Wait! Getting IPL Hair Removal Before Tattoos
Can you do IPL or laser hair removal over a tattoo?
Phototherapy treatments such as IPL or LASER hair removal cannot be done over tattoos. This is due to the fact that phototherapy targets the melanin (pigment) cells in the hair bulbs. As it happens, the tattoo contains pigment as well. Therefore, IPL or LASER hair removal is going to blast those pigment cells as well. This could cause adverse reactions and side efefcts such as burns.
Also, phototherapy over a tattoo can diminish the pigmentation or even partially remove the tattoo. While laser is used to remove tattoos, the laser equipment used to remove hair does not use the appropriate forms and levels used in tattoo removal light treatments.
Phototherapy around a tattoo
If you are getting IPL or LASER hair removal around a tattoo, it is always recommended that you stay within a centimetre of the border of the tattoo. If there is a faded effect on the tattoo, stay about 2 cm away . The reason for this is that when the light penetrates into the skin we get an effect called ‘scatter’. Although the light pulse is going straight to the target, a bit of light literally scatters on to the surrounding tissue.
How long does IPL take to remove hair permanently?
Plan ahead! Depending on the area being treated, it can take anywhere from 12- 24 months. This is because different areas of the body are treated at different cycles. For example, facial areas are treated on a 4-6 week cycle, whereas body areas are treated on an 8-12 week cycle. The reason for that difference in treatment cycles is because the face has a different growth rate than body hair.
Safe Methods of Hair Removal After Tattoo
If you’re looking for safe hair removal methods after getting a tattoo, shaving and waxing are the most popular methods.
What about hair removal creams?
Epilation creams are typically made of corrosive material that interacts with the keratin protein in the hair which is also found in the skin. In addition, some epilation creams can cause irritation which can distort the pigment in the tattoo.
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Dérmica MedEsthetics
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dermica.ca