How long should I stay out of the sun after a tattoo removal session?

Answers from doctors (5)


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Mar 18, 2016

We recommend at least 2 weeks.

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Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

We recommend at least 2 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Published on Mar 05, 2016

Two months or longer is best. Lasers are like strong sunlight. Think of a sunburn. Let the skin heal fully without UV rays. If you can't stay out of the sun, then use sunscreen with an SPF of 25+. We recommend 50+.

You may also wish to time your treatments and get treated over the winter, when your exposure to the sun will be less.

One more thing: the lighter your natural skin color, the faster the ink is removed because more laser energy goes to the ink and less to the skin.

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Answered by Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Two months or longer is best. Lasers are like strong sunlight. Think of a sunburn. Let the skin heal fully without UV rays. If you can't stay out of the sun, then use sunscreen with an SPF of 25+. We recommend 50+.

You may also wish to time your treatments and get treated over the winter, when your exposure to the sun will be less.

One more thing: the lighter your natural skin color, the faster the ink is removed because more laser energy goes to the ink and less to the skin.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


We do not recommend sun exposure after/between tattoo treatments. If you are planning to continue treatments, you should keep the tattoo covered. If you plan to take a break from treatments because of vacation or warmer weather, wait until your skin is completely healed for at least 1+ weeks. WE do recommend sun screen, preferably one with at least 10% zinc.

Answered by Clean Slate Tattoo Removal at Vein Specialties (View Profile)

We do not recommend sun exposure after/between tattoo treatments. If you are planning to continue treatments, you should keep the tattoo covered. If you plan to take a break from treatments because of vacation or warmer weather, wait until your skin is completely healed for at least 1+ weeks. WE do recommend sun screen, preferably one with at least 10% zinc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Laser Treatment Center

Published on Mar 01, 2016

The risk associated with sun exposure post-laser treatment is that the skin can hyperpigment in response to UV exposure. Your skin will be inflamed for a time following tattoo removal. It is best to keep the area free from sun exposure until the inflammation has resolved, which for most people would be about 2 weeks.

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Answered by Laser Treatment Center

The risk associated with sun exposure post-laser treatment is that the skin can hyperpigment in response to UV exposure. Your skin will be inflamed for a time following tattoo removal. It is best to keep the area free from sun exposure until the inflammation has resolved, which for most people would be about 2 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Mar 01, 2016

You should stay out of the sun long enough for the trauma of the treatment to completely subside. Normally, we recommend at least 2 weeks in our practice. You also do not want to tan the area significantly before treatment as this could lead to side effects like blistering and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin).

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Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

You should stay out of the sun long enough for the trauma of the treatment to completely subside. Normally, we recommend at least 2 weeks in our practice. You also do not want to tan the area significantly before treatment as this could lead to side effects like blistering and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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