Do Tattoo Removals Hurt
Long story short, yes. Tattoo removals can be painful but are tolerable. They will most likely be more painful than the tattoo process but hey, you survived that. Doctors suggest taking non-aspirin products such as acetaminophen/Tylenol prior to the procedure to reduce the pain. But if your pain tolerance is lacking or youre simply nervous about the process, many doctors offer other pain management options such as numbing creams, skin cooling devices, and in some cases an injection of a local anesthetic.
Houstons Best Laser Tattoo Removal Value
How much does tattoo removal cost? There are many factors that affect the cost to achieve complete tattoo removal including where the tattoo is located on your body, the size of the tattoo, ink colors in the tattoo, your skin type and more.
Because of these variables, the only way to give you a good estimation of the cost to remove your tattoo is in person at our clinic. When you come in for your free consultation, we will perform a medical tattoo removal assessment, to estimate the cost of removal or fading, depending on your goals.
Tattoo Removal Sizing Guide
Wondering what size your tattoo is? Use this breakdown to get an idea of what category you will fall into. Still not sure about your tattoo? the easiest way to get more info is to find a location near you and talk with a pro.
Get information about how much tattoo removal will cost for you!
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Nothing Is Forever: Steps To Tattoo Removal
So how do you know if laser removal is for you? The first step is to find a clinic in your area and make contact with their office. They will either schedule an appointment or you can send photos that will help them to formulate a game plan that is specific you and your ink. It is important to follow laser removal specialists directions regarding preparation and post-treatment care, as skin conditionboth before and afterare important in order to ensure an effective procedure.
As we can see, tattoos are no longer the permanent reminders to past mistakes that they once were. Thanks to the continued development of laser removal technology, no one has to live with ugly tattoos that commemorate memories that are better forgotten. While laser tattoo removal isnt cheap, it is permanent, so once the tattoo is gone, it is gone for good.
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How Much Does A Typical Tattoo Removal Session Cost
This can range from $150 per treatment for an extra small tattoo to $500 per treatment for an extra large tattoo , and everything in between. Depending on size, color, body location and depth/intensity/type of ink used, patients can typically expect to require 4-7 treatments, on average, but there is a huge variability based on the above factors. For example, tattoos with a lot of red ink may take longer than those with a lot of black ink. Patients have the option of buying a package of laser tattoo removal treatments that will reduce the per treatment cost otherwise, we can charge by tattoo removal session.
Some patients believe that more traditional tattoo removal is cheaper. On average, laser removal treatments with old Q-switch tattoo removal lasers will cost less, but since more treatments are needed, the overall cost ends up being more expensive, while results are not as complete.
Since every tattoo is different, Premier Vein and Body by Schwartz offers complimentary tattoo removal consultations. Once our laser aesthetician examines the size and colors of your tattoo, she can give you a more reasonable idea of how many treatments may be required for total clearance.
Patients should typically expect to see 20-25% tattoo removal after each laser treatment, although tattoo size, colors and type/density of ink are contributing factors. For optimal results, each treatment should be spaced 6-8 weeks apart.
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Fewer Quicker Treatments With Picosure Laser Tattoo Removal
PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal, the most advanced technology available for laser tattoo removal, utilizes PressureWave technology to shatter ink into particles that are 1,000 times smaller than the majority of tattoo removal lasers. Generally, tattoo removal sessions using the PicoSure laser are shorter than with Q-switched lasers, and require fewer treatments, meaning that you may end up paying less overall for complete clearance of an unwanted tattoo. Other advantages of PicoSure laser tattoo removal over Q-switched laser tattoo removal include:
- Faster recovery
- Safe on all skin types
- Less discomfort
Average Cost Of Tattoo Removal
So how much do tattoos cost to remove? The average cost of tattoo removal is $3,500 for complete laser tattoo removal, though prices can end up being more or less. If your eyes just fell out of your head in shock, keep in mind this is just an average range that includes every single tattoo removal treatment session the price is completely dependent on a list of factors that affect safety and the time needed for removal. The reality is that there is no one size fits all cost for tattoo removal.
To get a better and more accurate picture of how much tattoo removal could cost for you, lets discuss how the actual cost of tattoo removal is calculated.
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Removery Tattoo Removal Pricing And Packages
Removery focuses on safe, fast, and effective tattoo removal. Cost should not get in the way! Removery pricing is straightforward and determined by the size and desired outcome.
We evaluate every single tattoo before we start treatment, and ensure clients know exactly what the process will look like. During a consultation we measure your tattoo, review your desired outcome and discuss payment options.
