Your Pain Experience Depends On A Few Things
No two peoples pain experience is exactly the same for a few reasons, beginning with your personal pain threshold.
The skill and experience of the person doing the removal can also impact how painful the experience is, which is why having it done by a licensed dermatologist is recommended.
A trained dermatologist can adjust the treatment to your comfort level and give you a numbing cream or injection of a local anesthetic to minimize or prevent pain.
You know how some parts of the body are more painful to tattoo than others? The same goes for tattoo removal.
We asked Dr. Stacy Chimento, board certified Miami dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology, to explain why.
Touch receptors are distributed unevenly throughout the body, therefore making some areas of the body more sensitive. Different parts of the body also differ in types of touch receptors. Some receptors are more sensitive to pressure, while others respond to low- or high-frequency vibrations, says Chimento. Your fingertips, ribcage area, forehead, ankles, wrists, and around your armpit are some of the places where it may be more painful for laser tattoo removal.
Expert Laser Tattoo Removal With Removery
As you can see, though tattoo removal does hurt a little, this minor pain is very manageable. Please give us a call at 1-866-465-0090 to talk one-on-one with an experienced specialist about what to expect at your appointment. Were more than happy to talk through any lingering fears, so you can start your tattoo removal journey with confidence. Or, book a tattoo removal consultation!
How Painful Is Tattoo Removal
The pain experienced during laser tattoo removal is very minor. Tattoo removal does hurt a bit, but Removerys clients often say it feels no more painful than getting slapped by a rubber band.
Laser tattoo removal is the most effective process available. Any method that claims to be pain-free is not actually doing much to remove the ink from the skin, whereas more painful tattoo removal methods are likely to cause long-term damage and permanent scarring.
Our Picoway tattoo removal method causes less pain than most other tattoo removal techniques. Its also faster, meaning less time spent undergoing the minor pain of tattoo removal.
The procedure does come with some degree of pain the stinging sensation of which could be compared to the flicking of an elastic band against the skin,says Dr. Rekha Tailor, medical director of Health & Aesthetics.
How long does pain last after the tattoo removal session is over? Normally it goes away within a few hours. You might simply feel like you have a sunburn until then. If the sensation continues for several days after tattoo removal treatment, contact the Removery clinical team to make sure youre not experiencing an infection or allergic reaction .
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Does Laser Tattoo Removal Burn The Skin
Because the removal process involves lasers and heat, a common misconception about laser tattoo removal is that it burns the tattoo from the skin.
Some extreme tattoo removal methods burn the first few layers of skin off to remove the ink. While they might work in theory, is leaving blatant permanent scarring better than the tattoo you just tried to remove?
To manage the heat of the laser, we have coupled our state of the art technology with the Koolio Optimal Air Cooling System.
This machine blows cold air onto the skins surface as the laser works and can reach up to -40°C. Not only does this minimise any topical pain, but it also reduces the risk of thermal injury, which causes swelling.
So while laser tattoo removal might hurt or cause pain, it certainly doesnt burn the skin as some other tattoo removal methods do.
Ask About Anesthetic Creams And Cold Compresses
We make every effort to make the treatment be as tolerable as possible. That includes applying cold compresses, chilled air, or numbing cream to the tattooed area before the procedure begins. As weve mentioned the laser pulse feels like a bad rubber band snap, or even like getting tattooed again.
If you know you may have pain tolerance issues, or if youd just like to ensure that the procedure is easy, ask us about your options for reducing your discomfort.
In Conclusion
Modern laser tattoo removal technology is growing more effective, fast and affordable with time. Its a very viable option for anyone with an unwanted tattoo. If you decide that you want to take that step, contact us.
At youbaby Skin Spa we understand skin. Our experience, knowledgeable staff and superior technology, makes us thechoice for laser tattoo removal in Boulder County, Colorado. Were more than happy to answer any and all questions you might have about the process. Our consultations are always personal and complementary.
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New: Flat Fee Single Laser Tattoo Removal Toronto: $250 Max 5x 5 Per Session
Single tattoo removal treatment: $250 per visit / per section.
Tattoo removal costs are always the primary factor for clients who are looking to have a tattoo removed or faded for a cover-up.
Flat fee pricing can be an affordable alternative to the traditional pricing process used by our competitors.
Professional Tattoos Are Usually Easier To Remove Than Amateur Ones
This one surprises some people, but its true. Tattoos from amateurs and scratchers are often much more difficult to treat. This is because professional tattoos, are very evenly inked, which makes the laser treatment more predictable.
Conversely, amateur tattoos have an uneven distribution of ink beneath the skin, which can be a serious obstacle. Its also more common to find minor scar tissue at the site of amateur tattoos.
