Will Emla numbing cream reduce the fading after getting laser treatments? (photo)

Emla and other topical anesthetics should not decrease the effectiveness of laser tattoo removal.  It is normal for fading to become less dramatic as the treatments progress.  That is because there is less ink to absorb the laser energy.  Your tattoo seems to be responding well to treatment.

Thank you for your question in regards to Tattoo removal. Elma numbing cream will not have an affect on the tattoo removal process. The proper settings and appropriate wavelength of the laser will determine the success of ones laser removal treatments. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

There is no reason why the Emla cream would interfere with your tattoo removal. The reason why the skin appears a little whiter after it is removed is that the way the cream numbs is by reducing blood flow to the applied skin. It is normal for initial results to be more impressive than subsequent treatments as the breaking up of the ink is more dramatic. From your picture, your tattoo appears black. While picosecond lasers have been heavily marketed there is actual little evidence that they work any better than nanosecond Q-switched lasers. I would specifically ask your provider to use a laser that has a 1064 wavelength for the black ink. The Picosure does not.