Not loving your tattoo and thinking about whether you can take the pain of getting it removed? Lots of people wonder how much tattoo removal hurts
Why does tattoo removal hurt?
Think about if you’ve ever burnt yourself on a pan hot from the oven, or hot water. The same concept applies to laser tattoo removal- the heat and intensity of the laser is what enables it to break up the ink in your skin into tiny particles. These particles are then flushed out through your immune system. Session after session, more particles are blasted until you’re left with a beautiful blank canvas…or a lightened tattoo prime for a cover up with the artist of your choice.
What does tattoo removal feel like?
While getting a tattoo lasered off does come with some minor discomfort, most people say that it’s less than they expected. The pain that comes with laser tattoo removal is similar to the snap of a rubber band as the laser pulses against your skin to break up the ink. Some people liken it to scratching a bad sunburn, or the feeling of a drop of hot oil splashing your skin. Everyone has a different idea of what it feels like.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt more than getting a tattoo?
Since laser is the only way to fully remove a tattoo, the discomfort that comes along with it is well worth it. If you can take the pain of getting a tattoo, you definitely can tolerate getting it removed. Everyone has different feelings about their pain tolerance and how much they can handle.
Other methods of tattoo removal like creams, saline treatments or even dermabrasion aren’t effective in removing tattoos. While these may be relatively pain free options, they are not considered to be an actual way to remove a tattoo for good, and they can cause permanent damage to your skin.
How long does tattoo removal pain last?
You may experience discomfort for a few hours after your session, similar to the sensation of a sunburn. Since we use an awesome cooling system while we treat your skin with the laser, it helps a lot with any feelings of heat in the area not only during the procedure but after as well. Some of my clients like to go home and apply an ice pack to the area to cool it down…but most of my clients go on with their day as normal, forgetting about any discomfort shortly after. You may have mild swelling and discomfort the next day, which will fade quickly over the next few days to a week.
Tattoo removal pain factors
The best thing about the discomfort associated with tattoo removal is that it’s QUICK. Where you may be sitting for a tattoo for several hours, with laser tattoo removal, you’re done within a few minutes and sometimes as little as 30 seconds. This makes it much easier to handle compared to the process of getting a tattoo.
The size of your tattoo, the saturation of the ink, how thick the lines of the tattoo are and its placement have a lot to do with how painful the process will be for you. Your personal pain tolerance will also play a part. Many clients report that the process gets easier as it goes on, because they know what to expect and seeing results is motivational for them. Just like getting a tattoo, the process of laser tattoo removal is something of a rite of passage- and one many can easily take.
Easing the pain of tattoo removal
Make sure to show up to your appointment having eaten beforehand and being well hydrated. For larger pieces, I do offer a complimentary numbing cream formulated exclusively for my laser clients. This would be applied an hour before your appointment. Squeezing tennis balls or stress balls can be helpful to some of my clients as well. The use of a cooling device during the procedure helps keep the skin cool and you comfortable.
Is laser tattoo removal for me?
At the end of the day, if you’re motivated to remove a tattoo or lighten it for a cover up…you’ll be able to handle it. Curious how much tattoo removal costs or have questions? Hit me up on social or book a free no pressure consult here.
Cheers!
Jim