Pain Relief for Tattoo Removal
When seeking laser tattoo removal for the first time, we see that prospective clients are most worried about the pain the procedure may cause. Before diving into what to expect, we’re glad to say that you can shake those horror stories out of your heads – laser tattoo removal does not have to be painful!
With that being said, it is not a completely painless experience. However, there are plenty of steps we can take as well as things you can do beforehand to make the process more comfortable.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
This is a tough question to answer because every individual has a different tolerance for pain (as well as anxiety around pain), and then you must also consider that body placement comes into play. What we tend to see is that people say the removal is less painful than actually getting the tattoo. If you’re looking for a better idea of what to expect, then a good rule of thumb is that the places that hurt the most to tattoo are generally the ones that will hurt more to remove.
That means areas like your joints (elbows, knees, and ankles), the head, the area around your armpit, ribs, and sternum, and your fingers and feet. But don’t panic! Most clients equate the pain of laser tattoo removal with the pain of a sunburn — it is unpleasant but not unbearable.
In our 15 years of removing tattoos, we’ve seen that women tend to handle the treatment better than men.
As you can see, the above list is pretty startling. These five common tattoo removal methods all have varying degrees of risk and don’t usually deliver the results most people are looking for.
What will determine the level of pain from my tattoo removal?
As we mentioned above, the body placement of your tattoo is one of the biggest factors that can impact the level of pain you will experience. However, there are plenty more characteristics that can affect this as well. Some factors may include:
- the thickness and darkness of your tattoo’s linework
- the colors of the ink
- age of the tattoo
- your pain tolerance
Some good news – the first session will likely be the most uncomfortable. Everyone says that the treatments get easier and easier as there is less ink to be removed, and generally, there is less fear as you know what to expect.
How long does the pain last after tattoo removal?
Typically, once the treatment is over, there is no lingering pain. Some folks may experience a tingly sunburn sensation for 30-40 minutes after, but taking ibuprofen can help with that.
Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your Certified Laser Specialists to ensure your skin will heal properly and recover between laser tattoo removal sessions.
How can I make tattoo removal less painful?
We’ve had many patients that take ibuprofen before the treatment, and they claim that helps. If you’ve done your own research online, you may have come across numbing creams. In our experience, numbing creams are hit or miss. There is an activation period, and then the window that the cream is active is only for a few minutes. The cream reacts differently for everyone, so we do not recommend using them. If you are anxious about what to expect, don’t hesitate to ask us anything in your free consultation!
Everyone on the MEDermis Laser Clinic team has had a tattoo removed, and using these experiences and our expertise; we have developed our own numbing technique that will help dull and numb the area before your treatment.
Following aftercare instructions is crucial
The very best way to ensure you don’t experience any discomfort during and after your laser treatments is to follow the aftercare given by your Certified Laser Technician. Drink LOTS of water, do not pick at any scabs, and avoid sun exposure. These are the basics of caring for your skin after laser tattoo removal, but if you have any doubts or questions, you can always get in touch with your laser specialist between sessions.
MEDermis Laser Clinic Can Help!
We want to ensure you have the safest and most comfortable laser tattoo removal experience possible! Get in touch with our team to put your mind at ease about the whole process.
Removing your tattoo can be done safely, but be sure you consult the pros! We’re proud to have been serving clients in Austin and San Antonio longer than any other clinic in the entire southwest region of the U.S. Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation!