Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?

Lexington Tattoo Removal • November 20, 2025

Just like getting your tattoo was moderately painful, tattoo removal can be as well. Some of the pain is because there's a laser on your skin, some of it is because of the location of the tattoo, and some of it could be emotional distress. At Lexington Tattoo Removal, we understand the physical and emotional pain associated with laser tattoo removal and do everything in our power to minimize it, providing you with the best possible experience. Let's take a closer look at what we do and what you can do.

Someone receiving a laser tattoo removal treatment on their arm near Lexington, KY

Tattoo Pain Chart: A Laser on Your Skin

By all accounts, laser tattoo removal does hurt, but not as much as actually getting a tattoo. People say it's like a rubber band snapping your skin. That said, tattoo pain charts indicate some areas are more sensitive than others. You may have experienced this when you got your tattoo (or tattoos). According to the tattoo pain chart, certain areas are more painful, like:

  • The buttocks
  • Face and top of head
  • Back of hands
  • Stomach
  • Pelvic area
  • Feet

Beyond physical pain, you may also have some emotional distress over removing your tattoo, a completely different type of pain that shouldn't be overlooked. We understand it's a big decision, that tattoos are personal and meaningful, and removing the tattoo can still be difficult, even when you're ready to let go of it.

How Our Specialists Mitigate the Pain

We start with a consultation, so you know what to expect, the number of sessions you'll need, and how to prepare.

During each session, we start by cooling your skin using our Zimmer Cryo Cooler. This brings the temperature down so that you won't feel the actual laser on your skin. Once your skin temperature reaches 22ºF, our specialists use our lasers, the Quanto Q-Plus C Evo and PicoWay, to treat the ink lines. The laser goes deeper into the dermis with each session.

Typically, our specialists take between 2 and 10 minutes for each session. They're trained to assess every aspect of the procedure so you're taken care of and remain exposed for as little time as possible.

What You Can Do to Mitigate the Pain

Sessions are scheduled approximately every 6 weeks. Our specialists will let you know what you can do to mitigate the pain after each session, like using tattoo numb cream with lidocaine, and how to prepare for the next one.

As for the emotional aspects, be prepared to go through some stages of grief. The good news is that many people find relief after tattoo removal and experience freedom, release, and a boost of confidence.

Tattoo Removal Near Me

If you're ready to have a tattoo removed, but you're worried about the pain, either the physical pain or the emotional anguish, find specialists who understand, like the ones at Lexington Tattoo Removal. We utilize the best tools and techniques to alleviate physical pain and provide you with the resources to manage your care at home. We also offer laser microblading removal and laser hair removal services.

Get started by calling us at (859) 785-2189, completing our contact form, or visiting our clinic. We serve the greater Lexington, KY, area and surrounding states, including Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Huntington, WV; and Nashville, TN.

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