Most clients take advantage of one of these options:
How Often Should I Get Treatments
Generally speaking, most people can count on a series of six to ten sessions. Because the body needs to heal between treatments, you can anticipate sessions to be scheduled at least eight to ten weeks apart.
Scheduling sessions to closely together can result in over-treatment, which comes with unpleasant and unnecessary side effects. That being said, the number of treatments needed will depend on a number of factors (including skin type, condition, tattoo ink, and timeframe.
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Finding The Best Tattoo
The setting for your procedure affects the cost. Tattoo-removal sessions at a medical spa will cost less than treatments from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Providers with more experience tend to charge more. At Removery, a chain of tattoo-removal clinics with locations in 22 states plus Canada and Australia, laser erasure of an extra-small, one-color tattoo costs just under $1100, while removal of an extra-large tattoo carries a price tag of roughly $3600.
For the most accurate cost estimates, work with a dermatologist who uses the Kirby-Desai Scale. It gauges the cost of a tattoo removal by helping the doctor calculate the number of appointments that will be necessary. The scales elements are:
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Current scarring
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Skin color and type
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Tattoo location
This model indicates that removal will cost more for Black and dark-skinned people because they typically need more treatments, as noted above.
Are Tattoo Removals Safe
Yes, if you find the right doctor. Using a certified laser professional lowers the possibility for side effects.
There is an art to tattoo removal, and we see, unfortunately, a lot of patients with bad outcomes who go to non-medical facilities or even hair salons, said Cohen. People really want to look for the right equipment or right office.
But of course, with all procedures there is still the possibility for side effects including:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentationwhich is more common for those with darker skin tones
- Infection
- Scarring
- Lack of complete pigment removal
Aftercare is super important in helping to protect you from these. You can expect minor swelling, redness, and tenderness after the tattoo removal process. Although each doctor will provide you with their own specific instructions for at-home care, most professionals will suggest these tips: Avoid picking any scabs or blisters that form during the healing process to avoid scarring, avoid tight clothing or exposure to direct sunlight, and keep the area clean and covered with an antibiotic healing ointment and bandage. Many of the aftercare instructions will be similar to those taken when you initially got the tattoo done.
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How Many Sessions Does It Take To Remove A Tattoo
If you were hoping to walk out of your first appointment with zero trace of your old tattoo, sorry to disappoint. According to Dr. Akhavan, the number of sessions it takes to remove a tattoo depends on many factors: color, density, depth of pigment, and the type of laser being used. More modern picosecond lasers, such as the PicoSure Focus, break the ink up much more effectively, and with less trauma to surrounding normal skin, Dr. Akhavan says. In the best case scenario, the tattoo can be completely removed in five sessions or less. Unfortunately, some cases can be more stubborn and more than 20 treatments may be needed.
Not only will it likely require more than one session, but you also have to factor in the time it takes to heal between each one. With the PicoSure Focus, Dr. Akhavan typically recommends sessions that are spaced approximately two months apart, but with older, non-picosecond lasers, treatments should be further apart to allow the skin to heal from the extra trauma.
What Should I Know Before Laser Tattoo Removal
Here are some of the main factors to consider before you make an appointment and look at the tattoo removal cost
- Ask which laser technology is used for laser tattoo removal
- Ask about the staff and how experienced or educated they are
- Ask for consultation
- Consider the size, the location, and the color of the tattoo
- Ask about any hidden costs
- Ask about payment options
- Ask about membership deals and delayed payment
- Ask how many sessions you may require
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Tattoo Age And Ink Quality
A tattoos pigment tends to fade over time, meaning an older tattoo is easier to remove. A newer tattoo will usually be bolder and brighter, which means it takes more sessions to break up the pigment. This affects the cost of laser tattoo removal.
The ink quality also plays a role in determining tattoo removal costs. High-quality ink is made to last longer, so it takes longer to break up and flush out of the skin during removal than low-quality ink. This can also affect tattoo removal prices.
Additionally, the strength of your individual immune system influences how quickly your tattoo fades once you begin laser tattoo removal, and thus, your tattoo removal price. A stronger immune system typically eliminates the ink from the skin faster after treatments, which could influence the total charge for your treatments.
Know That The Process Could Leave Scarring
If, like me, you want your ink completely removed, you should know that the skin that is left might not be flawless. While the risks are nowhere near as big when you are treated by a removal specialist or medical professional, your skin pigment can be lightened. Which, again, is all the more reason to refer back to the first point on this listgo to a qualified doctor or specialist.
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Take Charge Of Your Beauty Today
If you have a tattoo that no longer fits your lifestyle, worldview, or career, Still Waters Day & Medical Spa is here to help. We have assisted countless patients in discovering the smooth, unblemished skin that they thought they had lost forever, and we can help you too! There is no reason why you shouldnt take charge of your beauty today. Especially since its easier and more comfortable than ever to have your old tattoo removed and your skin restored to its former beauty.
