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CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Personal Care & Body Art > Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal Cost

How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?
 
average costTypical: $200-$500 per sessionhigh costHigh: Up to $10,000
Typical costs:
  • 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.
Related articles: Tattoo, Mole Removal

What should be included:
  • 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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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Scalp Pigmentation trainee gone bad
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Clean Shaven in San Bernardino, CA.Posted: March 26th, 2017 03:03AM
Tattoo Description: Scalp Pigmentation dots to look like hai
How much to remove the fake hair dots on my head?
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Tattoo removal
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Jjclassic in Orange, CA.Posted: November 16th, 2016 07:11PM
Tattoo Description: Inner lip tattoo
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.
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Stupid tattoo
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: April Luna in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: March 3rd, 2016 03:03PM
Tattoo Description: I got a date
I really want it off I can't wear no type of shirt to cover it. I regret it so bad I had just turned 18 and really wasn't thinking right
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Huge lower back
Amount: $10,000.00
Posted by: Mishaldo in Manhattan, NJ.Posted: January 21st, 2016 11:01AM
Tattoo Description: Half my lower back
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.
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Tattoo removal
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: José in Madera, CA.Posted: June 9th, 2015 02:06PM
Tattoo Description: 2 solid black lines
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.
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Tattoo removal
Amount: $120.00
Posted by: Gabby in Monterey, CA.Posted: June 8th, 2015 09:06PM
Tattoo Description: Name ( D a n i e l )
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Tattoo removal
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: James white in Knoxville, TN.Posted: May 6th, 2015 06:05PM
Tattoo Description: It's my daughters name and zodiac sign
This tattoo is on the right side of my forehead... I need it GONE ASAP!! How can I get a quot/price to get this removed?
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Laser tattoo removal
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Dumb teenager in Schertz, TX.Posted: April 6th, 2015 09:04PM
Tattoo Description: 7 words in black on my back
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.
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tattoo removal
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: cassandramainville in orange, CA.Posted: March 26th, 2015 01:03AM
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?
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laser tattoo removal
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: leelee84 in lancaster, PA.Posted: February 25th, 2015 11:02PM
Tattoo Description: wings and a heart on my back
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
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tattoo
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: justine johnson in Bakersfield, CA.Posted: January 29th, 2015 07:01PM
Tattoo Description: my neck
I have a tattoo on my neck it's my sister lips and I'm going into the medical field I want it moved
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Tattoo Removal
Amount: $45.00
Posted by: AshPaul in Claremont, NC.Posted: January 23rd, 2015 08:01AM
Tattoo Description: An "A" with a crown on top of it
It looked good until I had my son and now its ruined.
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removal
Amount: $60.00
Posted by: adorable in durham, NC.Posted: January 19th, 2015 06:01PM
Tattoo Description: x boyfriend name
Tat of x boyfriend name on lower back.
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Tattoo removal
Amount: $120.00
Posted by: The gurl in Albemarle, NC.Posted: January 16th, 2015 04:01PM
Tattoo Description: Colorful flower
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Tattoo Removal
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Chi Chi in Tacoma, WA.Posted: January 9th, 2015 11:01AM
Tattoo Description: 3 Tattoos
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!!!
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tattoo removal
Amount: $725.00
Posted by: denise rice in tallahassee, GA.Posted: December 13th, 2014 08:12AM
Tattoo Description: 2 x 2" section of chest piece
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
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Tattoo
Amount: $95.00
Posted by: Chelsey chinault in Ruther glen, VA.Posted: June 4th, 2014 05:06PM
Tattoo Description: Anchor with family over top
I like the anchor tattoo it's just to big when they did it and wanted it smaller
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Tattoo Removal
Amount: $960.00
Posted by: leect in Bloomfield, CT.Posted: May 29th, 2014 03:05PM
Tattoo Description: 5\\\' by 5\\\' kinda.....blacks, blues and pur
Results yet to be seen! Will be purchasing 6 sessions for 920.... praying to Gos it works. Pain is not a concern. Just get rid of it!!!
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Lasal removal
Amount: $35.00
Posted by: That chick in Fort worth, TX.Posted: May 13th, 2014 07:05PM
Tattoo Description: Its 2 diamonds
I was forced to get a tattoo I didn't want I was. Under pressure and I didn't want it and now I want it removed
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I have all out line tattoos...
Amount: $70.00
Posted by: The dude in Fresno, CA.Posted: December 5th, 2012 11:12PM
Tattoo Description: Scape goat it\\\'s 3x3
How much would this cost to get it removed
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consultation
Amount: $2,400.00
Posted by: a user in western, MA.Posted: November 27th, 2012 08:11PM
Tattoo Description: huge
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.
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Tattoo removal
Amount: $1,800.00
Posted by: staceylynn in baltimore, MD.Posted: May 16th, 2012 01:05PM
Tattoo Description: barbwire on arm
Had 9 laser treatments so far over the course of a couple years due to cost. It is lighter but still there, now considering surgical removal.
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Want to get a tattoo removed
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: Pfannenstiel in Grantsboro, NC.Posted: July 7th, 2011 11:07PM
Tattoo Description: Chinese Symbol
I want to get my tattoo removed on my chest, but I don't know how much it would cost. It's about a 2 X 2 Chinese symbol.
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tattoo removal
Amount: $0.00
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 =[
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Excision Tattoo removal
Amount: $750.00
Posted by: MeatPlow McGill in Denver, CO.Posted: February 12th, 2010 01:02AM
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.
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laser tattoo removal
Amount: $920.00
Posted by: a user in Baltimore, MD.Posted: June 6th, 2009 04:06PM
Tattoo Description: small purple flower on wrist
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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