One of the main reasons people are put off from having laser treatment to get their tattoos removed is that they believe the process may be painful. While pain is relative, and can vary from person to person, in general laser tattoo removal is much less painful than getting a tattoo. It's important to talk to the clinic though before starting treatment to discuss any concerns you may have about the process.

What Does Laser Treatment Feel Like?

Laser treatment works by shooting a short burst of light energy at your skin, in order to break up the ink particles under the skin so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and expelled naturally over a period of time. This means that the process is in no way invasive, and, contrary to popular belief, the lasers do not burn the skin at all. Having said that, it's important to find a clinic that will use high end, surgical grade lasers (Q-switched lasers) rather than cheaper ones that can actually damage the skin or even cause long term scarring.

Depending on your type of tattoo, the treatments you undergo may be as little as just a few minutes in length, and the sensation of the laser has often been described as a rubber band snapping at your skin for a brief second, or being hit with hot oil for just a second. Most professional clinics will offer the use of cryogenic cooling machines during the treatment, which blows out cold air at around minus 30 degrees Celsius. This can help to numb the area. They may also offer a topical anaesthetic such as Dr Numb, EMLA or LMX, with lidocaine as the active ingredient in the majority of them.

After the treatment is over, you may find that your skin is a little sore or swollen, and the clinic may suggest that you over the counter medicine to alleviate any discomfort. Ice packs can also help with any ongoing swelling. In the days after your treatment, you may experience itching at the site of the tattoo while your skins starts to heal. You may also find that blisters form as the skin attempts to protect the area. It's very important not to pick or pop these blisters, as it can actually slow the healing process. The blisters will gradually go away over a few days, with the potential for scabs forming afterwards (these will also disappear over a week or so).

If you're sunburnt, it's probably a good idea to postpone having any treatments until your skin goes back to normal. This is because any irritant can disrupt the treatment process and affect the way the skin heals.

Will Some Parts Of My Body Hurt More Than Others?

The other question that people ask is whether tattoos on certain parts of their body will hurt more to remove than other areas. In general, any area where the skin is thinner or closer to the bone will be slightly more painful than other parts – this can include the collarbone, ankles, feet and fingers. Again, if you're concerned about your tattoo, talk to the laser professional.

Get Professional Advice

As with any medical procedure, it's a good idea to talk to a professional about your requirements and any fears you might have before embarking on a course of laser removal treatments. A qualified laser technician will be able to allay any fears you might have, as well as assess your skin and your tattoo for the process. Not everyone's skin will react the same during the process, and having an individual assessment can help to make your tattoo removal successful.