Is laser tattoo removal painful?
The SCMS laser emits light in very short pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a small rubber band on the skin. The majority of patients do not require anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Numbing creams are available if needed.
Some describe laser tattoo removal like the feeling of having hot bacon grease splattered on the skin. Others say it is similar to being popped with a rubber band over and over again. For this reason people are sometimes advised to take a non-aspirin pain reliever like Tylenol. In other cases an anesthetic cream may be perscribed. Sometimes a local anesthetic is inkected before the procedure beings.
