What is the danger of sun exposure after laser tattoo removal?

Since it has been so long since you were treated and you don't sound like you are planning on further treatments in the next 3 or 4 weeks, enjoy your vacation and sunshine. Of course, we always recommend sunscreen to prevent damage to your skin and to prevent the signs of aging.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You should wait 2 months or longer before you expose the treated area to sun. Generally speaking, though, it depends on the laser treatment strength and your skin/immune system, as well as sun strength. Asian skin is known to be the most variable in reactivity. You can start slowly and use a high SPF sunscreen gradually.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Keeping it covered is your best bet, but if you find that the area will be exposed to the sun, use a high SPF sunscreen or, even better, an occlusive block like Zinc Oxide. The reason you need to keep it covered, is that the more tan your skin is, the more risk you have of developing hypo-pigmenting during subsequent treatments. The laser does not differentiate between the darkness of your skin and the tattoo ink, and the laser light pulse will be absorbed into whatever is dark, so if your skin is dark, potentially less energy will be absorbed into the tattoo ink.
In my practice, I find out if my clients will have a busy summer in the sun. If they plan on being outside and exposed to the sun, I just recommend that they take a break during the summer months, and resume tattoo removal treatments in the fall after their skin has paled out. There is no harm in delaying treatments and, in fact, you will more than likely see more fading the longer you wait between laser treatments.
I hope this helps!

Published on Jul 11, 2012