Even though laser tattoo removal is the safest way to remove unwanted ink, many prospective clients avoid starting the process due to fear of pain.
Laser tattoo removal is certainly not a pain-free process, but it is incredibly bearable. Most treatments last only 30 seconds or a few minutes depending on the size of your tattoo. The sensation is often compared to the feeling of a hot rubber band snapping against the skin or getting tattooed.
Regardless, there are a variety of pain management options for laser tattoo removal treatments – including medicated and natural methods. The most common product for tattoo removal pain relief is numbing cream, either over the counter or prescription grade. These topical products add extra relief to your laser tattoo removal experience and allow you to remain comfortable as the laser breaks ink particles apart within the skin.
Learn about numbing cream for tattoo removal, how it impacts treatments, and the other pain management options available for laser tattoo removal.
Tattoo removal numbing cream works by blocking nerve signals in the body to reduce the sensation of pain during treatments. These creams come in both low-concentrate and medical-grade varieties, with the more potent formulas requiring a prescription. Regardless of the cream’s strength, their active ingredients help reduce discomfort during cosmetic procedures and other minor medical treatments.
While over the counter and prescription numbing creams contain similar active ingredients, they differ greatly in concentration. Prescription numbing creams typically contain at least 5% lidocaine, while over-the-counter options usually contain 3–4%. Both creams should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to a cosmetic procedure in order to be effective.
Prescription numbing creams are designed to prepare the skin for medical procedures and provide comfort throughout them. These creams can reduce pain for up to three hours after application, which is longer than most laser tattoo removal sessions.
Over-the-counter numbing creams are affordable and easy to find, making them a preferred choice among many clients. However, they are generally only moderately effective at reducing discomfort during treatment.
There are many tattoo products on the market, all with different purposes throughout the tattoo and tattoo removal process. Nearly every major retailer now carries tattoo-related products, so it’s important to select the right option for your needs.
Tattoo aftercare products are designed to moisturize a freshly applied tattoo, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. These creams are typically applied multiple times a day for up to two weeks after getting a new tattoo.
Tattoo numbing cream is applied topically to temporarily block nerve signals and reduce the sensation of pain. Numbing cream can be used for both tattooing and tattoo removal to help minimize discomfort during the procedure.
No, applying numbing cream before laser tattoo removal will not impact the effectiveness of treatments. Numbing cream absorbs into the skin, but its composition is not strong enough to block the laser’s energy from penetrating the epidermis and dermis.
The laser is still able to target ink particles within the second layer of skin, allowing you to manage treatment discomfort while still achieving effective tattoo removal results.
When used as directed, topical numbing agents are associated with few serious side effects. However, there are several factors to consider before deciding whether this pain management method is right for you.
Numbing cream can provide significant benefits during a laser tattoo removal journey, but it is not required for treatment. While laser tattoo removal feels different for everyone, most clients compare the sensation to being snapped with a hot rubber band. It is uncomfortable but manageable – and much shorter than the process of getting a tattoo.
The discomfort level can vary depending on your pain tolerance, tattoo size, and placement on the body. Many clients refer to tattoo pain charts to estimate how uncomfortable tattoo removal may feel.
Overall, tattoo removal numbing cream is a great option for individuals with a low pain tolerance or anyone nervous about treatment discomfort.
Numbing cream is not the only pain management method available for laser tattoo removal. There are several other medicated and non-medicated options that may help reduce discomfort during treatment.
Ice acts as a natural numbing agent during laser tattoo removal treatments and is commonly used by providers worldwide. Just 5–10 minutes of application may help reduce discomfort temporarily.
However, most clients find that ice only relieves discomfort for a short period of time, making it less practical for larger tattoo removal sessions. Ice also cannot be continuously reapplied during treatment.
Cooling machines are one of the most effective non-medicated pain relief options for laser tattoo removal. These advanced devices blow freezing air onto the skin before, during, and after treatment to help minimize discomfort.
Many tattoo removal providers, including Removery, use cold air therapy systems in their studios. Removery specifically utilizes the Zimmer Cryo 6, which is designed to provide continuous cooling throughout the treatment process.
Unlike numbing cream, which may wear off during longer sessions, cooling machines provide consistent pain relief and can also be used alongside topical numbing agents.
Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve soreness and discomfort associated with laser tattoo removal. However, some ingredients may increase bruising after treatment.
Aspirin and ibuprofen can contribute to bruising, so many providers recommend choosing a non-aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen instead.
Lidocaine injections are local anesthetics that block nerve receptors around the injection site during cosmetic procedures. While effective at numbing the skin, they are generally not ideal for laser tattoo removal.
Larger tattoos may require multiple injections, making the process impractical and expensive. Lidocaine injections must also be administered by a medical professional, which may not be available at every tattoo removal studio.
Thinking about starting your tattoo removal journey? Removery is a leader in laser tattoo removal, having completed more than 2 million treatments across 165 studios worldwide.
Book a consultation with Removery’s experts to discuss pain management options and receive a customized treatment plan for your tattoo removal goals.
We’re on a mission to give you the most straightforward, easy and efficient laser tattoo removal experience. Your estimate will be entirely bespoke to your tattoo; the size, the colors, the ink. It won’t take long and afterwards you’ll have a plan to finally get rid of your unwanted tattoo and get back to being you.
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