How Do Different Types Of Lasers Compare In Terms Of Pain
Andrea carrying out PicoSure tattoo removal
As well as RevLite laser tattoo removal we also carry out treatments with a revolutionary PicoSure laser, 1 of just 4 in the UK. The PicoSure laser is faster than standard lasers and takes 75% less time to remove tattoos, leading many of the people we speak to to think that it hurts a whole lot more. On the contrary, our first PicoSure client told us that his treatment hurt half as much as his previous treatment with a traditional laser!
Pain Management During Treatment
Laser tattoo removal is painful many patients say it is worse than getting the tattoo. The pain is often described to be similar to that of hot oil on the skin, or a “snap” from an elastic band. Depending on the patient’s pain threshold, and while some patients may forgo anesthesia altogether, most patients will require some form of local anesthesia. Pre-treatment might include the application of an anesthetic cream under occlusion for 45 to 90 minutes or cooling by ice or cold air prior to the laser treatment session. A better method is complete anesthesia which can be administered locally by injections of 1% to 2% lidocaine with epinephrine.
A technique which helps to reduce the pain sensation felt by patients has been described by MJ Murphy. He used a standard microscope glass slide pressed against the tattooed skin and fired the laser through the glass. This technique may represent a simplest and effective method to reduce the pain sensation when treating small tattoos.
Preparing For Your Appointment
There are things you can do to help minimize the pain of tattoo removal, starting with using a numbing agent.
Using a numbing cream on the skin may be an effective way to reduce pain, says Chimento. This topical anesthetic blocks sodium channels, so the nerves cant send pain signals to the brain. Numbing creams are available to purchase over the counter and are available as creams, sprays, and liquids. I would recommend speaking to your dermatologist before using a numbing cream.
Applying ice can also help reduce pain, according to Chimento. Placing an ice pack or ice on the tattoo area will numb the area and make the procedure less painful. Make sure to put a washcloth or towel between your skin and the ice. This will prevent irritation or redness of the skin.
What you do after each appointment matters, too.
Usually, laser tattoo removal is not a one-and-done deal. You need to have multiple treatments to remove it. You should avoid the sun as much as possible before, during, and after your laser tattoo removal. If you spend a significant amount of time in the sun before your sessions, your skin becomes weaker, and there is a higher chance of damage to the skin, Chimento says. Also, your skin might not be as responsive to the lasers, which will make it harder for the lasers to remove the tattoo. This will result in more sessions, and more sessions equal more pain.
Read Also: Learn To Draw American Traditional Tattoos
It Depends On The Part Of Your Body
Tattoo removal pain also depends on which body part is being treated. Some areas, such as hands and feet, have more touch receptors and nerve endings. The more receptors in the area, the more sensitive that part of the skin will be to the laser.
The armpits, for example, are among the most sensitive parts of your body. So, getting a tattoo lasered off your armpit will hurt a lot more than getting one removed from your back.
It can also be a bit more painful if your tattoo is close to a bone or in an area where there is very little fat. The leaner the area, the more sensitive it is.
Related: Eyebrow Tattoo Removal
Answer: Minimizing Laser Tattoo Removal Discomfort
Hello and thank you for your question. Pain tolerance and discomfort levels are so very individual it is hard to compare one person to the next. That being said, we recommend that you seek a consultation with a well qualified and experienced clinician and honestly discuss your pain and tolerance concerns, there are a number of ways to enhance the patient comfort level during laser tattoo removal. We use a specialty, compounded numbing cream, the key is to be sure it is left on the skin for the proper length of time. With the numbing cream that we use, our patients are usually quite surprised that the discomfort level is less than anticipated. We also use chilled air for surface cooling which contributes to minimizing discomfort. Tattoo removal takes time and a series of treatments, so be sure you find a clinician that you are comfortable with and who is responsive to your concerns.All the best to you!
Also Check: Does It Hurt To Remove A Tattoo
Does Tattoo Removal Hurt
Yes, tattoo removal hurt. Usually, laser tattoo removal has a very small level of pain. It will hurt you less than your expectations. That means tattoo removal will hurt you with a little level of pain that is bearable. So, dont be so panic about its pain. Most importantly, lasers pulse of light can be comparable to the hot speaks of bacon grease that basically hit your skin.
Besides this, for black color tattoo removal will hurt less compare to other colors. Because it is easy to remove. On the other hand, other colors like green, blue and red can only be treated through selective laser. So, this color takes extra time to remove through laser.
But remember skin type is different for every person, so before preparing for tattoo removal you must visit your doctor to get the best recommendation for you.
Anyway, tattoo placement is one of the most important issues to measure how painful is it to have a tattoo removed?
Also, see
Does Tattoo Removal Hurt Afterward
Sometimes, tattoo removal afterward but not much at all. For example, you may have skin redness, a little bleeding, blistering and swelling for some hours or maybe for a day. However, it also has all of the following side effects.
