Can laser tattoo removal cause cancer? This post will reveal it.
Whether you regret your tattoo after five months or five decades, laser tattoo removal is an option that you’ll almost certainly consider. However, before starting the process, it is imperative that you know what to expect from the situation.
You naturally have lots of questions to ask, such as whether laser tattoo removal causes scarring. Likewise, you will want to know about any laser tattoo removal cancer risk that may be involved in the procedure. Here’s all you need to know.
Does laser tattoo removal cause cancer?
Dermatology experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation have researched the impacts of tattoos for several decades and have shown that getting a tattoo poses no increase in the risk of developing skin cancer, although they do suggest that it’s best to avoid having tattoos near any moles. But what about laser tattoo removals?
The good news is that all studies into the thesis of does laser tattoo removal cause cancer point towards the fact that there is no added risk. The procedure itself does not affect the cells in a way that causes cancer. Whether you have tattoo ink pigments or have had them removed via laser tattoo techniques, it will not directly cause cancer.
The laser tattoo removal risk
While laser tattoo removals do not directly cause cancer, patients must familiarize themselves with the potential risks. The procedure does leave the affected area of skin with an increased level of photosensitivity – which means it can be damaged by exposure to sunlight or UV rays from tanning beds.
Given that this is the #1 cause of developing skin cancer, all patients should know that the risks of skin cancer are indirectly increased due to laser tattoo removals. Thankfully, those heightened risks can be removed by implementing the right skincare routines. Keeping your skin covered, using sun lotions, and avoiding tanning beds are three crucial steps to help fight the risk of skin cancer.
In truth, though, most people would benefit from those steps irrespective of whether they have had a tattoo and/or tattoo laser removal or not. After all, 1 in 5 Americans gets skin cancer, making it the most common type by far.
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Protecting your skin after laser tattoo removal
While tattoo removal doesn’t cause cancer, the skin will be in a particularly vulnerable condition following the treatment. As such, following a suitable skin care plan will be vital. You must speak with your dermatologist to make this happen. In the early days following a procedure, you will probably need to use vaseline or other products to help prevent scarring.
Aside from reducing the laser tattoo removal cancer risk when out in the sun, it is a key step to preventing irritation, pain, and discomfort. In addition to wearing sunscreen in the appropriate settings, you should keep the skin moisturized at all times. Following a healthy lifestyle and staying hydrated will naturally promote better skin too, which will help it recover from minor injuries.
To find out more about laser tattoo removal, get in touch with our experts today.