Removal should NOT be painful and you should NOT pay a lump sum before beginning

I keep seeing posts about how bad removal hurts. The removal technician will ideally be a doctor who can prescribe you a strong numbing cream. If you can't find a removal place run by a medical doctor, go to your doctor and explain to them that you need a prescription numbing cream for your removal. I use one that is 2.5% lidocaine, 2.5% prilocaine and goes on 2 hours before my session, covered in plastic wrap. My tattoo is on the back of my hand and I literally feel nothing during my sessions. I've had 4 so far with zero pain.

On another note, yes removal is expensive but don't be fooled by their upfront payment offers. Nobody can or should guess how many sessions you will need, and don't trust anybody who gives you a number. They have no idea. You're better off paying per session because remember, you're only going every couple of months anyway, and this is a years long process. Do the math, if you pay for 25 sessions up front, that's like 5 years worth of sessions. You probably will be happy with your results much sooner than that. Mine has faded by close to half in just one year with four sessions. I'm sure I'll need several more to have it totally gone but places that offer lump sum up front do it because it makes them money. Do your research before you start this process!

Edit: since people are talking shit here's my before & after 4 sessions over 1 year, with no blistering