What Does Laser Tattoo Removal Feel Like?

Getting a tattoo can be exciting at the moment, but your enthusiasm for the design on your skin might wear down over the years. Whether your tattoo reminds you of a difficult time or you don’t appreciate the art style, we have good news: Tattoo removal is possible. 

Board-certified dermatologist Vitaly Blatnoy, MD, and the team at Orlando Dermatology Center use today’s most powerful laser technologies for laser tattoo removal in Oviedo and Orlando, Florida. 

If you want to remove a tattoo but worry about pain or a rough healing process, you’re not alone. Apprehension of pain is one of the leading reasons why people forgo tattoo removal who might otherwise get it. 

In this article, we explore the sensations of laser tattoo removal so you know what to expect. 

What to expect from laser tattoo removal

Laser tattoo removal is a noninvasive treatment for unwanted ink on the skin. The laser’s energy breaks down ink particles, which causes them to disperse. They’re then filtered out through your lymphatic system. This takes time, so you don’t see immediate results from a laser tattoo removal session. 

Many people report significant discomfort during laser tattoo removal sessions. Without any form of anesthesia or numbing agent, people report laser tattoo removal feeling like a hot rubber band or drip of bacon grease hitting the skin. Fortunately, laser hair removal is more advanced and comfortable than ever before. 

Most people need multiple laser tattoo removal sessions to remove an unwanted tattoo completely. You can expect to undergo several sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart for full tattoo removal. 

Factors affecting pain during tattoo removal

Some factors can influence your discomfort during laser tattoo removal. You know your own pain threshold better than anyone else, and this has an impact on your tolerance for the procedure. 

Other factors that influence how you feel during laser tattoo removal include:

• The location of the tattoo
• The size of the tattoo
• Whether or not you use skin-numbing 
• The type of laser used
• Stress or anxiety surrounding the procedure

Some areas for laser tattoo removal might be more painful than others, including the ribcage, wrists, ankles, or armpits. 

Making your treatment more comfortable

Orlando Dermatology Center offers topical numbing cream to make your laser tattoo removal experience as comfortable as possible. Topical numbing cream numbs the skin before treatment to make the process virtually pain free. Injectable local anesthesia may also be an option. 

What to expect from the tattoo removal healing process

The healing process after each tattoo removal session can be a little uncomfortable, too. You might experience light swelling, blistering, itching, and redness. Typically, these side effects only last a couple of days after a session.  

The Orlando Dermatology Center team tells you how to care for your skin after a session to prevent infections, scarring, and other complications. 

Get started with tattoo removal today

Our tattoo removal services can help you get rid of a tattoo that no longer represents you well with minimal pain. Call Orlando Dermatology Center or schedule a consultation online today.