Pain Management Methods for Laser Tattoo Removal
There are several procedures where patients will naturally be wondering about potential pain levels, and one great example here is within laser tattoo removal. While it's true that limited amounts of pain and discomfort will typically take place during this procedure, there are also some simple approaches you can take to limit any discomfort you do feel.
At Optimal Health Family Practice, we're happy to provide Provo and Orem patients with vital information in areas like these for our laser tattoo removal services, which are completely safe. Let's look over some basics on why laser tattoo removal pain levels might not be as high as you were thinking, plus some simple pain management solutions that we often provide to patients.
Laser Tattoo Removal Pain is Often Overstated
It's a simple reality: Some people exaggerate, especially when it comes to potential pain levels. With laser tattoo removal, you'll be surprised that the procedure itself is often much more bearable than some patients assume. While some patients might experience mild burning sensations, there's also a chance that you won't feel much at all after your appointment.
Now, it's vital to remember that everyone has different levels of pain and pain tolerance. Some people might experience more pain during or after the procedure than others.
However, if you have a low pain threshold, there are still some ways to approach your tattoo removal sessions with less discomfort. We'll go over those in our next few sections.
Numbing Cream
For some people, one of the most effective solutions for lessening pain during laser tattoo removal is the use of numbing cream. This topical solution works by blocking nerve signals from your skin, meaning you'll end up feeling far less discomfort during the procedure itself. Numbing creams are typically applied around one hour before your appointment and can last through the entire session.
OTC Pain Relievers
Another key option you can consider before and after your laser tattoo removal session is the use of OTC medications to manage any pain that arises. In most cases, ibuprofen or acetaminophen will do the job just fine.
It's important that you're mindful of how much medication you're taking, however. You'll also want to make sure to discuss these medications with your provider before you take them. You don't want to take anything that might interact with other medications you are taking.
Ice Packs
Particularly for recovery following your laser tattoo removal session, ice packs can be a tremendous asset. Applying a cold compress to the treated area can help reduce inflammation and soreness from the procedure itself.
Just remember: Always wrap up your ice pack in cloth or something similar to avoid any direct contact with the skin, as this could lead to further discomfort. This is especially true if you have any open wounds from the procedure.
Pro-Nox Analgesia
At Optimal Health Family Practice, we offer an analgesia product known as Pro-Nox. This is a gas mixture that helps not only with pain, but also with anxiety for various medical procedures like tattoo removal and others. It comes with several direct benefits, including sedative effects – but temporary ones that wear off quickly, allowing you to drive home without help.
We’re happy to discuss these options with you prior to your appointment in order to provide the best possible laser tattoo removal experience. We offer Pro-Nox for any in-office procedure, particularly those where pain is a little more noticeable, such as tattoo removal. We'll advise you on whether a device like this might be able to help, or if other solutions would make more sense.
Be Good to Your Skin During Recovery
This is a more general tip, but it's still a valuable one. During the recovery phase after your laser tattoo removal sessions, you'll want to be extra gentle with your skin in order to ensure proper healing. That means avoiding abrasive soaps and other topical solutions that might irritate the area.
It's also important to remember not to pick at any scabbing or other areas of the skin that might be tender. This can lead to more pain and even infection in some cases. By taking the time to take care of your skin after laser tattoo removal, you'll end up having a much easier recovery process overall.
While some discomfort during and after laser tattoo removal is inevitable, there are still several approaches you can take to minimize it. Numbing creams, OTC pain relievers, ice packs and Pro-Nox devices are all great options to explore prior to your appointment.
We have great products to help aid in the healing and recovery process. We can give a list of over the counter options or recommend pharmaceutical grade products to help your skin. For more here, or to learn about any of our laser tattoo removal services, other laser treatments or alternative med spa solutions, speak to our team at Optimal Health Family Practice today.
