Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Since “does laser tattoo removal hurt?” is perhaps the most common question asked by our patients, we asked our Doctor to provide some medical insight…The pain of laser tattoo removal is similar to getting a tattoo applied, a stinging and burning sensation. It has been compared to the feeling of a rubber band snapping or your skin or even the popping of bacon grease (however there are no yummy smells involved.) The big difference is that removal is achieved in a matter of minutes, not hours and we are generally older, wiser and not under the influence of, ahem…shall we say liquid
The pain of laser tattoo removal is similar to getting a tattoo applied, a stinging and burning sensation. It has been compared to the feeling of a rubber band snapping or your skin or even the popping of bacon grease (however there are no yummy smells involved.) The big difference is that removal is achieved in a matter of minutes, not hours and we are generally older, wiser and not under the influence of, ahem…shall we say liquid courage.
At Inkfree, MD we have many different modalities to help ease the pain of this process. We also recognize that pain tolerance is a subjective and different for every person. First, we recommend that non-aspirin products, like Tylenol, be used for minor aches and pains prior to the procedure. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen can produce pronounced bruising after treatment. In addition, because Inkfree, MD is owned and operated by doctors, we are able to provide prescription strength anesthetic cream for our patients with particularly sensitive skin. We currently have three different strength creams that can be applied at home or up to an hour before the procedure.
After the application of cream if necessary, an ice pack will be applied directly to the skin. This ensures the nerve endings in the skin do not feel the heat of the laser (which causes the actual pain). Ice packs can also be used while the laser technician is removing the tattoo. The laser technician will make a few pulses of the laser then place the ice pack back on the tattoo for another minute, then continuing the laser pulses with the ice pack off. Using an icepack during treatment maintains the low temperature of the skin that was started by the initial icing session.
We also have a cooling machine which blows intensely cold air onto the skin while the technician is lasering your skin. When combined with ice and numbing cream, we are able to achieve a great reduction in the pain of the procedure. Our highly trained staff of doctors and certified laser technicians can offer you a safe, compassionate and affordable way to finally be inkfree!
