Let’s be honest — the fear of pain is one of the main reasons people put off laser tattoo removal. So let’s talk about it openly, because the reality is often much more manageable than people expect.
What Does It Feel Like?
Most clients describe laser tattoo removal as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin, or a quick burst of heat. It’s sharp and sudden, but each pulse lasts only a fraction of a second. Many people are surprised by how tolerable it is — especially compared to getting the tattoo in the first place!
Why PicoWay Hurts Less
Not all lasers are equal when it comes to comfort. The PicoWay laser we use at Ink by Britt delivers energy in ultra-short picosecond pulses, which means less heat buildup in the surrounding tissue. Traditional nanosecond lasers generate more heat, which translates to more discomfort and longer recovery.
With PicoWay, clients consistently report a more comfortable experience compared to older laser technology.
Factors That Affect Discomfort
- Location: Areas with thinner skin or closer to bone (like fingers, ribs, or ankles) tend to be more sensitive than fleshier areas.
- Tattoo size: Larger tattoos mean longer sessions, which can increase cumulative discomfort.
- Your personal pain tolerance: Everyone experiences pain differently — what’s a 3/10 for one person might be a 6/10 for another.
How We Keep You Comfortable
At Ink by Britt, your comfort is a priority. We take every step to make your experience as pleasant as possible, including:
- Discussing your comfort level before and during treatment
- Taking breaks as needed during longer sessions
- Recommending over-the-counter pain relief options you can take beforehand
After the Session
After treatment, the area may feel similar to a mild sunburn — some redness, warmth, and minor swelling. This typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days. We’ll send you home with aftercare instructions to keep the area comfortable and healing well.
The Bottom Line
Is laser tattoo removal completely painless? No. But is it as scary as it sounds? Absolutely not — and with the PicoWay laser, it’s more comfortable than ever. Thousands of people do it every day, and most say they wish they’d started sooner.
Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation and we’ll walk you through everything before we begin.
Book your Mesquite consultation →
Also read: How Many Sessions Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take? | How to Prepare for Laser Tattoo Removal