How Expensive Is Tattoo Removal?

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So you were young and in love, and you went and got a heart tattoo with your partner’s name on your chest…

But then things changed.

The relationship got rocky, the two of you grew apart, and eventually, you split up.

It’s good to move on when things aren’t working out.

But now you’ve still got those loving ink particles tattooed into your skin, and you can’t stand seeing them because they constantly remind you of her (or him).

What’s a lover to do?

Tattoo removal is one way that jilted lovers, ex-gang members, and bad tattoo victims can remove that unwanted tattoo ink from their skin and move on with their lives.

But just like getting a good tattoo, tattoo removal isn’t cheap.

So just how much does tattoo removal cost? And are there other types of tattoo removal that are more affordable?

How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost?

The cost of laser tattoo tattoo removal can range from anywhere between about $100-$200 for small tattoo removal procedures, to as much as $500-$1,000 or more for larger tattoos.

As we’ll explore below, the actual cost of laser tattoo removal depends on a number of factors, like where you live, the size and location of your tattoo, its age, color, and complexity, and the overall number of laser treatment sessions you’ll need to attend.

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What is the average cost of tattoo removal by location?

One factor that plays a big role in the cost of tattoo removal is where you live or what city you’re going to to have your tattoo removed.

In larger cities, there are generally more clinics that offer tattoo removal procedures, which means that prices prices might be more competitive.

But in smaller cities or municipalities, the cost of tattoo removal can often be a bit higher on the price the price spectrum.

Here’s a short list of some of the cheapest and most expensive laser tattoo removal costs based on city.

• New York City, New York – Average between $500 – $2000 per session
• Los Angeles, California – Average between $150 – $600 per session
• Miami, Florida – Average between $125 – $600 per session
• Austin, Texas – Average between $200 – $500 per session
• Indianapolis, Indiana – Average between $100 – $500 per session
• Cleveland, Ohio – Average between $200 – $1000 per session
• Las Vegas, Nevada – Average between $75 – $900 per session

Obviously, each individual clinic that offers tattoo removal procedures will have its own methods for pricing removal treatments.

But many of the clinics we’ve seen either charge per hourly session, or offer pricing based on the total area measurement of the tattoo itself (cost per square inch).

Factors That Influence Tattoo Removal Costs

Now, let’s dive in and take a better look at some of the different factors that can influence the cost of tattoo removal.

Your Tattoo Size

The size of your tattoo size is one of the most important factors that influence the cost of laser tattoo removal.

Generally, larger tattoos are going to take longer to remove just based on the fact that there’s more of the tattoo to remove, which may require either longer sessions.

Depending on the size, you may even need multiple tattoo removal sessions to achieve complete removal.

So a huge back piece is almost certainly going to take multiple removal sessions, but a smaller arm or leg tattoo might be removed in a single visit.

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Tattoo Age And Quality

The fresher and better done your tattoo is, the brighter, and more vibrant the tattoo ink will be.

Which means that newer tattoos are technically a bit trickier to remove and may require multiple sessions to make those pesky tattoo pigments fade from your skin.

On the other hand, older tattoos are likely already a bit more faded, which makes them easier to target and remove in fewer sessions, or sometimes just in a single session.

Similarly, stick-and-poke tattoos, homemade tattoos, or just poorly done tattoos are also much easier to remove because the ink probably wasn’t “dug” as deeply into the skin as in a well-done tattoo, making it easier for the laser to target and destroy the ink particles.

Tattoo Ink Colors

You might think that all tattoo ink is the same. But you’d be WRONG! Different colored tattoo pigments are made with different chemical compounds, making them either either harder or easier for laser removal to work its magic.

Generally, the more colorful your tattoo is, the more time it will take to remove completely. So if you’re wondering how many sessions you’ll need, just remember that bright, colorful tattoos are harder to remove than darker tattoos.

On the other hand, some of the easiest ink colors to remove are grey and black inks, brown ink, green ink, and dark blue ink.

Your Skin Tone And Health

It’s generally more difficult to remove a tattoo from individuals who have a darker skin tone.

The health of your skin, as well as if you have any other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can also play a role in how easy it is to remove a tattoo from your skin.

In other words, both the color of your skin and its health will have an influence on the cost of laser tattoo removal.

