Tattoo Removal Cost
Most patients agree that before one starts this journey, they should make sure to plan their finances, as they might need more treatments than expected.
Prices depend on things such as quality of the tattoo, the technology used and staff performing the procedure. But, the three most definitive factors that determine costs are size, color, and ink density in the tattoo. Heavily saturated tribal tattoos, for example, require more work and treatments when compared to small outlines, or shaded tattoos.
Laser Tattoo Removal Cost
The average laser tattoo removal cost per session from a specialist can range from $50 to $500 per treatment, depending on the size and density of the ink in your tattoo. Prices from a med spa, or physician practice can range from $100 to $700 per treatment. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists charge the most. Their prices range between $150 to $1000 per treatment.
Choosing a tattoo removal specialist is the most affordable option. He or she may not be a dermatologist, but will most likely have unmatched hands on experience from treating ink every day. We’d always recommend a practice that has superior technology and staff with laser certifications over a local physician practice that doesn’t specialize in ink removal. A specialist with ink removal experience will have a certain kind of skill that cannot be taught in a classroom. In regards to this, this particular skill will also be absent from anyone who provides this service on the side, or alongside other procedures.
Cost Of Laser Tattoo Removal
As for the cheap treatments you might come across, advertising laser sessions for $50… given the cost for the high technology and well-trained staff, maybe it’s not the best idea that you go there. Whatever practice you choose for ink removal, if it has less than a clean, clinical feel, it is recommended you reconsider.
At Skin Renew, we use the highly effective Kirby-Desai scale for estimating the number of treatments needed for the removal, and will be able to provide you with an idea of how long the process will take, as well as number of treatments. This gives you, the client, the information needed to plan. Depending on your needs, we can also provide you with several payment plans,that include discounts when paying for multiple treatments. Tattoo removal financing is also available.
Laser Tattoo Removal Pricing
Purchasing a treatment package might be the best money-saving solution. We are happy to offer you a tailored package that suits your financial plans. Another advantage is that a package deal commits you to the process, and motivates you to make your appointments. Tattoo removal is usually a lengthy journey, but can end up being much longer if you put off your appointments. What you need to avoid is having one, two or even a few treatments, and then not coming back to finish the process.
Laser Tattoo Removal Questions
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
This depends on the individual, as everybody is different. What we need to take into consideration when estimating time for the tattoo removal results to start to show is – how fast your metabolism is and what is the ability of your body to heal. Your skin needs enough time to renew after being treated with a laser, therefore it is recommended that you leave around 6 to 8 weeks in between each session. For someone with a tiny tattoo who needs three sessions, this won’t take long.
WHAT COULD POSTPONE MY SESSIONS?
If you become pregnant during the tattoo removal process, we recommend putting your laser tattoo removal program on hold. Although the laser used for tattoo removal is safe and dermatologists claim there is no risk involved at all, enough research has not been conducted to rule out the possibility of the dispersed ink to be harmful to the fetus. In addition, pregnancy hormones can make your skin more susceptible to scarring, so it’s best to wait until after childbirth and the nursing period.
Make sure to notify your removal professional about any health issue you may have. There are several conditions that have relative contraindication to laser tattoo removal:
- Poorly Controlled Diabetes Mellitus
- Thrombocytopenia
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Anemia
- Bleeding Disorders
- Rheumatoid Arthritis/Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Subnormal Intelligence or Psychiatric Disorders
- History of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Chronic Disease (Crohn’s Disease, IBD, etc.)
- Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV or V
And most definitely the laser shouldn’t be used if you have:
- Cellulitis (MRSA)
- Psoriasis
- Lichen Planus
- Lichen Nitidus
- Renal Failure (Acute or Chronic)
- Malignancy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Vitiligo
- Immunosuppression
- Keloids
- Certain Medications (i.e. Accutane,)
- Collagen Vascular Diseases
- Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI.
WHAT IF IT DOESN’T WORK?
If you know that the place where you are having your treatments is reputable, staff is skilled and they’re using good machines – and still your tattoo is not coming off fully, there are a few options on what you can do to improve the appearance of your skin. Only you can decide if the Laser Tattoo Removal Cost is worth it to you.
You can try an IPL – Intense Pulsed Light method. Although it works by the same concept – it’s not actually a laser treatment, as it uses a different light source. IPL is usually used for freckles, hair removal, birth marks and other skin “imperfections” and its effects when used on tattoos are limited. It can work to a certain extent on brightly colored tattoos, and multiple treatments are usually required.
We’ve mentioned a few of the existing removal methods (Dermabrasion, Salabrasion, etc.) but for the most stubborn tattoos, a local flap surgery or a skin graft — which is where you borrow tissue from another area, can be an option.
I’M STILL NOT HAPPY.
In this case, you’re left with two options – cover up and camouflaging.
Cover up can be a good idea if you changed your mind about the design of the tattoo or you want a more modern, colorful appeal to it. There are some fantastic cover-up ideas and the right artist will tell you honestly what will and won’t look good on top of what you’ve already got.
Camouflaging entails the injection of new pigments in order to cover a tattoo with skin-toned pigments. As this is basically tattooing, the price usually resembles that of a regular tattoo. Aside from advanced knowledge and training in permanent cosmetics, this procedure requires an artistic eye for color and skin tones, and when done correctly the old tattoo may be completely invisible.
For any additional info, do not hesitate to give us a ring and book your free consultation!