You loved that tattoo once, right? It had meaning. Or maybe it was just a fun idea at the time. But now, every time you see it, you wish it weren’t there. So, you start looking up tattoo removal and then boom, confusion hits. One clinic says $100, another says $400.
What’s real?
What’s fair?
This blog breaks down how much tattoo removal actually costs and what really affects the price, so you can make sense of it all before booking that first session.
The Average Cost of Tattoo Removal
Average Price Per Session
Most clinics charge somewhere between $150 and $500 a session. It really just depends on your tattoo, like how big it is, how many colours you’ve got going on, and where it’s sitting. A little symbol on your wrist? Not too bad. A big, detailed piece on your arm or back? Yes, that’s going to cost more. But at least now you’ve got a ballpark idea before booking.
Total Cost for Full Removal
For full removal, the total usually sits between $1,000 and $2,500. It can go higher if your tattoo’s on the bigger or more detailed side. Since clinics charge per session, the cost adds up slowly as your tattoo fades with each visit. Having an idea of that full range makes it easier to plan your sessions and not get caught off guard when the final total rolls around.
Factors That Affect the Total Cost
Tattoo Size & Complexity
Let’s start with the obvious one. The bigger and more detailed your tattoo, the higher your tattoo removal cost will be. Larger designs take more time under the laser, which means more minutes and more sessions.
A small wrist symbol might take just a few quick zaps, but a full sleeve or a shaded back piece can take hours spread over months. Most clinics charge per session or per area, so more space equals more time, and that adds to your final bill.
Ink Colour & Depth
Here’s where it gets interesting. Not all colours react the same way to laser treatment. Black ink is the easiest to remove, while colours like blue, green, and yellow are a little stubborn. They often need more sessions to fade fully.
The type of laser used also matters. Modern options like PicoSure or PicoWay can target different colours better, but they usually come with a higher laser tattoo removal cost. The trade-off? Fewer sessions, better results, and less damage to your skin in the process.
Skin Tone & Body Placement
Your skin tone and where the tattoo sits on your body can also affect tattoo removal prices. Areas like ankles and wrists have less blood flow, so they take longer to heal between sessions, meaning you might need a few extra visits.
Darker skin tones need more careful laser settings to avoid irritation or pigmentation changes. It doesn’t mean removal is harder, just that it’s slower and more precise, which sometimes increases both time and total cost.
Tattoo Age & Type
Older tattoos are usually easier to remove because the ink has already started breaking down naturally over time. Fresh tattoos or ones with thick, dense ink tend to take longer. Professional tattoos are designed to last, which means they’re often packed with more pigment and placed deeper into the skin.
That translates to more sessions (and a bit more money). On the other hand, amateur tattoos fade faster since the ink doesn’t go as deep or use strong pigments.
Technology Used
The kind of laser your clinic uses makes a big difference to both your results and your wallet. Traditional nanosecond lasers still do the job, but take more sessions to see results. Newer picosecond machines like PicoSure or PicoWay break the ink into smaller particles faster, meaning you might need fewer sessions overall.
Yes, these lasers can be pricier, but they also save you time and are gentler on your skin. In the long run, that can make them more cost-effective.
Provider Expertise & Clinic Reputation
Finally, the person holding the laser matters just as much as the machine itself. Clinics that use medical-grade equipment and have trained professionals often charge more, but that’s because you’re paying for safety and better results.
Experienced technicians know how to adjust settings based on your skin type and tattoo design, reducing the risk of burns or scarring. When it comes to tattoo removal cost, paying a little extra for someone who knows exactly what they’re doing is always worth it.
How Many Sessions Does It Take?
Most people want to know one thing before starting tattoo removal: how long will this take? The truth is, there’s no single answer. Most tattoos need anywhere between 5 and 10 sessions, with each one spaced about 6 to 8 weeks apart. That gap isn’t random. It gives your skin time to heal and your body time to clear away the ink.
If your tattoo is small and simple, like a black heart or initials, you might be done in 2 or 3 sessions. But if it’s a colourful sleeve or a dense design, it can take 10 or more. Colours like blue, green, and yellow are a little stubborn, so they often need more time under the laser.
You might also notice your sessions being spaced out a little longer if your tattoo has lighter pigments or sits on a sensitive area. That’s completely normal—it just helps your skin recover properly.
And here’s something to remember: not everyone goes for full removal. Some people only want to fade their tattoo enough to make space for a new design. That takes fewer sessions and usually costs less, too.
What’s Included in the Price and What’s Not
What’s Included:
Consultation
Before any laser touches your skin, you’ll have a one-on-one consultation. This is where the provider examines your tattoo, talks about how many sessions you might need, and answers all your questions so you feel confident about the process.
Laser Session
The laser session is the main part of tattoo removal. This is where the ink starts breaking down under controlled light pulses. Each session targets specific areas and gradually fades your tattoo over time.
Post-Treatment Advice
After each session, the clinic will give you guidance on caring for your skin. This includes tips on cleaning, avoiding irritation, and protecting the area from sun exposure to ensure the best results.
Numbing
Most clinics include numbing or local anesthesia to reduce discomfort during the session. It helps make the process more tolerable, especially for larger or sensitive areas of your body.
What’s Not Included:
Aftercare Products
Things like topical creams, ointments, or full aftercare kits are usually extra. You might want these for comfort or faster healing, but they aren’t part of the standard session price.
Extra Touch-Ups
If your tattoo doesn’t fully fade or you want a few additional passes to reach your desired results, those extra sessions often come with an added fee.
Additional Follow-Ups
Any appointments beyond your scheduled sessions can cost more. This includes check-ins, touch-ups, or adjustments if your skin needs extra attention.
Wrapping UP
Tattoo removal costs can feel all over the place, but knowing the basics helps you plan. Size, colour, laser type, and sessions all play a part.
At The Brow Room, removing or fading your tattoo is stress-free. We’re with you the whole way and make sure you know the cost upfront with honest pricing.
