Question
Hi,
I'm using IPL for my legs, as I have used it on my bikini line and was very very happy with the results. So decided why not do my legs as well.
On my fist visit for my legs 2 days ago, the doctor went over some of my tattoo, which is about 15 x 10cm. It burnt so much she had to stop. She said it was ok, but seeing as I was so sensititive in the area she would stop.
It was red and sore, over about quarter of the tattoo. Now the outline in the area sems to have blistered, I assume it is acting like a regular burn. I don't know what treatment to give it or what to do now. It is not hurting now, stopped hurting about 2 hours after treatment.
Should IPL be used over a tattoo? Will it cause permament damage? What kind of damage should I expect? I am going back to the head doctor on Monday to show him what has happened but I want to have my facts right and know what i should be saying -Is it a known fact among IPL practices that you cannot use it over tattoos? Should they have known?
I am based in Bali, Indonesia. The practice is called ARC and the doctor is from Australia. So not so easy to get a second opinion!
Hope you can shed some more light for me!
Tx,
Sue

Answer
Hi,
I'm using IPL for my legs, as I have used it on my bikini line and was very very happy with the results. So decided why not do my legs as well.
On my fist visit for my legs 2 days ago, the doctor went over some of my tattoo, which is about 15 x 10cm. It burnt so much she had to stop. She said it was ok, but seeing as I was so sensititive in the area she would stop.
It was red and sore, over about quarter of the tattoo. Now the outline in the area sems to have blistered, I assume it is acting like a regular burn. I don't know what treatment to give it or what to do now. It is not hurting now, stopped hurting about 2 hours after treatment.
Should IPL be used over a tattoo? Will it cause permament damage? What kind of damage should I expect? I am going back to the head doctor on Monday to show him what has happened but I want to have my facts right and know what i should be saying -Is it a known fact among IPL practices that you cannot use it over tattoos? Should they have known?
I am based in Bali, Indonesia. The practice is called ARC and the doctor is from Australia. So not so easy to get a second opinion!
Hope you can shed some more light for me!
Tx,
Sue

Answer
any knowledgeable tech would cover up the tatoo and absolutely NOT go over it with IPL or laser. Yes, there is a pretty good chance of damaging the tattoo. It should be avoided when getting treatments. The area is usually covered with something white.