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.

Someone removing an unwanted tattoo from their back with a laser tattoo removal session
By Lexington Tattoo Removal March 24, 2026
Learn about how to prevent tattoo removal scars and about the aftercare measures to avoid scarring. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for laser tattoo removal.
Someone receiving laser tattoo removal on the sensitive part of their leg
By Lexington Tattoo Removal March 23, 2026
Learn if laser tattoo removal is safe for sensitive skin and about side effects. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for dermatologist-approved tattoo removal.
 A timelapse graphic showing how laser tattoo removal works over multiple sessions
By Lexington Tattoo Removal February 23, 2026
Explore how many sessions it takes for tattoo removal and about session spacing. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for laser tattoo removal near Lexington, KY.
Someone getting a shoulder tattoo removed with a laser
By Lexington Tattoo Removal February 23, 2026
Learn about tattoo removal costs and factors that affect tattoo removal costs. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for affordable tattoo removal near Lexington, KY.
Concept art of a laser hair removal procedure
By Lexington Tattoo Removal January 21, 2026
Learn which activities you can and can't do following laser hair removal near me. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for hair removal near Lexington, KY.
Someone receiving a laser microblading removal treatment
By Lexington Tattoo Removal January 21, 2026
Learn what activities you can and can’t do after laser microblading removal. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for laser microblading removal near me.
Laser hair removal treatment on the upper leg
By Lexington Tattoo Removal December 22, 2025
Learn if laser hair removal is painful and how you can reduce discomfort. For laser hair removal near me in Lexington, KY, contact Lexington Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal on a lower leg
By Lexington Tattoo Removal December 22, 2025
Learn what you can do after laser tattoo removal and what to avoid. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for laser tattoo removal near me in Lexington, KY.
Someone receiving a laser microblading removal treatment near Lexington, KY
By Lexington Tattoo Removal November 20, 2025
Learn whether laser microblading removal is painful and about the tattoo paint chart. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for microblading removal near me.
Concept art for laser hair removal near Lexington, KY
By Lexington Tattoo Removal October 28, 2025
Learn about the benefits of laser hair removal and the before-and-after process. Contact Lexington Tattoo Removal for laser hair removal near you.