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

Question

I have had 7 treatments of Picoway and got great fading in the beginning, but the results lately have been less noticeable since there are less ink left. I have noticed that the skin around my tattoo gets whiter that my skin elsewhere when the nurse wipes off the Emla before treatment and was wondering if it will reduce the effect of the laser? My tattoo is big and I'm not sure if I'll be able to tolerate the pain without the cream, but maybe I could only put cream on half of it? Other options?

Jeffrey Gosin, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

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.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Emla will not affect the results of your tattoo removal. The Picoway laser is not a good laser to remove black ink. You will need a laser that has a pico wavelengths which also has a 1064 wavelength. I recommend seeing an expert in tattoo removal.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

We recommend EMLA or BLT treatment cream prior to laser tattoo removal and this does not affect the response to the treatment.  Your tattoo seems to be fading nicely and over times the process always seems to slow down.  Keep forging ahead as it appears that you are having excellent results and yes continue with the EMLA or numbing cream as this is not slowing it down.

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

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Answer: EMLA

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Tattoo Removal

Answer: Tattoo Removal

Answer: EMLA

Answer: EMLA

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.