Does Getting a Tattoo Removed Hurt?: A Guide to Tattoo Removal Pain

In the US, 46% of people have tattoos. Body modifications are becoming more mainstream, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all are good decisions.

Perhaps you have the name of an ex on your back, or you’ve got a silly tat you don’t remember even wanting but got anyway on a drunken night out. In any case, you’ve got a piece of art you want gone.

Thankfully, tattoo removal is possible. But is it painful? And how effective is it?

Here’s what you need to know about tattoo removal pain and more.

The Tattoo Removal Process

Tattoo removal is done through lasers. The equipment sends out pulses of high-intensity laser, which then makes it through your epidermis (the top layer of skin).

The laser pulses get deep into your skin and into the tattoo pigment. They then break the pigment down and it’s reabsorbed into your body.

For most people, you’ll need several sessions to get effective results. In addition, depending on the size and colors of your tattoo, it might not completely go away.

If you’re worried about tattoo removal scars, have peace of mind knowing it’s not likely to happen, especially if you go to a trusted professional.

Types of Tattoo Removal

We talked about laser tattoo removal above, but that’s not the only type available. However, it’s the most common procedure done since it’s relatively affordable and the pain levels are acceptable (more on this later).

There are 2 other options for tattoo removal: dermabrasion and surgery.

Dermabrasion sands off your epidermis; understandably, pain levels will be higher here. And surgery involves cutting off your tattooed skin, which can also be painful. Not to mention, it’ll take longer to heal.

Tattoo Removal Pain

Here’s the good news: getting a tattoo is more painful than getting it removed (in the majority of cases).

Many people compare pain during laser tattoo removal to a bad sunburn. If you can tolerate a rubber band snapping on your skin, then you’ll be fine, as this pain is comparable.

Of course, the actual level of laser tattoo removal pain will depend on several things. They include the skill and experience of the professional doing the removal, your personal pain threshold, and where the tat is located (for example, your ribcage is more sensitive than your thigh). Also, if you go in with a positive attitude, you’ll perceive the pain as lower.

If you’re really scared of pain, you can always have them apply more numbing cream or local anesthetic to decrease your pain.

Erase Your Past Mistakes

As you can see, tattoo removal pain from laser sessions won’t be as bad as the pain from tattooing itself. And by erasing this body modification, you’ll also alleviate mental pain, especially if the tat served as a negative daily reminder of your past.

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