How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost in 2022?
Considering your tattoo removal options?
Throughout our experiences here at Ink Revoke, we’ve been asked just about every question immaginable relating to this procedure.
“How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost” is by far the most frequently asked question we’ve been asked.
Pricing has become MUCH more affordable, with results nothing short of amazing.
Below, you can learn the exact cost of removal, along with the 11 most important factors that determine prices.
Related: See Our Treatment Pricing
11 Tattoo Removal Cost Factors
1. Tattoo Size
Tattoo size, in dimensions, is the biggest factor that affects the cost of tattoo removal.
2. Clinic Choice
Specialists
Pricing per session at a specialist can range from $50 to $500 per treatment, depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo.
A specialist with expert certifications and top notch equipment might charge a bit more, depending on competition and region.
Since specialists typically focus exclusively on laser removal, you’re likely to get the best value from them.
Med Spas
Prices from a med spa, or physician practice can range from $100 to $700 per treatment.
Many med spas are physician owned and provide an array of different aesthetic procedures.
Their overhead costs are substantially higher, which explains why their treatment prices can be higher than a specialist.
Plastic Surgeons & Dermatologists
Plastic surgeons and dermatologists charge the most.
Their prices range between $150 and $1000 per treatment.
Why so much more?
They’re able to fetch these figures easily because of two reasons:
- They view their time as being valuable (which it is)
- Some patients are willing to pay more to be under their care
Here are two great related sources:
3. Laser Technology
The laser being used has a BIG impact on price
Out-dated technology, and less powerful systems are still being used by some clinics. Class 4, Q-Switched lasers need to be used, and they’re not cheap.
The best laser on the market is the Quanta, which we use here at Ink Revoke. It’s cleared by the FDA to produce full removals on most ink colors and ALL skin types.
Picosecond lasers like the PicoSure are extremely expensive. Therefore, the cost to have your tattoo removed by them is also expensive.
How expensive?
Roughly between $200 and $1000 per treatment
The verdict is out on these devices, and they’re NOT removing ink any faster like they claim.
4. Technician Experience
The amount of experience a laser technician has will impact tattoo removal prices.
A certified laser specialist with less than a year of experience removing ink will be more affordable.
Technicians with more than 5 years or so of experience might charge 10-20% more.
5. Location in the US
Some areas in the United States tend to be pricier than others.
Generally speaking, getting your tattoo removed in places like California and New York will likely cost more than Colorado or Nevada, for example.
The rules and requirements to fire a laser are more strict in states like CA and NY. Therefore, it’s reflected in the pricing.
6. Time of Year
Costs can be more affordable in the winter months, and higher in the summer.
The industry is busier during summertime, so laser time is more valuable.
Furthermore, laser clinics tend to provide better specials for their patients during the slower winter months.
7. Method of Payment
The method of payment, in terms of pay per treatment vs purchasing a treatment package, will affect overall cost.
Most clinics offer discounts when you purchase a package of treatments, and even bigger discounts when you purchase your entire treatment plan up-front.
The method of simply paying as you go is convenient, but offers very little savings, if any.
8. Color of Tattoo
The color of ink will affect tattoo removal costs.
All black tattoos cost the least to remove.
Why black?
It’s the easiest color to remove, and requires the least amount of treatments.
Multi colored tattoos (especially greens and blues) are the most difficult to remove, and require the most treatments. They also often times require the technician to swap lasers or wavelengths during treatment to effectively target the pigment within its given absorption spectrum.
9. Ink Density
Ink Density refers to the amount of ink saturation in your tattoo.
Small black outlines and grey wash cost the least, because they require the least amount of treatments.
Tattoos high in saturation like tribal and bold colorful pieces need to be treated more conservatively, which requires less laser energy and more sessions.
10. Ink Quality
Ink quality is another big factor.
You might be wondering:
Ink quality? How the heck will I know the quality of my ink???
The FDA supposedly regulates various tattoo ink that gets distributed in the US for quality purposes.
However, this isn’t the case.
No one really knows what kind of ink they have in their bodies. Reputable tattoo shops and artists use high quality inks in professional tattoos. These inks take the longest to remove.
Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing the quality of your tattoo ink until you begin treatment.
Low quality inks respond much quicker, and can be removed in fewer treatments. These are the inks found in amateur/homemade tattoos.
11. Fitzpatrick Skin Type
A reputable practice will classify skin types using the Fitzpatrick Scale.
The laser works by making a distinction between the color of ink and the tone of your skin. The higher the contrast, the better.
Here’s why:
Fair skin types will benefit the most by requiring the least amount of treatments, resulting in lower costs.
Darker skin tones will need to be treated more conservatively to avoid side effects like hypopigmentation, resulting in more treatments needed.
Hopefully we’ve answered your question – How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost, in a definitive and satisfactory way!
Is tattoo removal worth it? I would say nowadays… yes it is!
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