HOW IT FEELS

So the big question, does it hurt?

The question of pain is the one we get the most. It makes sense, it’s a laser and it’s pointed at your skin. However, this isn’t James Bond, we are not the evil villain wanting to take over the world and we assure you it’s completely safe, if a little uncomfortable.

No day at the spa

If you haven’t noticed already, full transparency is our thing. Other providers may tell a few white lies to get you under
the laser. We believe that knowledge is power. So we tell it
like it is.

It’s uncomfortable. It gets hot. But we always say, if you’ve had the tattoo in the first place then removing it shouldn’t worry you at all.

It’s also very, very everyday. We’ve performed over 1 million laser tattoo removal sessions without any complications. Would you worry that much if you were getting a bikini line laser hair removed? Maybe yes if you’re a guy.

snapping elastic bands

Snapping elastic bands?

There are some analogies floating around the internet that compare the feeling of a laser on your skin to snapping yourself with an elastic band or having a mild sunburn. Well it might feel like that for some people but not for others. We all have different pain thresholds. Women’s tend to be higher than men’s, just saying.

But the key part of the elastic band analogy is the speed of it. It’s quick. The sound is like a little click and pop and it is really fast, like 0.0000000001th of a second fast. Almost as fast as a teenager grabbing the last slice of pizza.

over before you know it

Over before you know it

Not only is the laser quick, depending on the size of your tattoo the session can be over really quickly too. If you have a very small tattoo, maybe the size of a quarter, the treatment is going to take seconds. However, if you have a full sleeve, a chest piece or a much larger tattoo it’s going to take minutes, so potentially 15 or even 30.

masters of the brain game

Masters of the brain game

If you think something is going to hurt, it more likely will. Our brains are amazing things and at Removery we have figured out the best ways to distract the mind to make it as comfortable as possible. Over the years we’ve found different techniques, including cold air vibration and squeezy toys, can make a real difference.

zimmers are winners

Zimmers are winners

We’re always pushing to find new ways to make the laser tattoo removal experience more comfortable too. One of the best is our Zimmer air cooler. It’s a forced cold air cooling, which really chills the skin down a lot, giving you a level of anesthesia and making the whole experience more comfortable.

Older technology = greater risks

It’s important to not settle for anything less than the very latest technology, because the risks of complications are greater when either the laser or the provider are not up to the
very latest standards.

“I definitely saw more scarring and changes to skin color with the older Q switch lasers.”

Bill Kwan, MD

Different areas, different sensations

Where your tattoo is on your body can also affect how uncomfortable the removal process can be too.
Read on for more detail below.
different areas different sensations

#1 Skin sensitivity

Different areas of your body have varying levels of sensitivity. Body parts with thinner skin and more nerve endings, such as the face, neck, and hands, tend to be more sensitive. That’s why tattoo removal in these areas can be a little more uncomfortable than usual.

#2 Bone proximity

Tattoos near bones or areas with less fatty tissue can be more painful to remove. Bones conduct heat and sensation more readily, making the treatment sensation more intense.

#3 Nerve density

Areas with a higher concentration of nerve endings, such as the fingers, toes, and genitals, are generally more sensitive. Laser energy targeting the tattoo pigments can stimulate these nerve endings, leading to increased discomfort.

#4 Blood flow

Areas with greater blood circulation, like the face or extremities, may experience more pain due to the increased sensitivity of the blood vessels.

#5 Tattoo characteristics

The characteristics of the tattoo itself can affect the way it feels during removal. Professional tattoos with deep ink penetration and multiple layers may require more laser energy, leading to increased discomfort.

As always, we are here to help you through the process and you can ask for regular breaks if you
need them.

“In 99% of cases we have don’t have any complications at all.”

Bill Kwan, MD

The most common analogies

We’re firing a high intensity light into your skin so minor side effects are extremely common post tattoo removal. If you see any of the following side effects, don’t be alarmed.

analogies
Rubber band snapping

Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

Hot grease splatter

Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

Sunburn sensation

Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

Slight electric shock

Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

Bee sting

Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

The most common analogies

We’re firing a high intensity light into your skin so minor side effects are extremely common post tattoo removal. If you see any of the following side effects, don’t be alarmed.

  • Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

  • Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

  • Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

  • Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

  • Over the years we’ve heard people describe the feeling in lots of imaginative ways. But as pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary from person to person, it’s probably going to be different for you. One person’s bee sting is another person’s sunburn.

All your questions answered

We know all of this information can feel quite overwhelming and you’re going to have a lot of questions. That’s why our experts explain it all as simply as possible right here.

Joshua Weitz, MD turns to the white board to help him explain it in detail. It’s laser science so it’s pretty complicated but we’ll do our best to explain it as simply as we can.

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Your body is doing all of the hard lifting in between laser removal treatments so staying healthy leads to better results. Staying out of the sun and avoiding excess heat from exercise is essential. Follow our best practice and it will make a big difference.

Tattoo Removal Aftercare

The settings on the laser are different per skin type. So having extensive experience is essential. Changes to skin pigmentation can happen in the wrong hands.

Our Laser Technology

Get your free estimate

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 colours, 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.

Get your free estimate

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