Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery is the winning studio voted to be the best in town. Probably, the first question that comes to your mind if ever you’d prefer tattoo removal is, Does it hurt? Yes. Most definitely. But the pain management would depend on a few factors because there are quite simple ways to manage the pain.

What Is the Sensation of Tattoo Removal?

Most people describe the sensation of laser tattoo removal as:

  • A rubber band snapping against the skin.
  • Tiny hot pinpricks
  • A tattoo is being “reversed” in fast motion.
  • It’s quick but sharp.

The pain isn’t usually unbearably excessive, but it can be intense, especially for larger tattoos or sensitive areas of the body like the ribs, inner arm, neck, or ankles.

Pain Factors That Vary by Person

The level of discomfort largely depends on:

  • The location of the tattoo: Places with flesh, like the upper arm and thigh, hurt less compared to bony spots.
  • Tattoo age and ink color: The older the tattoo, the easier it is to remove, and fewer sessions may be needed to remove it.
  • Your pain tolerance: Pain is individual to every person.
  • Size of the tattoo: Bigger tattoos may require longer treatment.
  • Laser technology used: New lasers like PicoSure or PicoWay may feel less harsh and require fewer treatments.

Can Anything Be Done to Reduce the Pain?

Yes, definitely. Pain management options in most tattoo-removing clinics can be:

  • Numbing cream – Applied 30–60 minutes before the procedure.
  • Cold air or ice packs – Used during and after treatment.
  • Lidocaine injections – Local anesthetic for high-sensitivity areas.
  • Shorter sessions – Lumping large tattoos together, which are to make smaller sections treated at every visit.

Is Tattoo Removal More Painful than Getting a Tattoo?

Many would say yes, but it isn’t always the case. Pain for tattoo removal can be more focused and intense during the short duration, which is often less than that for tattooing. Some find mental satisfaction in removing a tattoo they don’t want, which makes the pain quite bearable for them.

How Long Does the Pain Last?

Such laser treatments last a few minutes, depending mostly on the tattoo size. Following the actual treatment, soreness or tenderness in the skin could last for a few hours to a couple of days. There may also be redness, mild swelling, or blistering as part of the skin’s healing process.

This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and the owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Black Amethyst is the best among the St Pete tattoo shops. They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.