-
Side Effect of Laser Tattoo Removal
Usually, this process has very few levels of side effect that are given billow
- Hyperpigmentation
- An abundance of tattoo color on the treatment area
- Lack of complete the tattoo remove
- May have some infection on the treatment area
- Have a 5% chance of scarring
- Must avoid public swimming pool and sun
Also, see
You May Like: Saline Tattoo Removal Before And After
It Hurts But It’s Bearable
When discussing pain with patients, it’s important to share that while they may experience some level of discomfort, the pain is relatively manageable and tolerable. It may take some tough love to encourage patients concerned about sensitivity.
The vast majority of tattoo removal providers offer some form of soothing to the skin during the treatment. Offering skin numbing during the procedure allows your practice to stay competitive, provide better patient care, and have higher patient satisfaction.
Exactly How To Choose The Ideal Facility For Laser Tattoo Removal
The procedure for removing tattoos with Q-switched lasers has a couple effects. Half the moment there’s an impact on your pigment which could last anywhere from 6 to twelve months or more depending on how it resolves itself.
Pain Scale Of Tattoo Removal
Hyperpignetations happen after undertaking therapies where extreme lights have been made use of such as those discovered. Skin can go from a variety of colors to either light or dark after laser therapies. Hyperpigmentation is when the skin generates even more melanin in response to the therapy, while hypopigmentation takes place when it loses its all-natural shade. Pain Scale Of Tattoo Removal
Don’t Miss: Tattoo Shop In The Mall
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt More In Certain Parts Of The Body
Youll find that laser tattoo removal will hurt more in similar places to getting an actual tattoo. Where there is generally more body fat the treatment will hurt less as the flesh seems to cushion most of the pain, which means areas such as the wrist, feet, face, and fingers could make you wince a little more than if your tattoo was on your thigh!
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt
So finally, lets get around to your important question, because youre not being a wimp for asking it: does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Were not going to lie and say their isnt any pain during laser tattoo removal. But the real answer is probably not as much as youre imagining. Ultimately, because pain is completely subjective, what really hurts to one person might not be a big deal at all to another.
It is also important to weigh up the short-term discomfort against the long-term outcome. Laser tattoo removal is really effective at getting rid of that ink mark on your skin.
Many people believe that laser tattoo removal is nothing short of excruciating and you may have even heard that word being mentioned.
However, the truth is that most people who undergo laser tattoo removal actually report that getting it removed hurts about the same as it did to get it put on. Of course, just like getting inked, more sensitive areas like ribs, neck or the inside of our arm will hurt more. So if you can bear the pain of permanently marking yourself, you can bear the pain of permanently unmarking yourself!
Read Also: How To Tattoo Your Eyebrows
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful
If youre interested in laser tattoo removal, the same regions of the body that are most sensitive for tattoos tend to be slightly more sensitive for tattoo removal. However, laser removal is much less uncomfortable than actually getting tattooedand significantly faster!
Each session lasts from a minute to several minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo, and it feels more like getting snapped with a rubber band than having a needle poking at your skin. As with tattooing, following proper tattoo removal aftercare protocol like avoiding alcohol and sun while staying hydrated will minimize any lingering irritation.
Our experienced specialists at Removery are skilled at minimizing discomfort. Book a consultation to find out more about tattoo removal costs and other details, whether in preparation for a cover up or just to get rid of your old ink!
Is It Painful Than Getting A Tattoo
As stated above, most patients have said that the sensation of laser tattoo removal procedure is similar to the degree of pain felt while getting tattooed. Usually, it is described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin or tiny pricks that move very quickly over the surface of the tattoo.
Some people can bear the pain without the need for anaesthesia. However, if your threshold of tolerating pain is too low, then the practitioner will apply a topical anaesthetic cream to relieve you from the discomfort. The latest laser technology and equipment has helped in alleviating pain to a large extent, but slight soreness is common. Let us take a look at the factors that influence the intensity of throbbing during the procedure.
Read Also: Tattoo Removal Orange County Ca
Just How Painful Is Tattoo Removal
Different people have different levels of pain tolerancesome wince just thinking about needles, let alone getting a tattoo. Others are able to grin and bear it, while still others have compared tattoo removal pain to childbirth and wisdom tooth extraction. Some clinics do a patch test first to see how well a person can tolerate the pain.
The location of the tattoo also plays a role in how much it will hurt when removed because of the number ofnociceptors or pain receptors certain body parts have. Removing tattoos in the following areas are therefore likely to hurt more:
- Less fatty areas
The good news is that the process of removing a tattoo, in itself, doesnt last long, with many sessions lasting about half a minute to three minutes, tops. These few minutes of pain are mild in comparison to the hours of pain during tattoo application.
Also, tattoo removal pain doesnt usually last long after it has been inflicted. This means that the pain will have dissipated by the time you leave the clinic. In addition, since laser tattoo removal takes more than one session, especially whenremoving stubborn tattoos, each succeeding session will hurt less because there wont be as much ink to remove.
