Understanding the difference between the discomforts of getting or removing at tattoo, helps people prepare for either experience with confidence.
Getting a tattoo vs laser tattoo removal: which one hurts more?
Pain is subjective. For some, tattooing or removal might feel like a slight discomfort, and for some, may be too intense to deal with. This depends on a number of factors, such as skin sensitivity, tattoo placement, and an individualโs pain tolerance.
For many, the potential discomfort can be the main reason why they never get into the chair of a tattoo parlour. However, being informed can be a game-changer.
In this guide, we will be comparing the pain levels of getting a tattoo vs laser tattoo removal and help you weigh the choice between creating body art or removing it.
Getting a Tattoo vs Laser Tattoo Removal: Evaluating the Pain Levels
What Does the Pain of Getting a Tattoo Feel Like?
Many clients describe the feeling of getting a tattoo like a cat scratching or a bee stinging. The discomfort arises from tiny needles puncturing the skin repeatedly to insert ink into the dermis. This pain can feel like sharp scratching, burning, or stinging.
There are many factors that can impact the pain of getting a tattoo (which can also impact on the discomfort felt from tattoo removal). These factors are:
- The location on the body where you get the tattoo. Areas with more nerve endings hurt more than the fleshy areas.
- The size of the tattoo determines the discomfort, as larger and detailed tattoos are more likely to hurt.
- A skilled artist may reduce unnecessary trauma, while heavier pressure can intensify pain.
For most, undergoing tattooing can be a manageable process, aside from the fact that the process can be very long. Tattoo removals are typically of 10-15 minutes per session, which makes any pain more bearable.
How Painful is Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal works by intense beams of light targeting ink particles in the skin and breaking them down.
How does it feel?
Clients explain the sensation of getting a tattoo removal as a rubber band snapping against their skin, or a burning/stinging feeling. The sensation is not particularly painful. However, it can be considerably uncomfortable.
This discomfort differs from tattooing because:
- Each laser pulse is quick, but it can feel sharper than the continuous motion of a tattoo needle.
- It feels more like burning than scratching, as the laser generates heat as it shatters the ink.
Complete removal usually requires multiple sessions spread over several months, meaning repeated exposure to discomfort.
Factors similar to tattooing impact laser tattoo removal process such as tattoo age, location, pigments of the ink, and quality of tattooing.
Tattooing vs Laser Tattoo Removal: Comparing the Pain
For most people, laser tattoo removal is considered more painful than getting a tattoo. However, the pain is brief. A removal session typically lasts only a few minutes, compared to the hours spent getting a tattoo. Most clients find that the laser feels more intense, but the treatmentโs short span makes it more bearable.
Mostly, the level of pain depends on the individualโs pain tolerance level and the skinโs response towards the laser or the needle.
How to Manage the Discomfort of Both?
For laser tattoo removal, you need to choose a reputable tattoo removal clinic. At Bianco Beauty, we use advanced laser technologies, along with comforting cooling machines and numbing creams.
To help you manage the discomfort, our team suggests proper aftercare to minimise irritation and promote recovery.
Final Comparisons
When it comes to comparing the pain levels of getting a tattoo vs laser tattoo removal, both have their fair share of discomfort. This can be painful depending on each person’s pain tolerance and other factors, such as tattoo location, colour, age, and more.
Ultimately, most clients do find tattoo removal more painful, though far quicker to endure, making it more manageable.
Looking for a Tattoo Removal Clinic? Come to Bianco Beauty
Experience comfortable tattoo removal and precise results with Bianco Beauty. Take the first step towards clear, confident, ink-free skin with our advanced laser technology and expert laser tattoo removal.
Book your tattoo removal consultation with Bianco Beauty today!
FAQs
Is tattoo removal worth the discomfort it causes?
If you are looking for clear skin and to regain confidence, then tattoo removal is the most effective way for this. Most people find the discomfort manageable with modern innovations in laser technologies.
How can the discomfort be reduced during laser tattoo removal work?
During your tattoo removal session, many clinics use cooling devices to soothe the burning sensations. Before the treatment, numbing creams are often applied to reduce sensation.
I have a tattoo on my ribs – Will removal hurt more than the tattoo on my thighs?
Tattoo removal on areas with more nerve endings or less fat, like ribs or ankles, is more painful than those on fleshy areas. Cooling and numbing techniques help make it manageable.
How many removal sessions will it take?
On average, it takes about six to eight tattoo removal sessions. The number of sessions depends on factors like the complexity of the tattoo, colour, age, location, and more.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to know more about tattoo removal.