Skin conditions

An open wound or broken skin — beauty treatment safety

Name: An open wound or broken skin: which treatments are safe?
Creator: Anna

Also called open wound, broken skin, cut, graze, wound that has not healed, unhealed skin.

In short

On this page, An open wound or broken skin is checked against 88 treatments: 88 are ones to avoid. The tightest restrictions are in Facials and Body Treatments.

Most oftenAvoid

Every treatment name opens its own page

Facials

25 treatments · all 25 to avoid

Facials — An open wound or broken skin
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	AHA Peel (Glycolic / Lactic / Mandelic)Also: glycolic peel, lactic peel, mandelic peel, alpha hydroxy peel, light chemical peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — AHA Peel (Glycolic / Lactic / Mandelic) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	BHA Peel (Salicylic)Also: salicylic peel, beta hydroxy peel, acne peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — BHA Peel (Salicylic) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Carbon Laser FacialAlso: Hollywood peel, China doll peel, carbon peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Carbon Laser Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Classic FacialAlso: European facial, deep cleansing facial, traditional facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Classic Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Cryo FacialAlso: ice facial, cold therapy facial, frotox Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Cryo Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	DermaplaningAlso: blade exfoliation, facial shaving, peach fuzz removal Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Dermaplaning Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Enzyme PeelAlso: fruit enzyme peel, papain peel, bromelain peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Enzyme Peel Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Express FacialAlso: mini facial, 30-minute facial, lunchtime facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Express Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Galvanic FacialAlso: iontophoresis, desincrustation, galvanic current Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Galvanic Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	HIFU (Ultherapy)Also: Ultherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, non-surgical lifting, ultrasound lifting Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — HIFU (Ultherapy) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	High-Frequency FacialAlso: high-frequency wand, violet ray treatment Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — High-Frequency Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	HydraFacialAlso: hydradermabrasion, hydra facial, aqua facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — HydraFacial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Jessner's PeelAlso: combination peel, modified Jessner Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Jessner's Peel Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	LED Light TherapyAlso: red light therapy, blue light therapy, yellow light therapy, LED facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — LED Light Therapy Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Mesotherapy (Facial)Also: meso facial, vitamin injections, skin booster injections (face) Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Mesotherapy (Facial) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Microcurrent FacialAlso: NuFace, non-surgical facelift, facial toning Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Microcurrent Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	MicrodermabrasionAlso: crystal microdermabrasion, diamond microdermabrasion, MDA Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Microdermabrasion Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	MicroneedlingAlso: dermapen, dermaroller, collagen induction therapy, CIT, skin needling Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Microneedling Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Oxygen FacialAlso: Intraceuticals, oxygen infusion facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Oxygen Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Phenol Peel (Deep)Also: deep chemical peel, Baker-Gordon peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Phenol Peel (Deep) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	PRP Facial (Vampire Facial)Also: platelet-rich plasma facial, vampire facial, blood facial Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — PRP Facial (Vampire Facial) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Radiofrequency (RF) FacialAlso: Thermage, Venus Freeze (face), skin tightening RF Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Radiofrequency (RF) Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	RF MicroneedlingAlso: Morpheus8, Profound, Vivace, Genius RF, radio frequency microneedling Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — RF Microneedling Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	TCA Peel (Medium)Also: trichloroacetic acid peel, medium depth peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — TCA Peel (Medium) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Ultrasound FacialAlso: ultrasonic facial, cavitation peel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Ultrasound Facial Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

