Some patients describe the sensation as having a hot rubber band snapped on the skin. Most patients say that the pain is bearable, but worse than getting the tattoo in the first place. During different parts of the procedure, the laser's power will be turned up and down, with higher power being more painful. There are different techniques used to remove tattoos with laser technology and some may be more painful than others. To control pain during the procedure, the doctor may apply a numbing cream and/or use a local anaesthetic, which numbs the affected area.