How much would it cost to get my chest tattoo removed with the Enlighten Laser? (photos)

Question

I have a tattoo across my chest ALYX. I was young and dumb when i recieved it. What would be cost for it, and is there a payment plan I can do or something?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Thanks for you question and your photos. The cost of tattoo removal depends on where you are located and, more importantly, the technology used to remove it. It is important to find the right doctor and create a treatment plan from there. They may be able to help you with a repayment plan or a medical credit card. Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions.  Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers.  It will take a series of treatments. Cost will vary. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are many factors that will determine the price of laser tattoo removal. These factors include the size, color, placement and the number of sessions needed. However, the average cost to remove a small tattoo is approximately $100-$250 per session. In my office, I use the Picosure laser as it is 95%+ effective in removing tattoos and works best on dark colors such as black, blue, purple and green and it can take up to 6-10 sessions for removal. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  Tattoo regret is very common.  Almost every tattoo can be completely removed with enough time and treatments.  The most important factor is patience.  You have to give your body time to absorb the ink.  For laser tattoo removal you have two routes.The older nanosecond or Q-Switch lasers that came out about 20 years ago.  The majority of former Q-Switch patients we see have significant hypopigmentation (ghosting) around and under their tattoo.  The Q-Switch lasers have trouble differentiating between the melanin in your skin and ink.  The technology uses heat to burn the pigment out of your skin.  In addition, we have seen patients with raised scars as if they have been branded.  Both of these condition are typically irreversible.  Picosecond laser came out about 4 years ago.  Every laser manufacturer has a different marketing hook to make you choose their laser.  At the end of the day, it's about the technology and experience of the clinician.  All PicoSecond lasers (like the Enlighten, PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster per second, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  The hype of extra wavelengths does not make that much of a difference.  The 755 nm will get rid of most of the ink colors.  For red and pink ink, you would need to make sure they have 532 nm.  After using the PicoSure for 3 and half years, we have only seen pinpoint hypopigmentation in a very small number of patients usually of darker skin tones.  We cannot say it is impossible to get burned with a Picosecond laser, but it is highly unlikely.  We tell every PicoSure tattoo patient to expect at least 6 treatments, but don’t be surprised if it takes 10 to 12.  Patience is the key for our patients.  We typically see our tattoo removal patients every 8 to 16 weeks initially.  We eventually encourage them to wait up to 6 months as the tattoos seem to continue to fade while they wait.Treatment prices vary by market. The cost for picosecond treatments will be higher, but you should need less than half the treatments compared to a nanosecond laser.  Most offices in your area offer Care Credit.  Best of luck

Jared Mallalieu, DO · Answer

Tattoo removal can vary greatly depending on geographic area more so than the laser being used. In our practice we'd charge $125 per session for a tattoo of that size. I would expect you to need at least 6 treatments for removal. Best of luck, Dr. M

How much would it cost to get my chest tattoo removed with the Enlighten Laser? (photos)

Answers (5)

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