Injectables

11 treatments · all 11 to avoid

Injectables — An open wound or broken skin
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse)Also: Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse, collagen stimulators, PLLA, calcium hydroxylapatite Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Botox / NeurotoxinAlso: botulinum toxin, Dysport, Xeomin, Azzalure, Bocouture, anti-wrinkle injections, wrinkle relaxers, tox Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Botox / Neurotoxin Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Cheek FillersAlso: midface filler, cheek augmentation, Voluma Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Cheek Fillers Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Dermal Fillers (General)Also: hyaluronic acid fillers, HA fillers, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Dermal Fillers (General) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Fat-Dissolving InjectionsAlso: Aqualyx, Kybella, deoxycholic acid, lipolysis injections Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Fat-Dissolving Injections Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Lip FillersAlso: lip augmentation, lip enhancement, lip injections Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lip Fillers Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Mesotherapy (Body)Also: body meso, fat-loss mesotherapy, cellulite mesotherapy Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Mesotherapy (Body) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	PDO Thread LiftAlso: thread lift, PDO threads, PLLA threads, Silhouette Soft, non-surgical thread lift Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — PDO Thread Lift Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	PolynucleotidesAlso: Plinest, Newest, PN injection, salmon DNA injection Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Polynucleotides Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster)Also: Profhilo, Restylane Vital, Restylane Skinbooster, hydration injections Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Tear Trough FillersAlso: under-eye filler, under-eye treatment Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Tear Trough Fillers Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

Laser & Light

7 treatments · all 7 to avoid

Laser & Light — An open wound or broken skin
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Fractional Ablative LaserAlso: CO2 laser, Erbium laser, ablative resurfacing Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Fractional Ablative Laser Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Fractional Non-Ablative LaserAlso: Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, non-ablative resurfacing Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Fractional Non-Ablative Laser Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)Also: intense pulsed light, photofacial, fotofacial, IPL photorejuvenation Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Laser Hair RemovalAlso: LHR, diode laser, Alexandrite laser, Nd:YAG laser, permanent hair reduction Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Laser Hair Removal Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)Also: PDT, blue light + ALA therapy, Levulan therapy Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Pigment Laser (Q-Switched / Pico)Also: Q-switched laser, Pico laser, PicoSure, PicoWay, tattoo removal laser Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Pigment Laser (Q-Switched / Pico) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Vascular LaserAlso: V-Beam, KTP laser, pulsed dye laser, broken capillaries laser Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Vascular Laser Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

Body Treatments

15 treatments · all 15 to avoid

Body Treatments — An open wound or broken skin
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Aromatherapy MassageAlso: essential oil massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Aromatherapy Massage Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Body PeelAlso: chemical body peel, back peel, body acid treatment Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Body Peel Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Body ScrubAlso: body exfoliation, salt scrub, sugar scrub, body polish Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Body Scrub Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Body WrapsAlso: algae wrap, mud wrap, paraffin wrap, seaweed wrap, detox wrap Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Body Wraps Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)Also: CoolSculpting, fat freezing, cool sculpting, Zeltiq Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Deep Tissue MassageAlso: sports massage, remedial massage, firm pressure massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Deep Tissue Massage Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	EMSculpt / EMS Body TreatmentsAlso: EMSculpt, Emsella, electromagnetic muscle stimulation, HIFEM Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — EMSculpt / EMS Body Treatments Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	EndermologieAlso: LPG, mechanical roller massage, endermology, cellulite massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Endermologie Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Hot Stone MassageAlso: stone therapy, geothermal massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Hot Stone Massage Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Lymphatic Drainage MassageAlso: MLD, manual lymphatic drainage, Vodder technique Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lymphatic Drainage Massage Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Prenatal / Pregnancy MassageAlso: pregnancy massage, maternity massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	PressotherapyAlso: compression boots, Ballancer, lymphatic pressotherapy Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Pressotherapy Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Radiofrequency Body TreatmentsAlso: Venus Legacy, Exilis, body RF, skin tightening RF (body) Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Radiofrequency Body Treatments Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Swedish MassageAlso: classic massage, relaxation massage, full-body massage Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Swedish Massage Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Ultrasonic CavitationAlso: body cavitation, ultrasonic fat reduction, cavi-lipo Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Ultrasonic Cavitation Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

