If you are thinking about removing a tattoo you no longer like, laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective option. However, many people considering laser tattoo removal are apprehensive about the pain related to it. So one of the questions frequently asked about the procedure is – Does laser tattoo removal hurt.

How does laser tattoo removal work

The laser emits a beam of light that targets the ink particles lodged in the deep dermal layer of the skin. The ink particles absorb the laser energy, and this causes them to shatter into tiny fragments, which are then removed by the body’s immune system.

It typically takes a series of 5-6 treatments to remove a tattoo, as the tattoo ink can be difficult to erase, because it often contains compounds from heavy metals.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Laser tattoo removal typically involves some level of discomfort, but it’s not as painful as getting a tattoo etched. Patients say that the procedure is somewhat uncomfortable, and the sensation is often compared to having a rubber band snapped against the skin. Pain responses to laser tattoo removal vary, but most patients find it bearable.

In addition, providers can give patients a numbing agent such as a local anesthetic, ice pack, or a topical numbing cream to numb the treatment area before the procedure. This can significantly help to minimize the discomfort.

Also, new generations of lasers like the VersaPulse by Lumenis, offer patients a more comfortable laser tattoo removal experience.

Would you like to learn more about laser tattoo removal? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the eastern South Carolina area, Nirvana Plastic Surgery in Myrtle Beach, SC, is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.nirvanaplasticsurgery.com, or by calling 843-839-2004.