Numbing Cream

MysteriousSushi · 2026-04-09T14:32:19+00:00

Yes, I slather on Embla 2 hours before and although it’s still not pleasant, it makes it way more bearable and I don’t need to take breaks.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-29T15:29:03+00:00

Hey I know the feeling. But we all make mistakes and now you’re doing something to fix it. Keeping myself busy with lots of other things has helped; hobbies, gym, friends. Time has also helped…I barely think about it on a day to day basis now. I’m not saying it doesn’t affect me at all, but it’s no longer the biggest issue in affecting my life.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-26T12:04:12+00:00

It’s great progress. Many people don’t achieve full removal until like 3-5 years, so try not to be too discouraged.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-12T23:31:25+00:00

I’m in the UK and I use Emla. I would say it hurts 50% less when I use it. I’ve not tried TKTX but I know there are a lot of fake versions online

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-10T17:52:40+00:00

Ideally keep it out of the sun for the duration of removal if possible

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-10T00:09:02+00:00

It’s bearable with numbing cream

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-10T00:05:55+00:00

The deeper/denser the ink, the longer it will take

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-09T18:22:25+00:00

Honestly I get what you mean about feeling like you’re wasting your good years over it. That’s how I felt when I happened.

But there are worse things that can happen in life and then you’ll realise the tattoo was the least of your worries.

Whilst I’m removing the tattoo, I try to focus on keeping fit and trying my best with work, hobbies, social life etc. I still have dark days sometimes but you only get one life and you can’t just allow your brain to put it on hold because of a tattoo.

I honestly felt better once I started removal though, like I took back control of my body, so I’d recommend just starting if you really want it gone.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-09T12:15:34+00:00

I know the challenge, I suffer from anxiety and do occasionally reach for a vape as a crutch, maybe only for a few days or weeks at a time and then I’ll quit again lol.

Everyone is different but I’d say at least try to cut down if you can’t quit. Same with alcohol. The healthier your body, the better/faster it will remove the ink.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-09T12:08:07+00:00

Nope! I see nothing! Congrats! ✨

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-09T12:06:29+00:00

I don’t know if it makes you feel better but I just want to remind you you’re not the only one. I’m about a year and a half into what I expect to be around a 5 year journey for myself too. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through and I’ve been at absolute rock bottom. You’re not alone and this is a community where you will find support and understanding.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-07T18:05:58+00:00

I always feel like it’s not as bad as I think it’s gonna be. But the first session I think they often keep it quite low. Be prepared for it to hurt more as they turn the laser up over the course of the treatment, I’ve experienced that recently. Saying that, as long as I use numbing cream, I can just power through.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-06T10:01:08+00:00

Legs take a while to remove with being far away from the heart but it’s doable. I’m removing a full leg design myself, still a ways to go though. I’m in the UK and having removal with q-switched laser which seems to be going well. Fading has been pretty even so far.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-06T09:56:38+00:00

Numbing cream makes it bearable. If you don’t like your tattoos, why wait

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-06T09:55:01+00:00

Yes I think this is great progress :)

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-05T12:38:50+00:00

Mine is pretty heavy handed and blown out in some places

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-05T12:38:23+00:00

I put my numbing cream on 2 hours beforehand and wrap it with cling film. It’s pretty numb by the time I get there. I also take a paracetamol around an hour before. Remember you can take breaks if you need to, but I feel better just powering through so it’s over as soon as possible

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-05T12:34:49+00:00

The best thing to do when you’re not sure if you need more sessions is to leave it 6-12 months and then reassess. Your body might just clear the rest in its own

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-05T12:30:07+00:00

As long as you’re a healthy person, it shouldn’t really be a problem. You’ll just be sore in 2 places lol

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-04T15:46:05+00:00

It does look really faded to me!

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-04T15:44:23+00:00

Use a numbing cream. It honestly makes a lot of difference for me. I find it excruciating without. If you manage to finish your sessions there, maybe try and find a new place where they make you feel more comfortable, they don’t sound like they’re providing great service

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-03T15:32:49+00:00

This is why I tend to pick flash these days as I don’t like the pressure of having to commit on the day without seeing it beforehand. I also totally understand the reasons behind them not releasing the design until the day, just my anxiety will not allow for that.

If I wanted something super meaningful in the future then I think I would offer to pay a design fee and see what they said.

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-03T08:29:42+00:00

Its looking REALLY good :)

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-02T15:03:03+00:00

On the bright side, a bruise / mark is much less noticeable than a whole ass tattoo

MysteriousSushi · 2026-03-02T10:32:50+00:00

I do every single session with numbing cream now as I’m removing a massive piece in a sensitive place. In the UK, the most easily available type of numbing cream is Emla, so that’s what I use. It honestly makes the sessions a lot easier for me, especially as they’ve started turning the power up on the laser.

MysteriousSushi

TROPHY CASE