Many people want tattoo removal at some point of time in their lives. Laser-based procedures offer advanced solutions to remove tattoos without involving cosmetic surgery. Laser treatment for tattoos is likely to cause only a mild degree of discomfort and pain. However, it is the most effective alternative in comparison to various other treatments available today.
Removing a tattoo using laser technology typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes for each session. During the session, patients usually experience a stinging sensation. After the treatment, the feeling is akin to mild throbbing.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin of Shine Cosmetic Surgery provides laser tattoo removal to patients in West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar and surrounding areas in California.
Extent of Discomfort
In the tattoo removal procedure, the laser device will release potent light pulses. These pulses are directed at the tattoo to erase the permanent ink. The bursts of lights are precise, and they are focused on the tattoo in a controlled way. Several patients report that the sensation is similar to a thin rubber band snapping against the skin or getting bacon grease specks on their skin.
The pain tolerance levels vary among patients. Therefore, patients may have different descriptions of the pain from a laser tattoo removal procedure.
The removal of tattoos made from black ink is comparatively painless as the black pigment soaks all laser wavelengths. In comparison, other colors such as green do not absorb all laser wavelengths. Such tattoos may require a different laser with higher intensity. The pain level may be more for older tattoos or those made of rare inks.
Minimizing Discomfort
A well-qualified and experienced provider will use some easy techniques to mitigate the pain during the process of tattoo removal. Before the session, the provider may recommend the patient to have non-aspirin medication such as Tylenol. Such pain relievers do not cause post-treatment bruising.
The treatment provider may apply anesthetic lotion or cream within the pre-treatment process. This anesthetic will remain applied for around two hours prior to the treatment. The provider will remove it right before the treatment commences. Some patients may choose a local anesthetic injection before the tattoo removal as a part of pain-free skin care.
Multiple Treatment Sessions
The tattoo removal specialist may spread the treatment over multiple sessions to make the experience relatively painless and more comfortable for the patient. Each treatment session typically lasts for 30 minutes or less dependent on the number and size of the tattoos as well as the ink used and depth of the original ink deposit.
The patient may be prescribed an anti-bacterial ointment to reduce the risk of infection as well as to make post-treatment healing more comfortable. The treated region may remain red for some weeks. The skin may also feel a bit sunburned for around two days after the tattoo removal procedure.
Kind and sagacious plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin receives patients from West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar, and nearby locations in California for laser tattoo removal.
Click here to learn more about all the plastic surgery procedures and treatments cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin performs for patients in and around Pasadena, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, West Covina, Inland Empire, and San Gabriel Valley. Call today to schedule a consultation 626.810.6165 or click here.
