Comedian Pete Davidson has opened up about the painful process of removing most of his roughly 200 tattoos after years of laser treatment.

The 32-year-old actor started the multi-year skin clearing process in 2020. He has reportedly spent $200,000 removing body art across his arms and chest.

Speaking to E! Newsat a New York film premiere, Davidson said he has worn jumpers for six months to cover his healing skin.

'It's brutal,' Davidson said. 'You don't know what's going on under there.'

The Saturday Night Live star noted that covering his tattoos for film roles required up to three hours in a make-up chair. He also welcomed daughter Scottie in December 2025. Although fatherhood shifted his priorities, he recently added a small tattoo of her name near his temple.

How Laser Tattoo Removal Breaks Down Permanent Skin Ink

Dermatologists explain that professional tattoos remain permanent because ink particles sit deep beneath the outer skin layer. These dye granules are too large for the body's immune system to clear naturally.

Modern laser tattoo removal uses short pulses of high-energy light to break down tattoo pigment into smaller particles. Different laser wavelengths target different ink colours, allowing the body's immune system to gradually clear the fragmented pigment.

After the laser breaks down the pigment, immune cells gradually remove the smaller particles from the treated area. Black and dark blue ink colours respond best to laser therapy because they absorb light energy efficiently.

Because artists inject ink in multiple layers, patients require repeated dermatology clinic visits. Complete tattoo removal typically requires multiple laser sessions, often six to 10 or more, depending on the tattoo's size, colour, ink depth and the individual's response to treatment. In some cases, stubborn pigments sit too deep for lasers to reach completely.

Read more

Recovery Timelines and Dermatology Aftercare Prevent Permanent Scarring

Patients often compare the sensation of laser pulses to a rubber band snapping sharply against the skin. Doctors frequently apply local anaesthetic creams to reduce discomfort during treatment.

Davidson described the physical toll of repeated laser sessions during an appearance on The Tonight Show.

'I've been burning them off,' Davidson said. 'They burn off a layer of your skin, then it has to heal for six to eight weeks.'

He added: 'You can't get in the sunlight. And then you've got to do it like 12 more times.'

Treated skin commonly develops swelling, blistering, and temporary discolouration after each visit.

Skin specialists advise following strict tattoo removal aftercare to avoid complications. Patients should soothe treated areas with ice packs, apply protective bandages, and use high-factor sunscreen outdoors. Doctors also warn patients never to pick at healing skin, as this causes permanent scarring.

Doctors Warn Against Dangerous At-Home Tattoo Removal Methods

Laser tattoo removal can be safe and effective when performed by appropriately trained healthcare professionals, but it carries risks including scarring, infection and changes in skin pigmentation.

Over-the-counter tattoo removal creams often contain harsh acids that cause severe chemical burns and rashes. Another hazardous home method, known as salabrasion, involves scrubbing skin layers off with coarse salt, risking serious infection.

Dermatologists urge anyone considering tattoo removal to consult a qualified doctor rather than attempting home remedies.

For Davidson, the lengthy recovery has reshaped his outlook on impulsive body art and fatherhood. 'My priorities have shifted in just that becoming a dad is great for so many reasons,' Davidson said. 'It just made me realize the stuff that I cared about so much don't actually matter.'

Read more