The laser fires brief pulses that snap the ink particles. Most clients describe the sensation as somewhere between a hot rubber band snap and bacon fat splattering — sharp, fast, intense. The pain is more concentrated than tattooing, but sessions are usually 5–15 minutes (vs hours for getting tattooed).
How it compares to getting tattooed
- · Per second — laser is more intense than tattooing.
- · Per session — laser is shorter, so the total pain is comparable or less.
- · After — laser leaves the area feeling sunburnt for a day or two.
Pain by body area
- · Most painful: ankles, ribs, sternum, hands, fingers, top of feet.
- · Mid: forearm, calf, shoulder, back.
- · Most tolerable: upper outer arm, thigh, outer back.
How clinics manage pain
- · Cooling devices — most reputable clinics use a Cryo (Zimmer) cooling device that blasts very cold air on the skin during the laser. This makes a substantial difference.
- · Numbing cream — applied 30–60 minutes before the session. Reduces pain by 30–50%.
- · Ice packs — applied for 5 minutes before the laser to reduce sensitivity.
- · Local anaesthetic injection — only some clinics offer this, only for larger pieces.
Tips that actually work
- · Eat a real meal 1–2 hours before
- · Hydrate — dehydration makes pain worse
- · No alcohol the night before (it thins blood and increases bruising)
- · Take ibuprofen 30 minutes before (with your clinic's ok)
- · Bring headphones — distract your brain
- · Wear loose clothing over the area
What to expect after the session
The skin will feel hot and sunburnt for 24–48 hours. Some people get blistering — small water-filled blisters that look alarming but are normal and heal in a week. Don't pop them. The treated tattoo will look frosted (white) for 20–30 minutes immediately after the session, then return to normal-ish appearance.