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Tattoo Removal Has Always Been Considered A Painful Treatment That Damages Skin
The first lasers developed in the 1960s were so painful that they required general anaesthetic. But thanks to modern innovations in laser technology, the process no longer needs to hurt. Lets discuss what tattoo removal feels like and how different treatment methods impact the skin.
What does tattoo removal feel like?The experience of pain varies hugely from person to person. What some may describe as stinging or tingling others may describe as burning or jabbing. While some will feel a stabbing, sharp sensation, others may experience it as a deep ache or cramping. This is due to the complex interactions taking place between your nerves and your brain.Therefore, much like the feeling of getting a tattoo varies by person, laser tattoo removal varies too. Generally, higher energy lasers like Q-switch and Pico feel different to more advanced techniques such as the LightSense laser system, which is exclusive to NAAMA. Heres how they commonly feel like without pain relief:
Low energy tattoo removal NAAMA’s patented LightSense laser system uses very low energy and those who have undergone treatment, without any pain relief, have likened it having a blunt fork pressed into the skin until its a little unpleasant. Others say it feels like a more tender part of the skin is being scratched hard to the point of being uncomfortable.
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Minimise Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt For Yourself
If you are particularly anxious about the laser tattoo removal treatments, you can prepare yourself beforehand by:
- learning and practising deep breathing techniques to minimise anxiety
- caring for your body well before and during treatment – getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol and
- taking Tylenol before your session
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How Painful Is Laser Tattoo Removal
Many clients compare the sensation to the experience of having the original tattoo applied. The feeling is also described as similar to the ping of an elastic band on the skin.
Treatments using PicoSure and RevLite Q-Switched lasers are typically much gentler on the skin than older laser technologies. We use a Zimmer Cryo 6 cooling system to minimise any discomfort during each session. You may also be offered a topical anaesthetic to numb the area before the treatment begins.
After laser treatment, the area will feel like you have a sunburn and should be cared for by following your laser tattoo removal aftercare instructions.
You can use over the counter painkillers to help manage any discomfort, but we recommend you avoid taking any products containing aspirin as it can increase the risk of bruising.
It Gets Easier Over Time
Most patients say that their first laser tattoo removal sessions are the most painful. The more you undergo, the higher your pain threshold increases.
In most cases, it takes at least four sessions for the tattoo ink to disappear completely. By the third or fourth session, youll feel far less pain than you did in the beginning.
Learn more about how laser removal works in our Tattoo Removal FAQs article!
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Laser Tattoo Removal After 3 Sessions
If youre looking to simply fade a tattoo to cover it up, congratulations! Your removal journey might be complete after three sessions. If youre looking for a full removal experience, you are well on your way through the process. After Session 3, you will probably see significant fading on your tattoo. Some elements might be on their way to being fully faded.
This appointment will begin like the second. Your specialist will check on your tattoo removal progress and ensure the plan you developed together is working effectively. Theyll answer any questions you have, address your concerns, and proceed with the removal procedure.
Many clients feel more comfortable with the process after this appointment. We arm clients with the knowledge they need to understand the scientific method of their tattoo removal and what they can expect after each session. Clients can feel confident that their tattoo removal journey is on track with this knowledge.
Heres The Bottom Line
Laser tattoo removal is not pain-free. Most people experience minor levels of discomfort. But if you could handle the pain of getting a tattoo, you shouldnt have a problem with this process.
And while getting a tattoo can take hours, laser removal sessions only take a few minutes. The number of sessions ranges depending on your tattoos size, but each session is less painful than the last.
If you follow the proper aftercare plan, youll only experience pain during those brief moments when youre actually under the laser. Just make sure to avoid direct sunlight. Even the mildest sunburn makes it harder for the technician to see the ink particles and can prolong the process.
Dont let your fear of pain prevent you from removing that unwanted tattoo. The feeling of having to look at a tattoo you hate is far worse than spending a few minutes in our clinic, having it removed once and for all!
Looking for laser tattoo removal services in Colorado? We have locations in Fort Collins, Lakewood, Westminster, and Colorado Springs!
to see examples of our work!
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Everything You Need To Know About Tattoos And Skin Treatments
Tattoos are popular in the United States, with 40% of the American population aged 18 to 60 having at least one tattoo and a further 19% considering getting one. With these statistics in mind, its worth reviewing the technologies that can and cant be used over tattoos so that you are well-equipped to answer any inquiries from prospective patients. With preparation, you may be better able to convert calls into consultations, where you can better evaluate a patients skin type, health history, and aesthetic goals to suggest the best aesthetic treatment plan for tattooed skin.
