Under the Laser: The Painful Process of Tattoo Removal and the Case for Temporary Ink

Imagine a laser zapping against your skin, each pulse accompanied by a violent, unnatural crackling sound. That unsettling noise, coupled with the searing pain of each burst, makes tattoo removal a harrowing experience. Yet more and more people are voluntarily undergoing this torture in the name of erasing ink.

The Rise of Tattoo Regret and Removal

Roughly 1 in 4 tattooed adults regret at least one of their tattoos. That translates to over 20 million Americans considering removal. As tattoos became a rite of passage in the 2000s and 2010s, those same enthusiasts are now in their 30s and 40s—starting families, entering new careers, and growing out of their ink.

Laser technology has evolved, and so has accessibility. What was once painful, scarring, and rare is now a relatively routine outpatient procedure. Clinics like Removery have opened across the U.S., normalizing the idea that tattoos don’t have to be forever. Celebrities like Pete Davidson, Ariana Grande, and Zoë Kravitz have all reportedly started removing theirs.

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Tattoo removal primarily uses Q-switched or picosecond lasers, which emit ultrafast pulses of light that shatter pigment particles beneath your skin. Once fragmented, your body’s immune system gradually flushes these out over weeks.

• Sessions Required: 6–12 (or more), spaced 4–8 weeks apart
• Ink Color: Black is easiest to remove; blues and greens are toughest
• Body Area: Extremities like feet and ankles fade slower

Each laser session causes a popping sound and a sharp sensation (often compared to hot grease splatter or rubber band snaps). Redness, swelling, and temporary blistering are normal, with pigment fading gradually over time.

The Pain and Price of Tattoo Removal

In studies, 84% of people report moderate to extreme pain during removal. Numbing creams and ice can help, but discomfort is inevitable. Even celebrities like Pete Davidson have called it “horrible.”

• Average Cost: $500–$1,000+ for small tattoos
• Larger pieces: Can exceed $5,000 total
• Insurance: Typically not covered

Despite the pain and cost, most patients feel satisfied once the process is complete. But it takes emotional and physical stamina to get there.

Risks: Scarring, Pigment Loss & Ghost Tattoos

Side effects include temporary blistering, pigment lightening (especially on darker skin tones), and in some cases, permanent scarring. One in five patients may experience some level of scarring or textural change.

Colors like white or yellow may not fully come out. And even after complete removal, “ghost tattoos”—faint outlines or textural shadows—can remain.

The Rise of Temporary & Semi-Permanent Tattoos

Faced with this reality, many are opting for modern alternatives:

1. Temporary Tattoos

• Lasts 7–14 days
• No needles or pain
• Perfect for experimenting with placements and designs

2. Semi-Permanent Tattoos

Brands like Ephemeral Tattoo offer tattoos that fade over 1–3 years using biodegradable ink designed to break down over time.

• Needled into the skin like real tattoos
• No laser removal required
• 76% fade completely within 2 years

These options give tattoo lovers the freedom to express themselves without committing to lifelong consequences—or expensive removals down the line.

Conclusion: Think Before You Ink

Tattoo removal is scientifically advanced—but it’s painful, costly, and not always perfect. As tattoos lose their grip on “permanence,” more enthusiasts are exploring temporary and semi-permanent options to express themselves without regret.

Whether you’re inked forever or just for now, one thing’s clear: body art should celebrate who you are right now. And there’s never been more flexible, beautiful, and safe ways to do just that.

Sources:

• GQ: “Why Is Everyone Getting Their Tattoos Removed?”
• Advanced Dermatology Tattoo Regret Survey (2023)
• J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. (2017)
• Westlake Dermatology Tattoo Removal Guide
• Healthline, Refinery29, Henry Ford Health (Ephemeral Studies)