice to cover up in the sun or apply sunscreen with at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30 to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation, which can cause skin damage and skin cancer. 

Is it safe for cancer patients to get tattoos removed?

Yes, patients undergoing cancer treatment can receive laser tattoo removal, Patel says.

However, it is especially important for cancer patients to select a skilled laser tattoo removal provider, as incorrect laser usage could result in burns or open wounds that could impact the immune system.

It is also important to consider the location of the tattoo in relation to the cancer site. 

“You wouldn’t do it in areas where you have radiation or surgery,” Patel says. “You would want to avoid previously traumatized skin.”

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.