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Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?

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Originally Posted On: https://thetattooremovalblog.com/how-bad-does-tattoo-removal-hurt/

 

Regret getting that tattoo and don’t want it anymore? You’ve obviously looked into your options, but does tattoo removal hurt?

Rest assured, laser tattoo removal (which is the most common form of tattoo removal) is not an overly painful procedure. It might hurt a little, but the pain can be easily managed. Pain levels also depend on how old your tattoo is, how dark the tattoo ink is and the part of the body where the tattoo is located. If you don’t feel confident about medical tattoo removal procedures, you can also opt for a natural tattoo removal.

Natural Tattoo Removal Methods

Firstly….Some natural tattoo removal remedies include the following options.

Aloe Vera

Widely used in cosmetic products and skin treatments, Aloe Vera can also help with tattoo removal. It is particularly effective with fresh tattoos that have not lasted for an extended period of time. Try rubbing aloe Vera your tattoo three to four times a day. You can also mix it with plain yogurt to increase the soothing effect. Not only will this diminish the tattoo but also leave you with glowing, smooth skin. The best thing about this method is that it is completely painless – you just need to be patient with it.

Salabrasion

Using salt to remove tattoos is a common practice with almost no side effects. This is done by periodically rubbing salt over the tattoo area. It’s important to evenly space out the salt applications so that the skin has time to heal. This process can be slightly painful, but no permanent damage is done to the body.

Honey

Mixing honey, salt, Aloe Vera and yogurt into a paste and applying it to the tattoo area can reduce the visibility of a tattoo. This method works faster than simply applying Aloe Vera alone. But the paste needs to be applied consistently the same amount of times every day.

Lemon

Applying lemon on your tattoo can lighten your tattoo in no time. Lemon not only soothes and nourishes your skin but also acts similar to bleach and removes unwanted inks. It encourages the growth of healthy skin cells too.

Medical Methods of Tattoo Removal

Today, laser tattoo removal is one of the most effective tattoo removal methods. The laser Tattoo removal procedure uses pulses of high-intensity laser to penetrate the uppermost layer of your skin and break down the pigment into smaller particles that are then absorbed by your body.

Laser treatments should usually be scheduled three months apart to get the most out of each sitting. This interval gives your body time to break down the tattoo and to heal before the next session. Removing your tattoo is a lengthy procedure because each time the tattoo is lasered, particles are broken down and absorbed by the body. It takes up to eight weeks for your body to regenerate, and new pigmentation particles are broken down in the next session.

So Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Does tattoo removal hurt? The pain caused by laser tattoo removal usually lasts a few hours. The sensation one might feel during this time is similar to that of a sunburn. Tattoo removal sessions are also usually shorter than tattoo application sessions. A typical removal session will last three to five minutes, so the pain caused during the procedure itself will not last very long.

Dr. Rekha Taylor, the medical director of Health and Aesthetics, described laser tattoo removal as a procedure accompanied by a certain degree of pain but less painful than many other techniques (especially those that involve rubbing the skin vigorously). She also called this method faster, which means less time undergoing the minor pain inflicted by the tattoo removal process. (removery.com).

The answer to the question ‘is tattoo removal painful’ also depends on various other factors.

Area of Tattoo Removal

The question of ‘how painful is tattoo removal’ also depends on where the tattoo is in the first place. Some parts of the body are more sensitive to pain than others. Areas of the body where the skin is closer to the bone are more susceptible to pain caused by the tattoo needle and laser treatment. Parts of the body that are ‘meatier,’ such as your thighs, biceps or upper arms, will experience less pain. This is because these areas have more fat and muscle mass, which acts as a buffer and reduces pain levels. Removal from parts of the body that are closer to the bone and contain more nerve endings is more painful. These include your ankles, fingers, and head.

Size of Tattoo

How much does laser tattoo removal hurt will also depend on the size of the tattoo and the thickness of the linework. The darker the ink’s color, the more painful your experience might be.

Age of the Tattoo

The age of the tattoo also affects pain levels. If it’s a fresh tattoo, pain levels are higher. If the tattoo has been there a while, the pain will be less. This is because the ink has already become lighter, making the tattoo removal session less intensive.

Your Pain Threshold

The pain you experience also depends on the level of pain you can bear. Taking some measures to boost pain management can help.

  • Take a painkiller such as a Tylenol before the session and after the session as needed. Do not take ibuprofen, as that can thin your blood and cause bleeding during the removal process.
  • Take good care of your body and get plenty of rest. Eat healthy, nutritious meals and avoid drinking alcohol or smoking during this time.
  • Apply anti-bacterial ointment on the tattoo to speed up the healing process once the tattoo removal session ends.
The Takeaway On Tattoo Removal Pain

There are many methods available for successfully removing unwanted tattoos. You can opt for a natural remedy or go for a laser tattoo removal treatment.

When it comes to laser tattoo removal, it’s normal to wonder, ‘does tattoo removal hurt?’ As discussed above, laser tattoo removal can cause minor pain during the procedure and for a short time after the procedure. But if you take the right steps, this pain is manageable.

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