7 Easy Tips to Make Tattoo Removal Less Painful
Tattoos have become a trendy way of self-expression. This is because people use them to communicate in various ways. However, you can decide to remove your tattoos due to some reasons. It could be that you have changed your mind and want something different, or you’ve outgrown such design. There is one fact you must understand about this process – It is painful and uncomfortable.
Are you thinking about getting a tattoo removed? You’ve come to the right place where everything will be revealed about such a process. This post aims to explain some powerful tips that will make such an experience less painful. This means you’ll learn the best pain management during tattoo removal tips. Let’s get started!
How Painful Is Tattoo Removal?
The procedure for laser tattoo removal is generally painful. This is because the laser will break down ink particles on your skin. This can make you experience discomfort.
The pain you will feel usually depends on some factors – location, size of the tattoo, and individual pain tolerance. Some individuals would say the pain isn’t different from what was experienced when getting their tattoos. On the other hand, some people can say it is more intense.
Today, there are different pain management techniques – local anesthesia (Lidocaine and Benzocaine) or topical numbing cream can help to reduce the discomfort experienced during the removal process. For the affected areas to heal correctly, aftercare should never be ignored.
Please note that tattoo fading isn’t the same as tattoo removal. For instance, tattoo fading refers to reducing the appearance of your tattoo. On the other hand, tattoo removal implies removing your tattoo completely.
Common Concerns About Pain During Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal isn’t as straightforward as most experts are trying to describe. There are some concerns that you must be aware of. Let’s read on to check out these concerns.
Is tattoo removal more painful than getting a tattoo?
When trying to get a tattoo, needles are used to inject ink into your skin. Some people find this painful and uncomfortable. However, removing the tattoo is a process that is quite different. It entails breaking down ink particles using laser technology. Even if you experience some discomfort during the removal process, it is always less painful than when you are getting a new tattoo.
How does the pain of tattoo removal compare to other laser treatments?
In most cases, people compare tattoo removal to other options for laser treatments – laser skin treatment or hair removal. The truth is that removing a tattoo is more painful since specific parts of the body are targeted with intense laser energy. To reduce pain during laser tattoo removal, people use topical numbing cream or local anesthesia.
Does the pain of tattoo removal vary?
The pain you experience during tattoo removal can vary based on certain factors like color and size. For instance, more sessions may be required for larger tattoos. This can eventually lead to increased discomfort. Also, tattoos characterized by darker colors can make you feel more pain as compared to those with lighter colors. Some dark colors are blue and black.
Can anything be done to minimize the pain during tattoo removal?
Several techniques can help minimize the pain during tattoo removal. Numbing creams can be applied to the skin before the treatment to reduce discomfort. Some clinics also offer local anesthesia or cooling devices to numb the area being treated. It is important to discuss pain management options with your tattoo removal specialist before the procedure.
There are some techniques you can adopt for reducing pain during tattoo removal. Prior to the treatment session, numbing creams can be applied to your skin. Anesthetic options such as Lidocaine and Benzocaine can also prove helpful since they can provide temporary pain relief. Ensure that you discuss the various options for pain management with your preferred tattoo removal expert.
Is there a risk of scarring or other complications that can cause pain during tattoo removal?
Although using a tattoo removal machine is very safe, you must be aware of some risks that can slow down the healing process. For instance, you could experience scarring or more severe complications. Ensure that you follow every aftercare instruction from your specialist. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you ever experience anything unusual – signs of infection, swelling, or pain.
7 Easy Tips To Make Tattoo Removal Less Painful
In this section, we will be discussing some options to explore for painless tattoo removal. Let’s discuss each of them below:
1 - Choose a qualified professional
The benefit of choosing a certified technician for your tattoo removal must be addressed and addressed. For instance, such a professional has all the required knowledge and skills to ensure the procedure is performed safely as well as effectively.
Furthermore, they are in a great position to recommend several techniques that can help reduce the pain - ice pack therapy and deep breathing exercises. A professional can also make suggestions that can ensure inflammation reduction and scarring prevention. These will make the healing process smoother.
A certified technician will enable you to enjoy peace of mind, knowing that the process of laser tattoo removal will be smooth. This is due to their experience and knowledge.
2 - Research the Best Method for Your Tattoo
The process of laser tattoo removal is painful, but you can still make it less uncomfortable by adopting some methods. One crucial factor to consider is clinic selection. Ensure that you choose a clinic that is reputable and trusted. This gives you access to experts who understand how the process can be done safely.
Also, get some ideas on pre-treatment preparation. These could be moisturizing the skin and avoiding sun exposure. Also, mental health is important since studies have shown that anxiety and stress are likely to increase pain and discomfort during the tattoo removal process. When you research these, it becomes easier to choose the right method for removing your tattoo.
Furthermore, discuss your pain tolerance with any specialist you have chosen. This can enable them to come up with customizable procedures. A Q&A session and personal stories can give you an insight into some of the best methods.
3 - Preparing Your Skin for Tattoo Removal
With adequate preparation on your ground, removing your tattoo can become less painful. Pre-treatment preparation is a vital step you must pay attention to. Never make the mistake of exposing your skin to the sun. This can cause more problems than you will ever imagine.
Also, ensure to discuss the dos and don’ts with your certified technician. Trying to assume at this stage about how your skin can be prepared is not good enough. Learn from the personal stories of other people, including how they prepared for their procedures.
4 - Numbing Creams and Anesthetics
The use of numbing creams, as well as anesthetics like Benzocaine and Lidocaine, can help ensure pain and discomfort are reduced during the process of tattoo removal. They play the role of making your skin numb to reduce pain.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can block nerve signals in your body. Benzocaine has been created to numb the surface of your skin. Combining these two creams prior to the laser tattoo removal procedure can enable you to feel more comfortable. Having said all of this, only use cream with the knowledge and advice of a professional.
5 - Patience and Emotional Support
With the right patience and emotional support before, during, and after the tattoo removal process, you should feel more comfortable. Be patient since multiple sessions are required for the process to be completed. These can take several months. For emotional support, discuss with friends, family members, or even an expert.
It is a good idea to learn from the personal stories of people who have felt uncomfortable due to such procedures in the past. If you’ve done all of these and things haven’t improved, do not hesitate to visit a therapist.
6 - Consider Distraction Techniques
Distraction techniques can prove to be extremely powerful when it comes to reducing the discomfort you are feeling after going through a tattoo removal procedure. This is because diverted attention can enable you to feel less pain.
Some distraction strategies are watching videos, listening to music, or even discussing things with a loved one. These will ensure you are not focusing on the pain. Please discuss any of these activities with your certified technician. This will ensure you don’t do something that will slow down the healing process.
7 - Follow aftercare instructions
Aftercare instructions are essential if you want to feel less pain after undergoing a tattoo removal procedure. Apart from minimizing discomfort, this can ensure a faster healing process. It would help if you kept the affected areas clean as well as dry.
Sunlight must be avoided. Also, don’t get tempted into scratching the skin. Ointments and creams that have been recommended should be applied to the areas. These can soothe your skin and also reduce pain.
Final Thoughts on tattoo removal pain management
In conclusion of the above, never feel daunted about removing your tattoos due to the pain and discomfort that come with it. If you follow the tips highlighted above, the feelings of discomfort will be very minimal. Furthermore, regardless of any method of removal you have chosen, ensure to be consistent with it. Finally, speak with a certified technician before commencing any tattoo removal procedure. This can help you get the best results.