How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost
If you contemplate removing a tattoo that no longer resonates, you’re far from alone. As technological advances make tattoo removal increasingly effective and less painful, more and more people are choosing to say goodbye to their ink. However, a looming question stands between you and a tattoo-free life: “How much will this cost me?” Navigating the cost landscape of tattoo removal can feel like navigating a maze. Various factors like the type of laser technology used, the color and age of your tattoo, and even its location on your body can significantly impact the cost.
Types of Tattoo Removal Techniques
When it comes to tattoo removal, understanding the different technologies available can make all the difference in your experience and outcome. Let’s delve into the most commonly used methods, their pros and cons, and what you might expect to pay for each.
For easy reference, please use this ‘at a glance’ table:
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons | Session Count (Estimate) | Cost (Per Session) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Surgery | Uses specialized lasers to break down ink particles for natural elimination by the body. | Highly effective, minimal scarring, suitable for various ink colors and skin types. | Multiple sessions required, may cause skin discoloration. | Multiple (4-10 depending on Kirby-Desai Scale) | $200 – $1,000 |
| Surgical Removal | Involves numbing the area and removing the tattoo with a scalpel. | Immediate removal, suitable for small tattoos. | Leaves a scar, not suitable for large tattoos. | Usually 1 | $1,500+ |
| Dermabrasion | Involves ‘sanding’ away the top layer of skin. | Less expensive, effective for surface-level ink. | High risk of scarring and infection, less effective for deep tattoos. | Multiple (3-7) | $100 – $500 |
| Chemical Peels | A chemical solution is applied to cause the skin to blister and peel off. | Less expensive, suitable for small and surface-level tattoos. | Not effective for deep or colorful tattoos, risk of scarring. | Multiple (5-10) | $100 – $500 |
Laser Surgery
What It Is:
Laser surgery employs specialized lasers that emit concentrated light beams that break down ink particles in your skin. These particles are then naturally eliminated by your body’s immune system.
Pros:
- Highly effective for various ink colors and skin types.
- Minimal scarring risk.
- Advanced lasers can remove tattoos in fewer sessions.
Cons:
- Can be painful, often described as a rubber band snapping against your skin.
- Multiple sessions usually required.
- May result in skin discoloration or texture changes.
Average Cost:
The cost per session can range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the tattoo’s size, color, and the type of laser used. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates the average cost to be around $423 per session.
Surgical Removal
What It Is:
In surgical tattoo removal, the area is numbed with local anesthesia, and the tattoo is excised using a scalpel. The edges of skin are then stitched back together.
Pros:
- Immediate removal.
- Suitable for small tattoos.
Cons:
- Leaves a scar.
- Not suitable for large or intricately designed tattoos.
- Possibility of infection if not properly cared for.
Average Cost:
The cost for surgical removal usually starts at around $1,500 and can go up depending on the tattoo size and complexity.
Dermabrasion
What It Is:
Dermabrasion is essentially a procedure that involves sanding away the top layer of skin using a special abrasive device, allowing new skin to grow in its place.
Pros:
- Less expensive than laser surgery.
- Effective for surface-level ink.
Cons:
- Less effective for deep tattoos.
- High risk of scarring and infection.
- May cause skin discoloration.
Average Cost:
Dermabrasion costs can start as low as $100 per session but may require multiple sessions for effective removal.
Chemical Peels
What It Is:
A chemical solution is applied to skin, causing it to blister and eventually peel off, taking some ink with it.
Pros:
- Less expensive than laser surgery and surgical removal.
Cons:
- Not very effective for deep or colorful tattoos.
- Risk of scarring and skin discoloration.
- Multiple sessions are often required.
Average Cost:
Chemical peels can range from $100 to $500 per session, depending on the chemical used and the size of the tattoo.
Factors Affecting the Cost and Number of Sessions for Tattoo Removal: A Detailed Guide
If you’re considering tattoo removal, one of your primary concerns is likely the cost and the number of sessions required to completely eliminate the ink. Understanding these factors can help you better plan financially and set realistic expectations for the removal process. Here’s a breakdown of some key factors that influence both the cost and the number of sessions you’ll need:
- Size of the Tattoo
Influence on Cost:
The size of the tattoo is a significant factor that will affect the cost. Larger tattoos require more time to remove along with more resources which makes them more expensive.
Influence on Sessions:
Similarly, the larger the tattoo, the more sessions you’ll need for complete removal.
- Color and Age of the Tattoo
Influence on Cost:
Certain colors are more difficult to remove than others. Black and red inks are generally easier and quicker to remove, thus potentially costing less. The age of the tattoo matters; older tattoos may have faded over time and could be easier and less costly to remove.
Influence on Sessions:
Colors like blue, green, and yellow are harder to remove and may require additional sessions compared to black and red inks. Older tattoos may also need fewer sessions compared to newer ones.
- Type of Laser Used
Influence on Cost:
Advanced lasers like PicoSure can be more effective in breaking down ink but are generally more expensive per session.
