Are They Painful ? Not in my experience
Attractive ? I think so...as long as you have the belly for it.
Harming ? No, as long as you keep it clean.
I had mine done over 10 years ago and have never had a problem. I cleaned it twice a day with cooled boiled water and salt. Mine didn't even go red.
It's hurts a little when the do it but it's so quick it's really not worth worrying about.