Introduce The Discussion Of This Topic Even If The Patient Doesn’t
Many patients have the misconception that the laser “burns” the tattoo ink out of the skin. By discussing how tattoo removal works, you can help patients appreciate the role that the laser has in eliminating their unwanted tattoo.
We suggest having a simplified answer such as this:
“Each pulse of the laser sends light energy into your skin. We use different wavelengths of laser light to treat different colors of ink in your tattoo. As the light energy is directed into your skin, it is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink particles trapped in the dermis of your skin. When the ink particles absorb this energy, they instantly shatter into tiny fragments. Once the laser has broken the ink into smaller pieces, your body’s immune system works to remove the ink over the following weeks, flushing it away from the tattooed area. We see the result of this as the tattoo lightening in appearance. Each additional laser treatment breaks down more and more ink until the tattoo can no longer be seen.”
This description achieves a few things:
Also Check: Laser Tattoo Removal Tucson Az
Make Sure To Block Out Your Schedule
While some laser sessions are quick and easy, not all are. Mine have been taking about 45 minutes because we take before photos, clean the areas, inject them with lidocaine for freezing, laser them, ice them, and then bandage them. Oh, and sometimes a weird side effect happens where I taste metal when the laser hits my skin. Dr. Adams says it’s a sensation that some people experience when the lidocaine is hit by the laser and that it’s totally normal.
Answers To Faqs About Tattoo Removal Pain
If something hurts when you put it on, it makes sense for it to not hurt when its taken off, right? Unfortunately, this isnt always so.
Removing a tattoo can hurt just as much, if not more, than getting it done. 84% of the participants in astudy described the pain they went through while undergoinglaser tattoo removal as moderate to extreme.
Pain is usually what deters people from getting their tattoos removed, however regrettable they may be. But this doesnt mean that nothing can be done to make the pain easier to bear. Here are six straightforward answers to frequently asked questions about why tattoo removal hurts and ways to help alleviate tattoo removal pain.
Read Also: What’s The Best Laser For Tattoo Removal
Tattoos Are Forever Unless You Do This
An additional technique is to get your original tattoos and transform them right into something new altogether! For instance, you might have an old faded blossom tattoo on your lower back yet desire it remade as a vibrant peacock in honor of its recent value in pop society thanks to Beyoncé’s track ” Development.” Because there won’t be any scarring from removing the ink if they’re going overtop anyway, in these cases getting laser removal through surgery isn’t necessary. Pain Scale Of Tattoo Removal
Tattoo ink is placed underneath the leading layer of the skin. That makes tattoo removal extra complicated– and pricey– than the initial tattoo application.
Seek advice from a skin physician concerning the alternatives if you’re interested in tattoo removal. Don’t attempt tattoo removal by yourself. Do-it-yourself tattoo removal lotions and also other home therapies aren’t most likely to be reliable and can create skin irritability or various other responses.
Pain Scale Of Tattoo Removal
What Is The Pain Of Laser Tattoo Removal Like
We have always described the sensation of laser hair removal like a rubber band snapping the skin. Tattoo removal is similar, only the rubber band would be stretched a little longer before snapping the skin and with practically no pause between encounters.
Another way to describe it would be a swift moving sewing machine needle that moves up and down over the fabric. We also have patients say the pain level is about the same as getting a tattoo.
Prior to treatment, we cool the area with zero-degree air to numb it. Weve had some patients tell us the numbing process is the worst part.
Regardless of the level of discomfort, all of our patients say they can endure anything as long as we can get rid of the tattoo, and we do.
Recommended Reading: Revlite Si Laser Tattoo Removal
Is There Anything To Help With Tattoo Removal Pain
A quality laser tattoo removal practitioner not only sympathises with the level of pain involved, but will do something to help you through it. We actually ask and document tattoo removal pain! Clients who have previously had tattoo removal elsewhere, typically reported tattoo removal pain as 6-7/10. Using a low level laser pre-treatment this was reduced to a more bearable 5/10. Low Level Laser Therapy is a healing laser that reduces pain and swelling, thereby reducing down time. The antibacterial blue light also reduces the chance of infections. This is a patent pending technology devised by our senior clinician.
Numbing creams can further reduce the pain scale by a couple of notches. A visit to your GP for a prescription numbing cream can have a massive reduction, depending on the level of active ingredients such as lidocaine. Our data shows some reporting tattoo removal pain as low as 2/10, but consult with your tattoo removal specialist and doctor first!
After care will help with healing and post tattoo removal pain decreasing the common itchiness experienced to a virtually non-existent level as well as reducing swelling and blistering. Even simple techniques like ice and topical creams can be useful, particularly if the tattoo is small.
In summary, if youve heard some reports about the excruciating nature of laser tattoo removal, one of these factors may have been involved: