Tattoos can be removed using several different methods: laser removal, excision or dermabrasion, and the cost varies for each technique. Laser tattoo removal, which is the most common method, and usually the best, ranges from $200 to $500 per session. Because it can take from five to twenty sessions to remove a tattoo, the total cost could reach $10,000.
In laser tattoo removal, the surgeon uses a high-intensity laser beam to blast the pigment, breaking it into tiny particles that dissipate into the body. Different types of lasers target different colors, so the bigger and more colorful a tattoo, the more treatments it will likely require. In dermabrasion, the doctor uses a rotating brush to sand the skin, taking the pigment with it.
With excision, usually used for very small tattoos, the surgeon cuts away the tattoo, then stitches up the wound. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery provides an overview of each method.
Additional costs:
Some patients find laser tattoo removal painful - it has been compared to being splattered with hot grease - so some elect to have a local anesthetic. This might costs extra - about $50 or more per shot. The surgeon might also prescribe an anesthetic cream to be applied after the treatment.
Discounts:
Tip: You might be able to get a discount if you have your tattoo removal performed by a physician-in-training, under the supervision of a licensed surgeon; contact the department of dermatology at your local medical school to see if this is an option. Or, if you are planning to have multiple tattoos removed, ask about a reduced fee for having both treated in a single visit.
Shopping for tattoo removal:
Tip: Beware of companies that sell creams and lotions that promise to remove tattoos - experts agree these do not work. Instead, find a dermatologic surgeon who is experienced in tattoo removal and has been certified by the American Board of Dermatology. The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery[1] offers a free physician finder service. Just type in your state and choose "tattoo removal" under procedure.
Tip: Keep in mind that if you opt for laser tattoo removal, the number of sessions needed will depend on several factors, including the size of the tattoo, the number of colors used, which colors were used, and whether you have previously tried to mask your tattoo by getting another tattoo on top of it. Some colors, such as turquoise and yellow, are particularly difficult to remove; and in some cases, the tattoo can only be faded, but not fully removed. And, rarely, some ink colors react badly to the laser, turning dark instead of disappearing; this is irreversible. Other possible side effects include scarring and bleaching of the skin. The Tattoo Removal Laser Clinic[2] offers some before-and-after photos of successful tattoo removals.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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I would like to know how much it cost to get an inner lip tattoo removed. I got it 5 years ago and it is still visible. I would like to get it removed but I cannot find any forums with pricing.
Went today for my first treatment. My tat is huge and filled with all colors. It's $900 per session. I will be going once per month till its gone. I don't care about the price, I want it gone. It's so gross and not who I am anymore. They numbed the whole area and barely felt anything.
I decided that I want to get them on my other arm instead since the other tattoo I want would look a whole lot better on the arm these lines are on. They are also a bit crooked, a bit too small, not spaced out enough a bit, not shaded in completely and a bit too low on the arm. I was actually planning of touching it up to make it darker since I didn't think there was nothing I could do about and I might as well it embrace it looking pretty solid, but now I get it redone on the other arm after this while a new tattoo takes its place. Hopefully it not being shaded enough, it being a bit small and it being a solid shape rather than an intricate design would make it faster and easier for it come off.
I wanna know the general amount of what it could cost to get removed. The font the guy did it in is bad and I didn't want it that way, I like the quote just not the Don't and I don't want that on my body.
Tattoo Description: heart on middle finger and promise on pi
I have two very small tattoos on my hand and i need to get them removed because im joining the Amry. Im looking for the most cheap/affective/ and painless option to remove them. Im mostly looking for an idea that wont hurt so much. I hate pain and im scared to get it removed for that reason but it has to go so whats the best way to remove these? I did find something about MicroArt on google idk how long it last but it seems like a good option what do you think?
I have a big tattoo on my top 🔝 of my back its wings and a heart ❤ with my. Mom and dads name I want to take it. Off can some body tell me where I can go but don't cost A arm and a leg
I have 3 tattoos that I want to get removed and I just want to get an idea of how much it would cost. The first, is just a single letter behind my ear (about 1"x1"). The second is a four letter name on my calf (about 1 1/2"x 1/2"). The third is the word "Unforgettable" (about 1"x3")Can anyone help me find a good place to get this done, that isn't going to "break-the-bank"??? PLEASE!!!
Paid 425 for 2 rejuvi removals it partially worked, he wanted 425 more, I then went for laser, have had 3 sessions and Dr who is doing is only charging me 100 per session, I am only doing a very small area that has to come off
look. this site is bugged out.i went to a removal center to get my horrible tattoo removed and they told me it would be an estimated 2400 to be removed. my tattoo is about 12x6.
Posted by: antonia vultaggio in chesterfield twp, MI.
Posted: March 4th, 2010 08:03AM
Tattoo Description: I have stars going down my neck that i n
im only a single teenager living on my own and i dont have alot of money i got this tattoo for free when i got it down and i need to get rid of it. please help me =[
Tattoo Description: Tribal that ran from back up onto my nec
I recently had seven inches long and one inch wide of a tribal tattoo removed from my neck. I wish I had a option to upload a picture but it wont allow me. I priced everywhere the laser tattoo places quoted over $7000.00 and said it would take almost two years. I said forget that and went this route I had assesment appointment wich cost 30.00 and two weeks later they cut it out it took approximately one and a half hours. So to some it up 90% cheaper and two years faster I have a little scar but oh well. I hope this helps cause I couldnt find any info.
I've spent a total of $920 for 6 laser tattoo removal sessions. I have only had my first one and it wasn't bad at all. They numb the area with a lidocaine so you don't feel much pain at all. The healing part is a bit more painful and aggravating though.
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