What are my options for pain management when it comes to Picosure tattoo removal?

Question

Hello! I’ve heard a lot about numbing cream and injections when it comes to having laser tattoo removal. I understand everyone’s pain threshold will be different but what type of level of pain should I expect with a Picosure removal? What are my best options for managing pain? I’ve personally never found getting a tattoo painful, quite the opposite actually. Any advice?

Lichun (Li) Huo, MD · Answer

Hi!  Great question!  Removing a tattoo is felt by most to be more painful than getting a tattoo.  You need to speak with the office that is performing the tattoo removal to see what they provide for pain management.  Generally speaking, a numbing cream, local injection of an analgesic or even sometimes nitrous oxide could be offered.  Good luck!
Dr. Huo

Craig Schwartz, DO · Answer

Excellent question, most patients are concerned about this. The good news is there are multiple options for pain management with PicoSure tattoo removal. The even better news is that the Pico technology by itself is much less painful than the older Q-switched or other laser devices. The most important thing to understand is that there will be a wide variety in the level of discomfort from patient to patient, and from body area to body area, as well as the obvious factors of tattoo size, number of colors, density and type of ink ...etc. Some patients can tolerate the treatments without any type of anesthesia, but for most use of a topical numbing cream for anywhere from 15-30 minutes will suffice. For those with a lower pain tolerance, we also offer injection of local anesthetic (tumescent) to completely numb the area. Usually there is a small additional charge for local injections, and not all treatment centers have the ability to offer this, so you must discuss this with any place you choose. Best of luck.

What are my options for pain management when it comes to Picosure tattoo removal?

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What are my options for pain management when it comes to Picosure tattoo removal?

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Everything you need to know about PicoSure

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