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The Number Of Removal Sessions – How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Without a proper consultation from a trained laser removal expert, it’s impossible to know how many sessions you’ll need to completely remove your tattoo.

But keep in mind that all of the factors we’ve mentioned above play a role.

And the biggest factor that will determine tattoo removal cost is the number of laser treatment sessions you’ll need to completely remove your tattoo.

So again, smaller, darker, and more faded tattoos can sometimes be removed in a single session.

But bigger, brighter, and newer tattoos, or tattoos on individuals with darker skin tones will likely require more removal sessions to achieve the same results.

Why Is Laser Treatment Tattoo Removal So Expensive?

Essentially, it’s the laser technology itself that contributes to the price of laser therapy tattoo removal. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to purchase a tattoo removal laser, but they certainly aren’t cheap, ranging in price from about $20,000 to more than $100,000.

That said, there are actually many different types of lasers used for tattoo removal. So some clinics may be using newer laser technologies that are more expensive, whereas other clinics may use older technologies, allowing them to keep their costs a bit lower.

Additionally, the cost of paying a dermatologist or other professionally trained expert to administer the laser light tattoo removal work is another big part of the cost.

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Safe?

Yes, as long as you’re laser treatment sessions are being administered by a physician, dermatologist, or trained and licensed tattoo artist, it’s perfectly safe.

While laser tattoo removal hurts, it is considered safe for tattooed skin. People have often described the feeling of tattoo removal as someone snapping a rubber band against their skin.

So tattoo removal work is safe, but like any type of cosmetic procedures, there are risks and potential side-effects, which may include:

• Minor skin irritation – They’re literally going to be shooting a laser at your skin to destroy your tattoo. So a bit of skin irritation is normal and should be expected.
• Skin discoloration – Although it’s often temporary, some individuals may experience either hypo- or hyperpigmentation near the treated area, which causes the skin around your unwanted body art to became either lighter or darker than the rest of your skin.
• Scarring – Scarring is rare, but when laser tattoo removal is administered improperly, it is a possible risk to the procedure.
• Infections – It’s vital to keep the removal area clean and dry to avoid any risks of infection. Again, scarring is also rare, but it is a risk and possible side-effect.
• Allergic reactions – Just like it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to getting a tattoo, laser treatments can sometimes cause allergic reactions by disturbing the ink that’s already under the skin.

Other side-effects may include temporary swelling and redness, blisters, and generalized pain on the skin’s surface surrounding the removal area.

It’s important to follow any aftercare instructions given to your by the dermatologist or provider to ensure proper healing.

Wondering how much getting a tattoo or getting a tattoo removed hurts? Check out our tattoo pain chart to find out!

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How Much Does Surgical Removal Cost?

Surgical excision is another method that can be used to remove a tattoo, and can cost anywhere between $200 to $1500 or more, depending on many of the same variables discussed above.

Surgical excision is a more invasive form of removal treatment, requiring a plastic surgeon to literally cut around the tattoo to remove both the skin and tattoo pigments all in one shot.

Don’t worry, though! Your plastic surgeon will use a local anesthetic to make the procedure is manageable.

Dermatologic surgery like this is sometimes the more affordable option since it’s more effective and can usually remove an entire tattoo in a single session.

How Much Does Chemical Peel Or Dermabrasion Tattoo Removal Cost?

In the United States, chemical peels can cost an average of just over $500. And while they are often used in conjunction with laser tattoo removal, they’re not often used as a standalone method to remove unwanted tattoos.

Dermabrasion is another method that can sometimes be used to fade or remove unwanted tattoos, and can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand.

Are There Any Other Methods Of Tattoo Removal That Cost Less?

No, there are no other methods of tattoo removal that are effective and cost less than laser tattoo removal, surgical excision, or dermabrasion.

You may find creams, ointments, or other products online that claim to remove unwanted tattoos, and these may seem like less expensive options.

But many of these products are either fake, won’t work, and can be more dangerous for you and your skin in the long run.

Therefore, if you’re considering how to remove a tattoo or any types of tattoo removal procedures at all, we strongly recommend consulting with a dermatologist, tattoo artist, or other healthcare professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to put your on the right path to safe and effective tattoo removal.

And now that you’ve got that ex-lover’s name removed from your chest, are you ready to design your next tattoo masterpiece? You can create your very own tattoo ideas and tattoo styles with our innovative AI tattoo generator!