Influence on Sessions:
Higher-quality lasers can remove tattoos in fewer sessions, making them cost-effective in the long run, even if they are pricier per session.
- Skin Type
Influence on Cost:
Darker skin tones may require specialized lasers, which can be more expensive.
Influence on Sessions:
The Kirby-Desai Scale rates skin type on a scale of 1 to 6, with darker skin types generally requiring more sessions for effective removal.
- Location of the Tattoo
Influence on Cost:
Tattoos on certain body parts might be more challenging to remove due to the thickness of the skin or proximity to bone, potentially increasing the cost.
Influence on Sessions:
The Kirby-Desai Scale also considers the location of the tattoo, with tattoos closer to the heart generally requiring fewer sessions due to better blood circulation.
- Scar Tissue and Layering
Influence on Cost:
If your tattoo has scar tissue or if it’s a cover-up over an older tattoo, the complexity of removal increases, affecting the cost.
Influence on Sessions:
The presence of scar tissue and layering is another factor in the Kirby-Desai Scale, usually requiring more sessions for complete removal.
- Clinic’s Pricing Structure
Influence on Cost:
Some clinics offer package deals or charge based on the total area covered by the ink, which can either save you money or increase the cost depending on your specific tattoo.
Influence on Sessions:
Package deals may include a set number of sessions, which could be advantageous if your tattoo requires multiple sessions for removal.
Understanding the Kirby-Desai Scale: A Simple Guide to Estimating Your Tattoo Removal Sessions
When it comes to tattoo removal, one of the biggest questions people have is, “How many sessions will I need?” The Kirby-Desai Scale is a tool designed to help answer this question by providing an estimated number of sessions needed for a successful tattoo removal. The scale takes into account six key factors, each rated on a numerical scale. By adding these numbers together, you get an estimate of the number of sessions you’ll need.
- Skin Type
Scale: 1 to 6
- 1: Lightest skin tone
- 6: Darkest skin tone
The lighter your skin, the fewer sessions you’ll likely need. This is because lighter skin does not absorb the laser light as much as darker skin, making it easier to target the ink.
- Location of the Tattoo
Scale: 1 to 5
- 1: Close to the heart (e.g., chest, upper arm)
- 5: Far from the heart (e.g., hands, feet)
Tattoos close to the heart tend to fade faster due to better blood circulation, requiring fewer sessions for removal.
- Ink Color
Scale: 1 to 4
- 1: Black ink only
- 4: Multiple colors including difficult-to-remove colors like green, yellow, and blue
Black is the easiest color to remove and that is because it absorbs all laser wavelengths. On the other hand, colors like blue and green are more challenging and may require more sessions.
- Ink Amount
Scale: 1 to 4
- 1: Low ink density (e.g., thin lines, minimal shading)
- 4: High ink density (e.g., solid fill, professional tattoos)
The more ink present in the tattoo, the more sessions will be required to break it all down.
- Scar Tissue
Scale: 0 to 5
- 0: No significant scarring
- 5: Severe scarring
Scarring can make a tattoo more difficult to remove. If your tattoo has resulted in significant scar tissue, expect to need more sessions.
- Layering
Scale: 0 to 2
- 0: Single layer of ink
- 2: Multiple layers (e.g., cover-up tattoos)
Cover-ups or tattoos with multiple layers are more challenging to remove due to the additional ink, requiring more sessions.
How to Use the Kirby-Desai Scale
- Identify Your Factors: Use the scales above to identify where you fall for each factor.
- Add Them Up: Sum the numbers together.
- Estimate Sessions: The total is an estimate of the number of sessions you’ll need.
Example:
Let’s say you have:
- Skin Type: Light (Scale: 1)
- Location: Upper arm (Scale: 1)
- Ink Color: Black (Scale: 1)
- Ink Amount: High (Scale: 4)
- Scar Tissue: Some (Scale: 3)
- Layering: Single layer (Scale: 0)
Your Kirby-Desai score would be 1+1+1+4+3+0=101+1+1+4+3+0=10.
This would be an estimate, and it’s always best to consult with a professional for a more tailored assessment. However, the Kirby-Desai Scale can provide a useful starting point for understanding how many sessions you may need for your tattoo removal.
Wrapping Up Tattoo Removal Costs
Deciding to remove a tattoo is a significant step, often fraught with questions and uncertainties. How much will it cost? How many sessions will it take? What method should I choose? While the journey towards a tattoo-free life may seem daunting, the good news is that advancements in technology and predictive tools like the Kirby-Desai Scale have made it easier than ever to navigate this landscape.
From understanding the various methods available—from laser surgery to chemical peels—to estimating the number of sessions you’ll need through the Kirby-Desai Scale, you’re now equipped with some pretty good info to make an informed decision. Each method has pros and cons, costs, and session counts, allowing you to choose an approach that aligns with your needs, budget, and comfort level.
Remember, while estimates and scales provide a helpful starting point, consulting with a qualified professional will give you the most accurate and personalized assessment. So, as you stand on the threshold of reclaiming your un-inked skin, take this information as your compass, guiding you through each decision and step of the process.