What is the cost of tattoo removal?

Question

I am looking to get my tattoo removed. The artist messed it up and now I am very self conscious over it. I wanted to get it covered but it's such a large area, there's really nothing it can be changed into. So I think I will try to get it removed. Can somebody give me a rough estimation about how much it could possibly cost for mine in particular?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

The only safe and effective practice to remove tattoos is to see an expert with the latest technology laser.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While you can save money per session with outdated technology (less powerful Pico lasers are not as effective since they do not create enough impact to break up the tattoo), ultimately patients will require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 techniquesFor 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)Best, 
Anil Shah

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, this is a very large tattoo. I suggest using GoTattless or a Pico laser. 
As for the price, I expect it will cost several thousand dollars. For the GoTattless, it will take 4 to 6 treatments per section, and you will have to be done in sections since only for square inches can be done at one time.
I'm not sure about the Pico laser, but I expect it will take 10 to 12 treatments.
Thank you for your question, and good luck.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  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.Nanosecond or Q-Switch lasers 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 irreversible.  Picosecond laser came out about 3 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 almost 3 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 12 weeks initially.  If they have more time than money, we encourage them to come every 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.

Wayne Wertheim, MD · Answer

You have a large piece! That being said the good news is that is all one color, black. You will need at least 6-8 treatments using a pico laser. After 4-6 treatments there will likely be enough lightening to consider a cover up.everyone prices things differently. as a good example figure that it will cost about $25 per sq inch per treatment. Therefore a 5x5 piece is 25 sq inches or (25 x $25) = $625 per session x 6 sessions =$3750. that is an estimate and most places will discount when you purchase a series of treatments. Make sure you go to a medical office using pico technology!Best of luck.

Patrick Viscardi, MD (retired) · Answer

Our tattoo removal laser works by fragmenting the ink in the tattoo so that the body carries it away in the lymphatic system. Our Picosure laser fragments the ink into sugar particles and is the fastest tattoo laser in the world. Sessions required depends on the size of the are, the colors in the tattoo, and the placement of the tattoo. 8 session are recommend and the cost varies from $2500-$3500. Or you can pay as you go and that would be $450-$700 per session. Again this is based on the size, color and placement.

What is the cost of tattoo removal?

Answers (6)

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