Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt Afterwards?

It’s no secret that getting a tattoo can be painful. Depending on your tolerance for pain and where on your body you have this permanent ink etched in, it can range from a slight tingling sensation to completely cringeworthy and almost unbearable.

But what about tattoo removal? If it’s possible for getting a tattoo to be that painful, it must be painful to have it removed too, right? That is what the majority of people assume. This may have been the case in the past, but new and improved advancements in laser technology have changed the tattoo removal game, and it has become a much less painful, much more comfortable experience.

PicoWay® Laser Tattoo Removal

At Fox Vein & Laser Experts, we use the gold standard in laser tattoo removal. With the PicoWay® Laser, tattoo removal is faster, less painful, and more effective on tattoos of all pigments. Previous methods of tattoo removal could cause a lot of discomfort for patients, but that is no longer always the case. The PicoWay laser technology uses super short bursts of intense energy to target the pigment in the tattoo and shatter it into tiny little pieces, which are then naturally absorbed by the body. Because the bursts of energy are so quick, the laser is never in contact with the patient’s skin for too long of a time period, unlike older traditional methods that delivered the laser energy in one long consistent beam. The PicoWay Laser allows the laser experts at Fox Vein & Laser Experts to hone in on small areas of pigmentation, one place at a time, so the patient is not forced into prolonged, uncomfortable exposure to the laser’s heat and energy waves.

Remember: it is important to always have your laser tattoo removal performed by a licensed professional who is an expert in laser treatments. Someone with less skill or experience using the device might not understand it in its entirety and that could potentially lead to some discomfort.

Now, every patient is different when it comes to the amount of pain they can handle.  We all have different pain thresholds, and sometimes outside factors can come into play. Things like stress, anxiety or other negative emotions can increase your perception of pain. Additionally, some places on the body are more sensitive than others, such as the ribcage, ankles, wrists, and fingers.

If you are nervous about the potential pain, or just happen to be someone who is very susceptible to pain, we have your back. Numbings options are available to use prior to the treatment. Numbing creams are a quick and easy way to do the trick, but we also suggest using a cryogenic device, which uses freezing cold air to numb the skin. This not only blocks any pain receptors from feeling the laser energy during your session, but the cold air helps to reduce any swelling, redness, and irritation of the skin that could occur. If you do not have access to a cryogenic device, simply using an ice pack or cold compress will do the trick.

Laser tattoo removal does take multiple sessions, but the PicoWay Laser works so efficiently that you won’t need as many sessions as you may need with other methods. The first step is to book a consultation so our team is able to assess your individual situation and determine the best treatment solution for your tattoo removal. At this time, we will be able to answer any of your questions and concerns. Our job is to make you feel as comfortable and confident as possible about your laser tattoo removal treatment. Give us a call at 954-627-1045 today to schedule an appointment!