Laser Hair Removal Over Moles, Tattoos and Permanent Makeup

Short answer: laser hair removal targets the dark pigment in the hair root, and moles, tattoos and permanent makeup also contain dark pigment that can absorb laser light. That's why the laser is never fired directly over moles, tattoos or permanent makeup; these areas are marked or covered before the session and the surrounding skin is treated carefully. If you have a mole that is new, growing, or changing colour or shape, see a dermatologist before any laser treatment.

Why Is Extra Care Needed?

Laser light doesn't tell colours apart; it releases its energy wherever dark pigment is concentrated. In the hair root, that's the goal. But if the same energy hits a mole, tattoo ink or permanent makeup pigment:

• The skin can burn, blister or crust,
• The tattoo can fade or change colour,
• A mole's appearance can change, making later dermatology checks harder.

Laser Hair Removal and Moles

Small, flat moles that haven't changed in a long time usually don't stop a session; the laser simply isn't fired over them. In practice:

1. Moles in the area are checked before the session.
2. They are marked with a white pencil or covered with a small shield.
3. Pulses are placed around the mole, never on it.

Hairs growing from a mole are managed by trimming rather than laser. See a dermatologist first if you notice:

• A new or rapidly growing mole,
• A mole with an irregular border, several colours or a raised surface,
• A mole that itches, bleeds or doesn't heal.

Laser Hair Removal and Tattoos

The laser is never fired over a tattoo. Tattoo ink absorbs light intensely, which means a risk of burns for your skin and damage to the tattoo. The skin around the tattoo can be treated, keeping a safe distance from its edge. For hair on the tattoo itself, shaving or trimming is the better option.

Got a new tattoo? Laser isn't used even around a tattoo until it has fully healed. And if you're planning a tattoo, finishing laser hair removal on that area first is the practical order.

Permanent Makeup (Brows, Eyeliner, Lips)

Microblading, permanent brows, eyeliner and lip blushing also place pigment in the skin, so the laser is never fired over them:

• Brows: the brow itself is never lasered. Surrounding areas such as between the brows or above the brow can be treated, keeping a safe distance from the pigment.
• Eye area: laser hair removal is not done on the eyelid or lash line.
• Around the lips: for upper lip treatment, the edge of any lip pigment is avoided.

Freckles and Birthmarks

With many freckles, settings are chosen more cautiously and prominent dark freckles are protected like moles. Birthmarks and large pigmented areas are assessed before treatment, with a dermatologist's opinion where needed.

What to Tell Us Before Your Session

• Any tattoos, permanent makeup or moles in the treatment area,
• Any recent tattoo or permanent makeup,
• Your medication — some make skin light-sensitive (see laser hair removal and medications).

We go over these together during your free hair analysis and patch test. For what a session feels like, see does laser hair removal hurt?, and for timing, the best time to start.

Laser Hair Removal in Şişli

At our salon on Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue, laser hair removal starts with a hair analysis that includes a check of the area. See all areas on our laser hair removal page.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you notice changes in a mole, see your dermatologist. Results vary from person to person.