Our lead physician, Dr. Jack Kotalrz, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and is on the cutting edge of restorative technology trends. He understands that true beauty lies at the intersection of your natural looks and technological boost, and his staff at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa will work with you to determine what your beauty goals are and make sure that they are fulfilled. You will also understand all of the details of your treatment, and be fully in control of your treatment options and desired results.
After Your Tattoo Removal Treatment
- Avoid the sun: youll want to protect your tattoo from the sun, especially after treatment with a laser, when sun exposure can cause inflammation and in extreme cases, complications and scarring.
- Keep your tattoo moisturized to help it heal as well as possible after laser treatment.
- Keep your tattoo clean to prevent infection and complications.
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How Much Does Laser Removal Of A Tattoo Cost
One of the most important considerations people have when they seek laser tattoo removal is the cost. There are many factors that determine tattoo removal cost, including the size and complexity of the tattoo, the type of ink, the color and depth of ink, and the level of expertise of the specialist operating the laser. Aesthetic Surgery and Dermatology of Cherry Creek in Denver CO offers the latest laser tattoo removal technologies as affordably as possible.
Our Laser Tattoo Removal Technology
Our state-of-the-art Candela PicoWay® laser is very safe for tattoo removal. We use FDA-approved laser tattoo removal technology that has minor or no side effects. Thus, many medical doctors use and recommend this treatment method. Our PicoWay® laser can handle all colors because it can produce different wavelengths depending on the color being removed. We find that we can remove most colors in around ten sessions.
During removal procedures, the PicoWay® laser quickly moves in and out of the skin at a trillionth of a second at any location on the body, making it the most effective treatment method out there when operated by a trained Removery specialist. While other treatment options can lead to scarring, the PicoWay® laser keeps skin looking and feeling great.
Because the PicoWay® laser uses a photoacoustic rather than photovoltaic approach, it avoids overheating the skin. Instead, it uses sound waves to shatter the ink into tiny particles that the white blood cells can flush out of the bodyno scarring or intense pain involved.
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Covering The Tattoo With Another One
And finally, if none of the aforementioned options seem to work for you, we recommend one last thing covering the tattoo you dont like with another tattoo. This might be the most cost-friendly options, but you need to know a few things before embarking on this journey
- You can only cover a tattoo that has fully and completely healed
- The final tattoo will be darker in appearance
- The new design will probably be heavier
- It will also be much denser and probably more detailed
- You will need to find a tattoo artist specialized in tattoo cover-ups
When it comes to the cost, it often depends on the size of the tattoo and the fact that the artist has to come up with a new, custom design to fit the old tattoo. This can increase the price of the tattoo drastically, so you may end up paying more for the cover-up than the original piece. The price for small tattoos starts at around $100 and can go up to several thousand dollars. Even so, it is much cheaper than getting laser tattoo removal.
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Average Tattoo Cost By Body Placement
The difficulty of tattooing a design onto a particular part of the body also affects the cost. Certain body parts tend to be easier to tattoo because they offer a broader, more even surface. Bonier areas like the feet and ankles can be trickier for the artist. Plus, theyre more sensitive, which means the artist may need to work harder to keep the client comfortable.
Which body part you want to have tattooed has a surprisingly big impact on price. Here are some of the most common body parts to tattoo, along with their average price ranges and time.
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Is Tattoo Excision Lengthy
If you have a small tattoo, your surgeon will make an oval cut to remove the skin and stitch it together all in one session.
Two or more sessions are needed for larger tattoos or tattoos in areas where cutting the skin is not possible.
Skin grafting where skin is taken from another part of your body, is performed for tattoos when stitching the skin is not possible. This might sound scary but all of this is performed under anaesthesia.
No 1 Factor That Impacts Tattoo Price: Cover Up Vs New Tattoo
The number one factor that impacts the cost of getting a tattoo is time. Cover up tattoos require more time to design, apply and heal than new work. No matter what artist you chose and what concept you decide to cover your old work with, the time needed to properly saturate and apply the new tattoo is increased. Removery focuses on fading old tattoos to decrease the amount of time necessary to design and saturate a new tattoo cover up. Let us help you with your next tattoo project book a free consultation in one of our locations near you.
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Discuss Your Needs With Us Today
Start a conversation with one of our team and find out how our professional technicians and state of the art technology can help you achieve the result you want. Get in touch with our Sydney clinic today on 1300 166 465 to find out more. You can send us an email with your questions at and we will be in touch to further discuss your requirements.