Tattoos often tell a story, but for some, they become reminders of choices they’d rather erase. Pete Davidson, known for his ink-covered body, decided to remove over 100 tattoos, and the doctor behind this extensive process has finally spoken out. Dr. Roy Geronemus, a top-rated New York-based cosmetic dermatologist, shared insights into the grueling four-year journey of tattoo removal—something Davidson himself described as “horrible.”
Pete Davidson’s Tattoo-Free Transformation: What Happened?
Pete Davidson was once known for his extensive collection of tattoos, many of which were inspired by past relationships, personal experiences, and pop culture references. However, in 2021, he announced that he was in the process of removing them.
Speaking on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Davidson humorously warned others not to get “stupid tattoos” because the removal process is far worse than getting inked in the first place. Now, after years of painful procedures, Davidson’s nearly ink-free look has surprised fans, sparking curiosity about the science behind tattoo removal.
Meet Dr. Roy Geronemus: The Man Behind Pete’s Tattoo Removal
Dr. Roy Geronemus, director of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, is one of America’s most respected cosmetic dermatologists. Ranked fourth on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists of 2023, he has worked with numerous high-profile clients—though he remains discreet about names due to patient confidentiality.
When Davidson mentioned a “Dr. G” during his interview, fans quickly connected the dots. The clinic even reposted the clip, confirming that Dr. Geronemus was the one leading Davidson’s tattoo removal journey.
The ‘Horrible’ Reality of Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal isn’t as simple as pressing a button and watching ink disappear. It’s a complex medical process that requires patience, advanced technology, and multiple sessions.
Davidson described it as “worse than getting the tattoos themselves,” adding that each session involved burning off layers of skin. On top of that, he had to avoid sun exposure for six to eight weeks after each treatment, making it a tedious and uncomfortable experience.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
According to Dr. Geronemus, the process involves using lasers to break down the ink particles embedded in the skin. However, not all tattoos respond the same way.
Factors That Influence Tattoo Removal Success
- Ink Color Matters – Contrary to popular belief, black ink is one of the hardest colors to remove, especially on individuals with darker skin tones. Other colors, like red and green, respond better to newer laser technology.
- Skin Pigmentation Plays a Role – The effectiveness of laser removal depends on the contrast between the ink and the individual’s skin tone. People with darker pigmentation often require more sessions.
- Tattoo Depth & Size – Large and deeply embedded tattoos, like Davidson’s, require multiple sessions. Some tattoos can take over eight sessions to fully fade.
- Technology Has Improved – Dr. Geronemus noted that tattoo removal used to take years, but advancements in laser technology have made the process up to three times faster.
Pain Level: Is Tattoo Removal Really That Bad?
One of the biggest misconceptions about laser tattoo removal is the level of pain involved. While Davidson found the process excruciating, Dr. Geronemus insists that it “should not be painful at all.”
To minimize discomfort, patients are offered various pain management options, including:
- Topical anesthetics – Numbing creams applied before treatment.
- Local anesthesia – Used for larger tattoos.
- Intravenous sedation – Reserved for extensive removals like Davidson’s.
Why Are People Getting Their Tattoos Removed?
Davidson’s case isn’t unique. According to Dr. Geronemus, the most common reason for tattoo removal is regret.
Top Reasons People Remove Their Tattoos:
- Breakups & Name Tattoos – The most common removal request involves names of ex-partners.
- Misspelled or Poorly Done Tattoos – Some tattoos turn into embarrassing mistakes due to spelling errors or bad artistry.
- Career Considerations – Many professionals opt for removal to maintain a more polished appearance in the workplace.
- Tattoo Trends Gone Wrong – What seemed like a great idea at 18 might not feel the same at 30.
The Cost of Erasing the Past
Tattoo removal isn’t cheap, especially for someone like Pete Davidson, who had over 100 pieces of ink erased. Each session can cost hundreds of dollars, and with multiple sessions required, the total cost can climb into the thousands.
For celebrities, the price tag might not be a big deal, but for the average person, tattoo removal can be a costly and time-consuming commitment.
Pete Davidson’s Final Goal: Ink-Free by 40?
At 31 years old, Davidson has set a personal goal of being completely tattoo-free by the time he turns 40. While he’s made significant progress, the process is still ongoing.
His journey serves as a cautionary tale for those considering tattoos—while getting inked is quick, removing it is anything but. With new laser technology, removals are faster than before, but they still require patience, money, and a high pain tolerance.
Final Thoughts: Is Tattoo Removal Worth It?
Pete Davidson’s tattoo transformation has sparked discussions about the permanence of ink and whether tattoo removal is worth the effort. While some may argue that tattoos are meant to be permanent, others—like Davidson—prove that second thoughts and evolving perspectives are natural.
Thanks to experts like Dr. Geronemus, tattoo removal has become more accessible than ever. But as Davidson himself warned, it’s better to think twice before getting inked than to go through the ‘horrible’ removal process later.
