How painful is tattoo removal?

Author: Mellie Feeney  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Depending on what type of tattoo removal you choose, there may be varying levels of pain or discomfort. Some people say that removal feels the same as getting a tattoo, while others liken it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against their skin. Your skin may be sore after the procedure.

How painful is it to get a tattoo removed?

Removing a tattoo can hurt just as much, if not more, than getting it done. 84% of the participants in a study described the pain they went through while undergoing laser tattoo removal as moderate to extreme. Pain is usually what deters people from getting their tattoos removed, however regrettable they may be.

Can tattoos be 100% removed?

Answer: 100% clearing` While we cannot assure 100% clearing of tattoos, we do see this in many people. Variability is density and depth of ink used and how your body is able to absorb and remove the ink. The laser's job is to break up the ink particles small enough for your body to do this effectively.

How damaging is tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal can leave behind skin that is lighter than the skin around it. Other risks include possible scarring, infection, pinpoint bleeding, redness, or soreness, none of which should last for long.

Will tattoo removal leave a scar?

While tattoo removals can leave scars, tattoo removal scars are uncommon. Still, they can happen, and you may even notice scars left behind from your tattoo when you get it removed. If your skin has irregularities, such as existing scars, you can expect these to remain after the laser removal.

Laser Tattoo Removal PAIN: How Much Does It Hurt?

How to remove permanent tattoos at home naturally?

Removing Tattoos at Home
  1. Salabrasion – peels a thin layer of the epidermis by rubbing salt at the skin's surface. ...
  2. Yogurt and aloe vera – are not dangerous for the skin, but they're not effective in removing tattoos either.
  3. Sand – is meant to mimic dermabrasion. ...
  4. Lemon juice – is known to lighten the skin.

What is the biggest concern with tattoo removal?

Risks. Scarring is likely after most types of tattoo removal. Infection or skin discoloration is possible as well.

Where does the ink go after tattoo removal?

When you get a tattoo, you can pretty much expect that it'll be with you forever. But, if for whatever reason you change your mind, there are removal options. Unfortunately, even after removal, the ink doesn't just disappear — we actually excrete it through our lymphatic system.

Is tattoo removal hard on the liver?

The ink that breaks down is processed through the liver, so it is important to discuss liver problems with your doctor before proceeding. Keep in mind that a healthy liver will have minimal to no issues, but a liver that is already struggling could end up with adverse effects.

What tattoos Cannot be removed?

Yellow, blue, purple, turquoise - these are the common colors that most laser tattoo removal devices just cannot seem to get rid of.

How many sessions does it take to remove a tattoo?

The average number of sessions needed for laser tattoo removal will vary depending on the size, location, and color of the tattoo. In general, however, a person can expect between 5-10 sessions to completely remove a tattoo. Some may require more, while others may require fewer.

Did Pete Davidson remove his tattoos?

Up until recently, Davidson had so much ink on his body — around 200 tattoos, to be exact. But in recent months he's decided to give his body a reset and "burn off" all his tattoos (his words, not ours). The process has been painstaking, he told Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, but he's satisfied with the results.

Are tattoo removal worth it?

As many as 25% of those with a tattoo say they regret getting it. If you're in that 25%, there is good news. Laser tattoo removal techniques can significantly diminish the appearance of your unwanted tattoo with minimal side effects.

What is the least painful way to remove a tattoo?

If you prefer a completely pain free removal process, you can try natural or chemical tattoo removal creams - but be aware that they might not work very effectively. If you want to remove a tattoo completely, your best bet is laser removal or surgery.

Do you pee ink after tattoo removal?

Once broken down, the ink particles enter the lymphatic system and are processed similarly to other waste products. The body filters these particles through the liver and kidneys. While you don't literally “pee out” the ink, the kidneys filter waste, eventually exiting the body through urine.

What are the risks of tattoo removal?

As with any procedure, there are potential risks associated with tattoo removal procedures, which could include:
  • Scarring.
  • Infections.
  • Skin discoloration.
  • Skin irritation or a rash.
  • Pain or discomfort.

Do tattoo removal pens work?

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any type of home tattoo removal, because they are ineffective and risky. However, tattoo removal has been quickly growing more popular, the FDA says.

Who is a good candidate for tattoo removal?

Ideal candidates are those who are in good health, have realistic expectations about the outcome, and are committed to following through with the recommended treatment plan. The technology is versatile, accommodating a wide array of tattoo inks and colors, and is effective on patients of various skin tones.

How to remove a tattoo at home naturally?

DIY at Home Tattoo Removal
  1. SALT? One of the most common home tattoo removal methods we see talked about is salabrasion or rubbing the skin away with salt. ...
  2. ABRASION/ DERMABRASION. ...
  3. HEAT. ...
  4. HOME CHEMICAL PEEL. ...
  5. LEMON JUICE.

Is tattoo removal bearable?

Laser removal doesn't usually feel as painful as being scratched with hot claws, but certain spots on the body will feel more sensitive than others. Many people say it feels unpleasant but definitely not unbearable.

Does Vaseline remove tattoo ink?

For instance, Vaseline on a tattoo can draw the ink from the lower layers of the skin before it has set. This can lead the tattoo to look faded, patchy, or distorted. It may even lead to an increased risk of scarring.

How to erase a tattoo without laser?

Tattoo Removal Alternatives
  1. Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion involves the process of sloughing away the top layers of skin to remove the pigment and skin effected and encourage new skin to grow. ...
  2. Excision. ...
  3. Salibrasion. ...
  4. Cryosurgery. ...
  5. Tattoo Removal Creams. ...
  6. Chemical peels. ...
  7. Home tattoo removal techniques. ...
  8. I.P.L. (Intense Pulsed Light)

Does hydrogen peroxide fade tattoos?

Hydrogen peroxide

It is designed to work as a disinfectant but is moderately effective at fading superficial layers of ink. On its own, hydrogen peroxide is not potent enough to penetrate the second layer of skin. As a result, fresh tattoos or deeply embedded tattoos won't be phased by it.

Previous article
What unblocks hair follicles?
Next article
What happens if you don't rinse the conditioner out of your hair?