Small Tattoo on Wrist Laser Removal? (photo)

Question

I got a tattoo about 6 months ago and I'm really not too fond of it, I don't dislike the meaning but I don't like that it's on my wrist. I figure it's better to get rid of it now than waiting until it's even harder to get off. It's small about 1/2" X 2" on my wrist in all black, my skin is very fair too. I would like to know what a reasonable estimate would be for it's laser removal cost. I'm a college student and money is in short supply, but I am willing to take the cost on this mistake.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Cost of tattoo removal
Typical cost will range from $50 to $500.  The cost of tattoo removal in our practice varies on the size, location, and type of tattoo.  The cost also depends on what type of technique is utilized (R0, R20). We don’t charge for anesthetics/ nitrous (great for sensitive patients)/ zimmer chiller/ etc. Other considerations
While you can save money per session with outdated technology (less powerful Pico lasers are not as effective since they do not create enough impact to break up the tattoo), ultimately patients will require additional techniques The only safe and effective practice to remove tattoos is to see an expert with the latest technology laser.  For patients who can not afford tattoo removal here options: 
Try a payment plan and space out your treatment sessions.  If a tattoo session is $200 and you finance it over 6 months, it is less than a haircut. Once your tattoo is light enough, either tattoo over your existing tattoo with skin color ink or have another tattoo placed over it.Wear skin camouflage make up to help conceal it.Try and cover with clothing (not possible for all tattoos)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.
Best, 
Anil Shah

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

The cost per session to have your tattoo removed would be approximately $150. Multiple sessions would be required. We never tell patients that they will need a certain number of treatments. Each tattoo respond differently to the laser. Some clear up very quickly while others are much more persistent.

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

You can expect to pay 100-250 per treatment.  The number of treatments is not always predicable.  A Revlite laser or a Candela Trivantage should work.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

Black tattoos are the easiest to remove. This can be done with a Q switched NdYag 1064 laser. Our office would charge $100 a treatment for a tattoo this size. This would take between 6-8 sessions. 

	Prices vary quite a bit depending on the region. 

	Good luck

Small Tattoo on Wrist Laser Removal? (photo)

Answers (4)