Laser hair removal over a tattoo or mole: what precautions?

Laser hair removal is never carried out over a tattoo or a mole. These areas are identified at the free preliminary consultation with Dr Milène VERA, then avoided at every session. The skin around them can be treated normally. Having a tattoo or moles therefore does not prevent you from having laser hair removal.

Why should the laser not be passed over a tattoo?

Tattoo ink absorbs laser light, just like the melanin in the hair. It then heats up strongly: even an accidental pass can change the colour of the tattoo or fade it permanently, or even cause a burn and leave a scar. Dark inks — black, blue or green — carry the most risk. That is why the assistant always keeps a safe distance from the tattoo during the session. If the tattoo covers a large part of the area to be treated, the treatable surface is reduced: we discuss this with you at the consultation.

What about moles?

Moles contain a lot of melanin: the laser could irritate them, burn them or change their appearance. They are therefore never treated and are avoided during sessions. At the consultation, Dr VERA examines the areas to be treated. If a mole looks unusual (irregular shape, several colours, recent change), she refers you to a dermatologist before starting.

What if you have just had a tattoo?

A recent tattoo makes the skin more fragile. Wait until it has completely healed before any session on the neighbouring area. If you are planning a new tattoo on an area being treated, it is better to have it done after the end of the treatment course.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have laser hair removal if I have a lot of moles? Yes. A large number of moles does not prevent treatment: they are identified at the consultation and avoided during sessions. If one of them looks unusual, Dr VERA first refers you to a dermatologist.

Can laser hair removal remove a tattoo? No. The hair removal laser is not designed for this: passed over a tattoo, it does not remove it cleanly, but can change its colour, fade it unevenly, or even burn it and leave a scar. Tattoo removal requires a different type of laser.

Are freckles a problem? No, they are not a contraindication. As they contain melanin, they may darken slightly just after the session, then lighten: laser treatment often has the side effect of fading freckles on the treated area.

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