Is laser tattoo removal painful?
Many people are scared to take a laser tattoo removal treatment. But don’t worry, the laser tattoo removal pain is not worse than making a tattoo.
The process of removing a permanent tattoo will hurt, but the pain is bearable. Probably much more bearable than the idea of living with your unwanted tattoo, be it from a difficult memory or simply a personal choice.
In fact, for most people, the sensation of removal is comparable to the one experienced during the application of the tattoo. It is commonly described as the sensation of being snapped by a rubber band.
Why laser tattoo removal is painful?
Laser tattoo removal is using high-energy laser beams to remove tattoo inks. When laser tattoo removal is performed, the energy of the laser works on the skin, penetrating the epidermis layer to reach the dermis layer containing tattoo pigments. This high-energy beam can stimulate the skin and cause pain.
When the laser is working on the tattoo, the high-energy laser beam instantly penetrates the surface of the skin and reaches the dermis layer containing tattoo ink particles. The energy of the laser is absorbed by the tattoo ink particles, causing them to rapidly heat up, expand, and rupture. These ruptured ink particles will then be recognized by the body’s immune system as foreign substances and trigger an immune response. Macrophages and other immune cells gradually engulf and break down these broken ink particles, and transport them to other parts of the body for metabolism and excretion.
Usually, a single laser treatment may not completely remove tattoos and multiple treatments are required. There is a certain interval between each treatment to allow sufficient time for the skin to recover and for immune cells to fully function. At the same time, during the treatment process, doctors will adjust the laser energy and treatment parameters based on factors such as the color, size, depth, and skin condition of the tattoo, in order to achieve the best treatment result.
What is a tattoo?
Tattoos are an interesting way of having memories or stories etched in your mind and on your body forever. However, that is not all that tattoos are for. They can be used as body art, for cosmetic purposes or to hide painful scars. Tattoos are a way of expressing your individuality.
However, at times you might outgrow your tattoo or feel that the memory is painful and no longer wish to associate with it. Did you get it on a whim, on a dare, or in passion?
Was there a mistake in your tattoo or do you not like the way it has aged? In such cases, tattoos no longer need to be permanent or forever. You can opt for tattoo removal by speaking to your dermatologist.
Reading Guide: How Many Sessions Does It Take To Remove A Tattoo?
How painful is a laser tattoo removal treatment?
The level of pain you’ll experience also depends on the location of your tattoo, your threshold for pain, and the kind of laser removal treatment used. The size of the tattoo you wish to remove also should be considered as it will decide the number of sessions you would require. There are several treatment options available including laser treatment, surgical removal, and dermabrasion.
Older and amateur tattoos are easier to remove as the skin has completely healed, while the ones located on the extremities are difficult to treat since the circulation is relatively poor. Black pigment absorbs all wavelengths and hence, tattoos with black ink are the easiest to remove, while green, yellow, and fluorescent inks are notoriously difficult to remove. There are different laser options to remove certain pigmented tattoos. The Q-switch is the most common type of laser used to remove tattoos with purple and violet pigment.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Can Tattoo Be Removed Completely By Lasers?
What factors affect the pain of laser tattoo removal?
Do you know how some parts of the body are more painful to tattoo than others? The same goes for tattoo removal.
What can I do to reduce the pain from laser tattoo removal?
While some pain is inevitable, it can be kept to the minimum through the below-mentioned simple methods:
Read More: Will My Skin Go Hack to Normal After Laser Tattoo Removal?
