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 one in eight American adults polled regret getting a tattoo.¹ But there's good news — laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective option.

What is Tattoo Removal?

Tattoo removal encompasses any procedure that's done to try to remove an unwanted tattoo.

Common tattoo removal methods include:

• 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.²

Below we provide answers to a variety of common questions associated with laser tattoo removal, specifically, which is the most common method.

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.²

Some pigments are harder to remove than others. Contrary to popular belief based on other less effective methods of tattoo removal, black and other dark ink colors are easily removed.¹ That said, 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.²

How many sessions for tattoo removal?

On average, one to 10 treatment sessions are needed to remove a tattoo. There needs to be a six-week interval between each removal treatment to give the body time to completely flush out the pigment.²

You need a consultation with a dermatologist to determine if you are a candidate for laser treatment, or other tattoo removal methods, and how many sessions you'll need. You should have a healthy immune system and not be pregnant or breastfeeding.²

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:

• You'll be given protective eye shields.
• The dermatologist will test your skin's reaction to determine the best energy for treatment.
• If needed, the dermatologist may use a topical or injectable numbing agent to reduce your discomfort.
• 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, you'll be provided aftercare instructions, which usually involve applying an antibacterial ointment to the treated area to reduce the risk of infection. Following your dermatologist's aftercare instructions between sessions will help you get the best results and reduce the risk of serious side effects.³

Can Tattoos be Completely Removed?

In many cases, tattoos of any size and color can be completely removed by laser removal, which breaks up the tattoo pigment below the epidermis, the outer layer of your skin.

Multiple sessions are required to completely remove a tattoo.² How many sessions needed for tattoo removal depend on several factors, such as:

• The size of the tattoo.
• The tattoo color.
• The type of ink used.
• How long you've had the tattoo.
• Where the tattoo is on your body.
• How deeply the pigment has penetrated your skin.
• Your skin tone.

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.¹

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.² 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 treatment to accommodate your comfort level.¹ They may also apply a numbing cream or shot beforehand to make you more comfortable.²

Is Tattoo Removal Safe?

Laser tattoo removal is safe for most people and is the preferred, least invasive method of tattoo removal option available.³ Like with any procedure, you may encounter some side effects. For example, you may notice some redness and swelling after a session. 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 average cost of tattoo removal in 2020 was $423, not including related costs, such as anesthesia.⁵

The cost can vary based on variables such as the size of the tattoo and number of treatment sessions required, as well as any related expenses. A good place to start is by asking your primary care physician for recommendations on a dermatologist that specializes in tattoo removals.

Since laser tattoo removal can take from one to 10 treatment sessions to complete, the total average cost for laser tattoo removal may cover a wide range. The cost of dermabrasion tattoo removal can range from several hundred dollars to thousands.⁶ According to anecdotal reports, total costs of surgical tattoo removal can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the size of the tattoo and complexity of the removal.

Does Insurance Cover Tattoo Removal?

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

How Can I Finance and Pay for a Tattoo Removal?

If you are interested in tattoo removal treatments there may be several payment options you can consider. If you have the funds readily available, of course you can tap into your savings. If you are interested in paying over time, it's important to know providers may not extend credit to patients through their practice where patients would receive bills from, and pay the provider directly on a monthly basis.

Some providers accept general-purpose household credit cards. The CareCredit credit card — which may be a convenient way to pay for the procedure — is accepted at hundreds of thousands of locations nationwide, including by many dermatology and cosmetic procedures providers.

Does CareCredit Cover Tattoo Removal?

Yes, the CareCredit credit card can be used at locations within the CareCredit network to finance your tattoo removal and other dermatology treatments or procedures, such as laser hair removal or other laser treatments.

Click here to apply or use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a dermatologist near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. She's written extensively on physical and mental health conditions and treatments, as well as fitness, beauty, and relationships. She's best known for her empathetic and informative pieces for Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today, and more.