A common thing people interested in tattoos have is comparing the pain of getting a tattoo vs laser tattoo removal. Understanding the difference helps people prepare for either experience with confidence. Keep reading to know more about their discomforts!
The conversation around the debate of getting a tattoo vs laser tattoo removal often centres around one topic: which one hurts more?
Pain is subjective. For some, tattooing or removal might feel like a breeze, and for some, the discomfort can be too intense to deal with. The discomfort depends on a number of factors, such as skin sensitivity, tattoo placement, and an individualโs pain tolerance.
For many, discomfort can be a big reason why they never get into the chair of a tattoo place. 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 as 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 discomfort caused by tattoo removal). These factors are:
- The location on the body where you get the tattoo matters. 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, tattooing can be a manageable process, aside from the fact that it can last very long. Removals are typically of 10-15 minutes, which makes the intense pain more bearable.
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Laser tattoo removal works on the hand with intense beams of light targeting ink particles 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 can be considerably uncomfortable.
This discomfort differs from tattooing because:
- Each laser pulse is quick, but it can feel more intense than the motion of a tattoo needle.
- It feels more burning than scratching, as the laser generates heat as it shatters the ink.
- Complete removal usually requires multiple sessions spread over months, meaning repeated exposure to discomfort.
Factors similar to tattooing impact laser tattoo removal work, including some more, such as tattoo age, location, pigments of the ink, and quality of tattooing.
Getting a Tattoo vs Laser Tattoo Removal: Comparing the Pain
So, which one hurts more? 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 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 work, 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 Verdict
When it comes to comparing the pain levels in the debate 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 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 work.
Book your tattoo removal consultation with Bianco Beauty today!
FAQs
Is tattoo removal worth the discomfort it causes?
Whether it’s worth it or not is your personal opinion. However, 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. Some clients opt to take oral paracetamol before treatment, though it is advised not to take ibuprofen or aspirin.
Some clients also opt to self-administer numbing cream, however this can impact the treatment, so always make your practitioner aware if you have used numbing cream.
I have a tattoo on my ribs- Will it 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.