While you may be thinking about removing an unwanted tattoo during this time, it's not the best idea for the same reasons you should avoid laser hair removal. "The lasers used for tattoo removal can also be absorbed by the pigment in the skin, not just the tattoo," Dr. Gmyrek said. Therefore, you cannot be tanned or you run the risk of possibly burning the skin. Sunlight can also affect the results of the tattoo removal process and lead to potential scarring.