Pete Davidson, a celebrity known for his extensive collection of tattoos — from pop culture references like the Mars Attacks! alien to a tribute to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg — has recently made headlines by unveiling his tattoo-free body. Discussing his journey of tattoo removal on late-night shows and even posing for a Reformation clothing campaign, Davidson’s transformation is striking, especially considering his admission of having around 100 tattoos removed at a reported cost of over $200,000.
Davidson’s experience is certainly extreme, but it highlights a growing trend: tattoo removal is becoming more common as new technologies make the process more effective and accessible. While much attention has been paid to the popularity of tattoo removal, there has been surprisingly little coverage on what the process actually feels like. This article aims to provide an honest, firsthand account of what tattoo removal entails.
The Decision to Remove a Tattoo
Until recently, the idea of getting any of my tattoos removed hadn’t crossed my mind. I had always believed that the procedure was too painful, too expensive, and too ineffective to be worth it. I’ve had a few regrettable tattoos over the years, but nothing that felt worth undergoing a lengthy and expensive process for. Instead, I opted to cover up or simply add more tattoos to camouflage the ones I didn’t like. But after seeing Davidson’s “clean slate” transformation, something shifted. His dramatic shift from heavily tattooed to completely ink-free was eye-opening. While I didn’t have any tattoos I was desperate to remove, the idea of creating fresh space for new designs became appealing.
Finding a Tattoo Removal Provider
After some research, I chose Removery, a well-established tattoo removal company with over 150 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. What drew me to them was their use of advanced technology, including the PicoWay laser, and the fact that their treatment protocols are backed by an advisory board of experts in dermatology, surgery, and laser physics. With their vast network of locations, I also appreciated the flexibility of being able to continue treatments even if I moved or traveled frequently.
The consultation process was smooth and straightforward. I scheduled a free consultation at a Removery location in Denver, where I met with the studio’s operations director, who explained the entire removal process, including pricing, technology, treatment timelines, and aftercare. The consultation was informative without being pushy, and though I decided to go ahead with my first treatment that day, I felt no pressure to do so.
The Cost and Timeline of Tattoo Removal
While the process was easy to begin, the financial and time commitments are not insignificant.
Cost: Removery’s pricing is based on the size of the tattoo, with even small tattoos starting at around $1,500. Larger tattoos can cost several thousand dollars. However, their pricing model is designed for complete removal — meaning you pay for the total result, regardless of how many treatments it takes. This is an appealing option given that the number of treatments needed can vary widely based on factors such as skin type, tattoo age, location, and ink color.
Timeline: Tattoo removal is not a quick fix. Even for smaller tattoos, you can expect between eight and 12 sessions, spaced six to eight weeks apart. This means the process can take up to a year to complete. While this is a considerable commitment, it’s important to remember that achieving high-quality results takes time and patience.
The Pain Factor
One of the biggest concerns many people have about tattoo removal is the pain. Davidson has described the process as “terrible,” leading many to fear an excruciating ordeal. However, the reality is more manageable than expected.
The PicoWay laser, which is used exclusively at Removery, is highly effective and operates at a frequency that allows it to target the tattoo ink in the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the outer layers. The sensation is often compared to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. While it’s not exactly comfortable, it is far from unbearable, especially considering that the area is numbed beforehand with an ice pack.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the entire laser treatment for my medium-sized tattoo (about 9 square inches) lasted less than 60 seconds. The procedure is quick, and the discomfort is mild, with only a light sunburn-like feeling for a couple of days afterward.
The Results: Worth the Wait?
While my first treatment didn’t dramatically change the appearance of my tattoo (as expected), Removery’s success rate speaks for itself. The company boasts over a million successful treatments and a library of before-and-after photos that highlight the significant progress tattoo removal has made in recent years. Gone are the days of blistering, scarring, and unpredictable pigmentation issues. With proper aftercare — keeping the area clean, avoiding sun exposure, and applying a light layer of Vaseline — tattoos can be removed with minimal visible scarring, leaving only healthy, clear skin behind.
Looking Ahead
The tattoo removal process requires patience and a commitment to both time and finances. However, the promise of clear, ink-free skin — or the opportunity to start fresh with a new design — is becoming an increasingly viable option. In my case, I plan to use the freed-up space for a new tattoo, but others may simply choose to embrace the clean slate.
I’ll check back in a few months to update you on my progress. Until then, for anyone considering tattoo removal, rest assured that it’s far more manageable than it might seem at first glance. Happy lasering!
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