Pete Davidson's Update on His (Very Expensive) Tattoo Removal Will Shock You
"It's a pretty uncomfortable amount of money to disclose," the SNL icon revealed.
Fans have been looking at a brand new Pete Davidson as the Saturday Night Live alum continues his extensive tattoo removal journey, and the comedian is getting real about some of the pitfalls of the process.
Once adorned with around 200, Davidson has already spent a mighty penny on removing his tattoos. He dished details about the pain-staking process of "burning off" the ink (yikes) during his recent visit to The Tonight Show. Despite the grueling process, the Dog Man star has been happy with the results — as he should. Check out his inkless and shirtless ad campaign!
Still, with his copious tattoos, he's breaking the bank to achieve the full scrub.
"It's a pretty uncomfortable amount of money to disclose," Davidson told Variety in an April 23 interview. "I've already spent like $200K, and I'm like 30 percent done. So, like, it's gonna suck."
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As of April 2025, Davidson has made significant progress, with most of his head, nick, and arms largely cleared of tattoos, so the finish line is on the horizon, but it remains a challenging process for the SNL alum.
Pete Davidson says his tattoo removal journey has been "pretty horrible"
The actor reveals he'll be in the tattoo removal chair for another decade before the process concludes.
"I started during COVID in 2020, and it's gonna take me another 10 years," Davidson explained. "My arms are pretty much gone, and my hands and neck are gone. But I still have to do my torso and back. I have to plan it in between work because it's a six-week healing process each time you get one removed."
It's not a simple zap that erases the tattoo, either. "Each tattoo is 10 to 12 sessions," Davidson added. "That's 60 weeks of your life right there on just one tattoo to remove. So, it's pretty horrible."
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As for the inspiration for Davidson's dermis overhaul, the SNL alum explained that his tattoos have become emblematic of a darker time in his life. As he continued to get treatment for his mental health struggles, Davidson wanted a fresh start, but his tattoos rooted him in his past.
"I used to be a drug addict, and I was a sad person, and I felt ugly and that I needed to be covered up," Davidson confessed. "And I don't think there's anything wrong with tattoos, but mine, when I look at them, I remember a sad person that was very unsure. When I look in the mirror, I don't want the reminder of 'Oh yeah, you were a f--king drug addict. Like, that's why you have SpongeBob smoking a joint on your back."
"[Tattoos] should have meaning," Davidson concluded.
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