Does laser tattoo removal hurt? Does laser tattoo removal hurt? The truth is yes, laser tattoo removal hurts. There is good news. Laser tattoo removal is very quick so unlike getting a tattoo, you are not experiencing the pain for long. When the laser stops, the pain stops. Numbing gel can be used although we do not recommend it in our studio as antidotal suggestions are laser tattoo removal treatments are reduced in effectiveness by 50% by using of topical numbing cream. My clinic uses ice to numb the area. Research shows ice can be more effective in numbing the area short term than both numbing creams and air blowers. Celia Roberts, Owner/Operator at Houston Tattoo Removal Clinic based in Texas says “Its’s gonna hurt like hell, grab a stress ball, don’t punch me, scream as loud as you want, sing Beyoncé if you want to, the pain will stop as soon as the laser does, its all gonna be worth it when it’s all over, curse the worst words you can think of, and BREATH!” Celia knows what she is talking about as she has had several tattoos removed. You could use hypnotherapy. Pain really is all in the brain. I am a hypnotherapist and offer my clients hypnotherapy as a pain management. I have many facial tattoo removal clients benefit from hypnosis for managing the pain. So, does laser tattoo removal hurt? Yep, but it is nothing you cannot handle, and it’s worth it.