Some tattoos simply have to go for one reason or another.

But industry professionals say the process of taking them off is longer, much more costly and ouch -- extremely more painful than getting them put on.

Tracy Herrmann has eight tattoos and is in the process of getting four phrases, including “one step at a time,” removed from her feet and arms.

The 54-year-old from the Detroit suburb of Plymouth, Michigan, started inking up about six years ago and says she doesn't regret getting tattoos.

“As I'm getting older, I just want my natural-looking skin back,” Herrmann said, following her fourth tattoo removal session at Chroma Tattoo & Laser Tattoo Removal. The shop since has relocated from West Bloomfield Township to Brighton, Michigan.

Chroma owner Jaime (JAY’-mee) Howard, like many who perform laser removals, uses something called a Q-switching, or quality switching, laser. It concentrates the light energy into intense short bursts or pulses.

“It definitely feels like a hot rubber band hitting you, or grease from a frying pan,” said Howard, who has had some of her own tattoos removed. “Those are the two ways I explain that to a lot of people. It doesn't feel great.

“And if you come to see me, I'm never going to tell you it's going to be amazing, because it's not. It's not amazing. It sucks.”

Light heat from the laser breaks the ink into particles small enough to be absorbed by the body and later excreted as waste.

And it often takes a number of treatments to complete.

Using lasers to remove tattoos comes with some risks. Skin that bore the tattoo can be left lighter than surrounding skin. There also can be temporary scarring, infection, redness or soreness. That's according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Howard consulted with Herrmann as her fourth session at Chroma began. They spoke about the previous session and how far along they were with the ink removal. Both then donned dark sunglasses to protect their eyes from the brightness of the laser. Herrmann winced. Seconds later, it was done. But she still has more sessions ahead.

“It's not that bad. I would encourage anyone to have their tattoos removed if they can. I know price is sometimes an issue, but it's worth it,” she said.

How costly is it?

Howard says the minimum she charges is $100 per session. About 70% of her clients who decide to get tattoos removed are “in it for the long haul and they want to get them fully removed," she said.