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Is There Any Downtime With Laser Tattoo Removal
You will have an ointment, and a bandage applied after treatment. Many people experience some redness and minor soreness after a session, and some may notice a few blisters. Continue applying ointment as instructed. You will also need to protect your skin by avoiding sun exposure since UV rays can cause damage to the treated area.
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Consider A Doctor Or A Tattoo Removal Specialist
I’d previously had one tattoo zapped at a spa , where an aesthetician used an outdated heat laser that ended up burning and scarring my skin. This time around, I got my treatments done by John F. Adams, M.D., at the New York Dermatology Group, where everything is done under medical supervision. I suggest you find your own removal expert by asking friends, influencers, or even by stopping people that you see with removal in processwhich, yes, I have done.
How The Laser Affects The Surrounding Tissue
Laser technicians are highly skilled at using the appropriate wavelengths to target only the tattoo ink. When treated by a skilled technician at a reputable facility, you wont have to worry about damage to the surrounding tissue. In the process used, called selective photothermolysis, the lasers energy is attracted only to the ink particles rather than the surrounding tissue.
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Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful
People who have tattoos removed have reported varying levels of discomfort. Some said that it feels the same as getting a tattoo, while others liken it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against your skin.
You may prefer to use some form of anesthesia, such as a topical cream or local injection, depending on the location of the tattoo and your ability to endure pain.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt Much
Tattoo removal would hurt if we didnt use procedures to control the pain. To help numb the pain and make the procedure more comfortable, we use numbing creams, shots of lidocaine, and ice.
After each session, you may notice that the area we treated may be sore or blister. Follow our post-procedure instructions carefully to avoid infection or other problems.
For more information on laser tattoo removal and how to get rid of an unwanted tattoo, at Los Gatos Dermatology in Los Gatos, California, for an appointment. You can also send us a message here.
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How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt
While the level of pain youll experience during a laser tattoo removal treatment does depend on location and your personal pain threshold, it generally does hurt to some extent. However, with the advent of new laser technology it does also depend on which kind of laser removal treatment you decide to have. For example, our PicoSure laser has been described as being up to half as painful as other lasers by clients! Across the industry others have reported that their PicoSure treatment simply feels like an elastic band being rapidly pinged against their skin.
A tweet from one of our first PicoSure tattoo removal clients
Laser Tattoo Removal After 1 Session
Your initial tattoo removal session will most likely consist of reviewing your removal process plan with your Removery specialist. Theyll then detail what you can expect from the experience, including pain and removal aftercare information. Once you feel comfortable and ask any questions you still have, theyll begin the removal process.
After the first session, most people can expect some significant fading, especially outlines. Its also important to note that differences in your tattoo will affect how the fading appears. You might see substantial fading in one portion of your tattoo and less in others. This variation is normal. Removery specialists understand tattoo makeup and chemistry to ensure the eventual fading of all kinds of ink.
After this first session, many clients feel a sense of relief, especially if they have a tattoo that brings up difficult memories or traumatic experiences. For others, its a sense of excitement. If the tattoo looks this faded after the first removal session, they can only imagine how it will look after completing the entire removal plan.
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Healing Time Between Tattoo Removal Sessions
How long between tattoo removal sessions should you wait? Certain people need more time to heal, based on factors like their immune health. Your technician will determine how treatments should be spaced out for optimal results. Removery generally advises having six to eight weeks of downtime between treatments. During this period, your body will continue digesting the ink while the skin also heals from the treatment.
Skin fatigue is an issue that clients occasionally experience, meaning the skin is taking longer than six weeks to heal completely. The bodys ability to efficiently remove the ink also declines with skin fatigue. Skin fatigue can happen from not giving the skin adequate time to heal between sessions, or from using improper settings on the laser. Removerys technicians carefully assess how many weeks each clients skin needs to recover from each treatment completely.
The health of your immune system plays a major role in how efficiently the body can digest and eliminate the ink particles that the laser breaks down. Thus, your overall health can affect the timeline of your recovery process.
Does The Skill Of The Doctor Have Anything To Do With How Much Tattoo Removal Hurts
While tattoo removal pain is a given, how much it hurts can also depend on the skill of the doctor. If the doctor hasnt had enough training or experience in using the laser equipment, the procedure can be a lot more painful than it has to be. Using old or outdated equipment can also increase tattoo removal pain significantly.
The doctor must also be sensitive to the discomfort of the person undergoing the procedure. On the other hand, doctors arent mind-readerspatients shouldnt be afraid to speak up if the pain is too much for them to handle to enable the doctor to make adjustments.
Letting the doctor know beforehand about any concerns you might have about how much tattoo removal hurts, is the first step towards effective tattoo removal pain management. Talk to us at The Aesthetics Centre to find out how laser tattoo removal can be made e as comfortable as possible for you.
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