Tattoo Removal: What It Costs and Is It Worth It?

If that tattoo that once seemed like a great idea is now something you regret, you're in good company. Research shows that around 24% of American adults polled regret getting a tattoo.¹ But there's good news — laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective option.²

Find out about how tattoo removal works, average costs and more to see if it's worth the investment.

What Is Tattoo Removal?

Tattoo removal encompasses any procedure to try to remove an unwanted tattoo.

Common tattoo removal methods include:³

• Laser removal
• Surgical removal (excision tattoo removal)
• Dermabrasion

Because tattoos are meant to be permanent, removal isn't always easy and may require more than one session.³

Below, we answer common questions specifically about laser tattoo removal, which is the most common method.³

How Does Tattoo Removal Work?

Laser tattoo removal works by emitting pulses of high-intensity laser energy that get absorbed by the tattoo pigment below the skin's surface. This breaks the pigment into smaller particles so that the tattoo ink can be metabolized and excreted by your body.³

Some pigments are more difficult to remove than others.² Contrary to popular belief based on other less effective methods of tattoo removal, black and other dark ink colors are easily removed.² However, even light, harder-to-remove tattoo colors, such as yellow and red, can be effectively removed with the right type of laser and number of treatments.⁴

How many sessions are needed for tattoo removal?

Multiple sessions are required to completely remove a tattoo. How many sessions are needed for tattoo removal depends on several factors, such as:⁴

• How deeply the pigment has penetrated your skin
• How long you've had the tattoo
• Size of the tattoo
• Tattoo color
• Type of ink used
• Where the tattoo is on your body
• Your skin tone

On average, one to 10 treatment sessions are needed to remove a tattoo. And a six-week interval between each removal treatment is needed to give the body time to completely flush out the pigment.³

A consultation with a dermatologist will help determine if you are a candidate for laser treatment — or another tattoo removal method — and how many sessions you'll need. You should have a healthy immune system and not be pregnant or breastfeeding.⁴

What to expect during your laser treatment

Here's a general overview of what to expect when you go to a dermatologist's office for laser tattoo removal:⁵

• You'll be given protective eye shields.
• The dermatologist will test your skin's reaction to determine the best laser energy level for treatment.
• If needed, the dermatologist may use a topical or injectable numbing agent to reduce your discomfort.⁶
• The laser device is placed against your skin and pulses of light will be emitted repeatedly over your tattoo.

At the end of the treatment session, the dermatologist will provide aftercare instructions, which usually involve applying an antibacterial ointment to the treated area to reduce the chance of infection. Following these instructions between sessions will help you get the best results and reduce the likelihood of serious side effects.⁴

Can Tattoos Be Completely Removed?

In many cases, tattoos of any size and color can be completely removed by laser removal. The type of laser used to remove the tattoo is also a factor. In some cases, a dermatologist may use more than one type of laser technology in a treatment session for faster results.⁴

Does Removing a Tattoo Hurt?

Tattoo removal can be painful but is usually well tolerated. The pain is often compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin. How painful it is depends on your individual pain threshold, as everyone's is different. It also depends on the area being treated — some areas are more sensitive than others. A dermatologist can adjust the treatment to accommodate your comfort level.⁷

Is Tattoo Removal Safe?

Laser tattoo removal is safe for most people and is the preferred and least invasive tattoo removal option available. As with any procedure, you may encounter some side effects. For example, you may notice some redness and swelling after a session.²

Some people may have more serious side effects, such as scarring or burns, but these are rare when the procedure is performed by a licensed dermatologist.⁴

How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?

The national average cost* of tattoo removal is $353 but can range between $272 and $659.⁸

The cost can vary based on variables such as:⁸

• Size of the tattoo
• Depth of the ink
• Type of laser used
• Number of sessions required
• Location of the provider

Average cost of tattoo removal by state/district

Here's a look at the average cost* of a laser tattoo removal session across all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁸

Does insurance cover tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.⁹ Ask your plastic surgeon if they offer financing, including the CareCredit credit card, to pay for tattoo removal.

Financing Tattoo Removal With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting tattoo removal or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.