The $200,000 Erasure: 7 Shocking Facts About Pete Davidson's Tattoo Removal Journey

As of December 2025, Pete Davidson's body is undergoing one of the most drastic and expensive celebrity transformations in recent memory: the complete removal of his signature, sprawling collection of over 200 tattoos. What started as a pandemic project in 2020 has morphed into a multi-year, six-figure commitment, fundamentally changing the look of one of comedy's most recognizable faces. This shift is not merely cosmetic; it’s a strategic move for his burgeoning acting career and a deeply personal step tied to his mental health and sobriety journey. The comedian, famous for his candid and self-deprecating humor, has been remarkably open about the "pretty horrible" and painful process, giving fans and the public unprecedented insight into the realities of high-volume laser tattoo removal. With an estimated timeline that could stretch another five to ten years, this is a long-haul commitment that signals a definitive new chapter for the former *Saturday Night Live* star.

Pete Davidson: Profile and Biography

Peter Michael Davidson is an American comedian, actor, and writer who rose to prominence as one of the youngest cast members on NBC’s *Saturday Night Live* (SNL). His career is marked by a blend of raw, observational comedy and high-profile relationships.

• Full Name: Peter Michael Davidson
• Born: November 16, 1993
• Birthplace: Staten Island, New York, U.S.
• Parents: Amy Waters Davidson and Scott Matthew Davidson (a firefighter who died during the September 11 attacks)
• Profession: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer
• Known For: *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), *The King of Staten Island*, *Bupkis*, and his stand-up comedy specials.
• Career Start: Began his stand-up career in the early 2010s, joining the cast of SNL in 2014 at age 20.

The Shocking Cost and Brutal Timeline of the Erasure

The decision to remove over 200 tattoos—many of which were large, colorful, and deeply saturated—is a massive undertaking that has redefined the standards of celebrity tattoo removal. The sheer volume and complexity of the ink necessitate a lengthy, costly, and physically demanding process.

1. The Staggering $200,000+ Price Tag

Davidson has publicly confirmed that the total cost of his tattoo removal journey is already approaching the $200,000 mark. This figure is a testament to the extensive nature of the work. Laser tattoo removal requires multiple sessions, often spaced six to eight weeks apart, to allow the skin to heal and the body's lymphatic system to flush out the fragmented ink particles. With hundreds of tattoos to cover, the expenses quickly balloon into a six-figure sum.

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2. A 5- to 10-Year Commitment

Due to the necessary healing time between sessions, the entire process is a marathon, not a sprint. Davidson and his team have estimated that he may not be completely ink-free until 2030 or even later. This long-term timeline illustrates the dedication required for such a massive aesthetic change and highlights the patience needed for effective tattoo fading.

3. The 'Pretty Horrible' Reality of the Process

The comedian has been candid about the pain involved, describing the experience as "pretty horrible." For a significant portion of the removal sessions, Davidson has revealed that he is put under general anesthesia or heavily sedated to manage the pain associated with the powerful lasers required to break down the ink. This detail provides a stark look at the intensity of high-volume tattoo removal, contrasting sharply with the quick, casual way he acquired much of the ink in his younger years.

The Real Reasons Behind Pete’s Clean Slate

While the visual transformation is dramatic, the motivations behind the removal are rooted in both professional ambition and personal growth. The clean slate is less about erasing his past and more about optimizing his future, particularly in the film industry.

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4. The 3-Hour Makeup Chair Problem

The primary, most practical reason for the removal is directly tied to his career shift from sketch comedy on SNL to feature film acting. Davidson stated he grew tired of spending up to three hours in the makeup chair every day on set just to cover his tattoos. This daily ritual was not only time-consuming and expensive for productions but also limited the types of roles he could realistically take on. By removing the ink, he instantly broadens his casting potential, allowing him to be seen as a versatile actor rather than just "the tattooed comedian."

5. A Link to Mental Health and Sobriety

Beyond the professional necessity, Davidson has linked the tattoo removal to his personal journey of mental health and sobriety. He has suggested that some of the tattoos remind him of a time in his life when he was struggling with addiction. The act of removal, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol of renewal, a physical manifestation of moving forward and leaving a difficult past behind. This perspective adds a deeper, more emotional layer to the celebrity tattoo removal trend.

6. The Status: Nearly 50% Done and a New Look

Recent updates indicate that Davidson is roughly 50% through the total removal process, with his arms and hands showing significant fading. He has already debuted a dramatically cleaner, ink-free look in recent public appearances and modeling campaigns, such as his Valentine's Day collaboration with the clothing brand Reformation. This "new look" has generated significant buzz, with many fans noting how different the star appears without his once-defining body art.

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The One Tattoo He Refuses to Erase

Despite his commitment to a clean slate, there is one famous piece of ink that Pete Davidson has confirmed he will be keeping, making it a surprising exception to his body-wide erasure.

7. The Unwavering Hillary Clinton Tribute

The one tattoo that will survive the laser is his portrait of former Secretary of State and presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. Davidson got the tattoo in 2017 and has consistently expressed his admiration for her. He has stated that this particular tattoo is staying, a permanent fixture amidst the fading of hundreds of others. This choice highlights his personal political views and the deep, enduring respect he has for the political figure, deeming it one of the few pieces of ink worth the hours of makeup cover-up.

The extensive process of Pete Davidson’s tattoo removal is more than just a celebrity vanity project; it is a clear signal of his evolution as a performer and a man. By shedding his inked past, he is literally clearing the canvas for a major new chapter in Hollywood, one where his talent, not his tattoos, is the defining feature.