Hair Removal

6 treatments · all 6 to avoid

Hair Removal — An open wound or broken skin
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Depilatory CreamAlso: chemical hair removal, hair removal cream, Veet, Nair Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Depilatory Cream Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	ElectrolysisAlso: needle electrolysis, permanent hair removal, galvanic electrolysis Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Electrolysis Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Hot WaxAlso: hard wax, Brazilian wax, hot wax depilation Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Hot Wax Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Strip Wax (Soft Wax)Also: soft wax, strip waxing, honey wax Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Strip Wax (Soft Wax) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	SugaringAlso: sugar paste depilation, Egyptian sugaring, Persian sugaring Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Sugaring Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	ThreadingAlso: eyebrow threading, facial threading, khite Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Threading Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

Nails

10 treatments · all 10 to avoid

Nails — An open wound or broken skin
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Acrylic NailsAlso: liquid and powder nails, L&P nails, sculpted acrylics Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Acrylic Nails Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Builder Gel / BIABAlso: BIAB, builder in a bottle, hard gel, structure gel Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Builder Gel / BIAB Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Classic ManicureAlso: regular manicure, traditional manicure, polish manicure Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Classic Manicure Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Classic PedicureAlso: regular pedicure, spa pedicure Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Classic Pedicure Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Gel ManicureAlso: Shellac, gel polish, soak-off gel, CND Shellac Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Gel Manicure Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Gel PedicureAlso: Shellac pedicure, gel polish pedicure Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Gel Pedicure Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Medical PedicureAlso: med pedi, podiatry pedicure, Margaret Dabbs pedicure Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Medical Pedicure Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Nail Strengthening TreatmentsAlso: IBX, nail repair treatment, nail bond treatment Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Nail Strengthening Treatments Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Polygel NailsAlso: poly gel, gel-acrylic hybrid Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Polygel Nails Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Press-On NailsAlso: adhesive nails, stick-on nails, nail tips Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Press-On Nails Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

Lashes & Brows

8 treatments · all 8 to avoid

Lashes & Brows — An open wound or broken skin
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Brow LaminationAlso: brow perm, brow sculpting Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Brow Lamination Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Brow TintAlso: eyebrow tinting, brow dye Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Brow Tint Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Classic Lash ExtensionsAlso: individual lashes, 1:1 lash extensions Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Classic Lash Extensions Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Henna BrowsAlso: henna brow tinting Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Henna Brows Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Hybrid Lash ExtensionsAlso: mixed lash extensions Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Hybrid Lash Extensions Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Lash LiftAlso: lash perm, keratin lash lift Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lash Lift Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Lash TintAlso: eyelash tinting, lash dye Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lash Tint Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Volume Lash ExtensionsAlso: Russian volume, fan lashes, 2D-6D lashes Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Volume Lash Extensions Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

Permanent Makeup (PMU)

6 treatments · all 6 to avoid

Permanent Makeup (PMU) — An open wound or broken skin
What we found	Treatment
Avoid	Areola TattooAlso: 3D nipple tattoo, post-mastectomy tattoo Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Areola Tattoo Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Eyeliner TattooAlso: permanent eyeliner, lash line enhancement, lash line tattoo Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Eyeliner Tattoo Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Lip Blush / Lip TattooAlso: lip tint tattoo, permanent lip colour, aquarelle lips Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Lip Blush / Lip Tattoo Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Microblading (Eyebrows)Also: eyebrow embroidery, feather brows, hair-stroke brows Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Microblading (Eyebrows) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Powder Brows / Ombré BrowsAlso: machine brows, ombre brows, shading brows Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Powder Brows / Ombré Brows Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology
Avoid	Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)Also: SMP, hair tattoo, scalp tattoo Avoid over the affected area — other areas are fine. Why, and the source — Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Skin that has not finished healing needs to be left alone. Treating over a new tattoo, a wound that has not closed, or an area that has just had laser or a peel risks infection, patchy pigment and scarring — and, with a new tattoo, pulling the ink about before it has settled. Away from the affected area, treatments carry on as normal. How long you wait depends on what happened and how deep it went, so ask the person who did it. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

Sources

American Academy of DermatologyPost-procedure healing guidance

Written by Anna · London-trained cosmetologist

Last updated 3 September 2026

Every treatment, checked