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Possible to Use Numbing Cream During Laser Tattoo Removal?

asked 2 years ago by LiezeL in New Jersey
Latest answer by Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Question viewed 1,938 times
Tags: neck, cream, nape

I have this tattoo on my nape, I’m so desperate to remove it… does anyone know a numbing cream to use during tattoo removal? I want to have a laser tattoo removal but I heard it hurts to much… I need a numbing cream to ease the pain.. I hope you can suggest one! Thank you so much…:D

6 answers to Possible to Use Numbing Cream During Laser Tattoo Removal?

+1

Numbing cream during laser tattoo removal

Give it a try but it is not going to give COMPLETE anesthesia. Only local liocaine injections can afford complete anesthesia in the area injected. From MIAMI Dr. B
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Numbing cream should be applied prior to tattoo laser

Numbing cream definitely should be applied prior to tattoo laser treatment, but it may not be enough for pain management. If this is the case, as your board-certified dermatologist to inject lidocaine (numbing solution) prior to tattoo laser treatment. Ice compress for 24 hours afterwards also would be advisable to minimize blistering.
William Ting, MD

Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Topical numbing cream prior to tattoo removal

Topical numbing cream are frequently applied prior to tattoo removal with laser as it can be quite a painful procedure. You can get over the counter numbing creams but it Is best to contact the doctor's office where you will be having the procedure done as they may have prescription strength or even compounded creams that are more effective. The office can also advise you as to when to apply it because depending on this and the size of the tattoo determines how much Is absorbed, which can... more
Ritu Saini, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Yes, numbing cream can be used for tattoo removal

Many clinics will offer numbing cream at your visit, and some may send patients home with a small tube of numbing cream after each treatment. You can apply it at home prior to your next visit. 
Kean B. Lawlor, MD

Seattle Dermatologist
+1

Numbing cream for laser tattoo removal

Unfortunately, numbing creams (topical anesthetics) don't work very well for laser tattoo removal treatments. This is because the anesthetic drug must be absorbed through the skin and usually penetrates only a short distance. Tattoo ink particles are located in the dermis, mostly at levels deeper than the anesthetic can penetrate. Small tattoos can be totally anesthetized with injected local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine), so that the laser treatment is painless.
Robert C. Langdon, MD

Guilford Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Numbing cream for laser tattoo removal

You should ask your pharmacist for a behind-the-counter numbing cream such as EMLA, or L-Max 4 which I think works better, but you need to be careful not to apply this to a large surface area as this can cause toxicity. The best is to call your doctor's office who will be doing the laser treatment and ask them if they apply a numbing cream. Some doctors can apply stronger creams than you can get in the pharmacy.
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist

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