Removal didn't hurt me at all, and from what I have read on here hasn't hurt anyone else either! I actually didn't even feel the actual removal and it was all finished in about 30 seconds. You may or may not bleed after removal. I had really heavy bleeding afterwards but others have had little or no bleeding at all. I did not have any pain with the bleeding though. Just be prepared in case you do bleed a little. I could not take any time off work so I had it out in the morning then returned to work for the rest of the day, and I was fine. It would have been nice to relax on the couch watching dvd's all day but I honestly don't think working made all that much difference. Good luck for thursday!!!!