A lot of factors are involved when removing a tattoo: the technology, the ink colour, the laser technician, your skin tone and the timing. Considering the right timing to book your laser tattoo removal treatments is extremely important for many reasons.

If you are looking to remove a tattoo before your wedding, you need to start one year in advance. If you are planning a tropical vacation, you need to ensure you avoid active tanning 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after tanning to receive a safe removal treatment. If you are going to be on your period on the day of your tattoo removal session, you may want to reconsider.

The menstruation cycle can impact the tattoo removal process in a series of ways that might make you think twice when booking your next session.  

When estrogen levels are high, the brain’s natural pain chemicals — endorphins or enkephalins — are much more potent. The pain response is much greater when estrogen levels are low, when a woman is premenstrual. To illustrate this idea a woman giving birth can tolerate the pain of childbirth because her estrogen level is very high. The times to avoid booking your tattoo removal session are the week prior your menstrual cycle through to a couple days after it ends. Avoiding these times of the month will protect you from heightened sensitivity that may occur during your cycle.

It is also important to mention taking medication such as Aspirin during your period is common as it helps to mitigate cramp pain. Aspirin and other medications that thin the blood can cause the site to bleed during your laser tattoo removal session. With the possibility of bleeding, comes the possibility of scarring. To learn more simple precautions you can be taking prior to beginning your tattoo removal session to ensure the best possible results, read 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Tattoo Removal.

Hormones and the pathophysiology  of skin pigmentation are linked, according to the   Journal of Drugs in Dermatology . The skin’s physical properties can change dramatically in relation to different phases of the menstrual cycle. Such factors may modify the skin’s response to the laser treatment.

The number one reason for avoiding laser tattoo removal treatments during your period? The discomfort. As with any laser treatment, the skin becomes more sensitive during the menstrual cycle. At Unthink Inc., we strive to ensure every client is as comfortable as possible during for the entirety of the tattoo removal process. We utilize the most sophisticated and comfortable tattoo removal laser on the market, Syneron Candela’s PicoWay laser.

If your schedule is not flexible and you are required to have your tattoo removal session during your period, we recommend trying Zensa, a natural topical numbing cream with 5% Lidocaine. There is no research to suggest that tattoo removal during your menstrual cycle is unsafe but for your own comfort, we suggest you do your best to avoid it.

For more information on how the menstruation cycle affects your skin and your tattoo removal process, contact us today .