Tattoo Removal Cost
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
When people decide to get a tattoo, they often don’t think about the possibility of removing it later. However, for those who experience tattoo regret, the process of getting rid of unwanted ink is far more time-consuming and expensive than getting the tattoo in the first place.
While a tattoo artist can apply a design in just a few hours, laser tattoo removal requires multiple sessions spaced over several months or even years, depending on the size, color, and depth of the ink. Additionally, the technology involved in breaking down tattoo ink is far more sophisticated than the process of injecting it into the skin, making tattoo removal a more significant financial investment.
So, how much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Laser Tattoo Removal Cost: Why You Shouldn’t Shop for a Bargain
When it comes to laser tattoo removal, many people make the mistake of looking for the cheapest option—but this is not the type of procedure where you should be bargain-hunting. While cost is certainly an important factor, choosing the wrong provider or outdated technology can result in poor results, unnecessary complications, and even permanent skin damage.
The most important factor in a safe and effective tattoo removal process is who is performing the treatment. Laser tattoo removal should always be done by a board-certified dermatologist—not a technician at a medspa or a clinic that prioritizes quantity over quality. Board-certified dermatologists have specialized training in the use of medical lasers and an in-depth understanding of how different skin types, ink colors, and tattoo depths respond to laser treatments. Inexperienced providers may not adjust the laser properly, increasing the risk of scarring, burns, and permanent pigmentation changes.
Another crucial factor is the type of laser being used. Older, outdated nanosecond lasers are still used at many lower-cost facilities, but these lasers are less effective, require more sessions, and have a higher risk of damaging the skin. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we use the PicoWay laser, which is the most advanced tattoo removal laser available today. PicoWay’s picosecond technology breaks down ink more efficiently and safely, meaning fewer treatments, better results, and less risk of side effects.
Choosing a qualified, experienced dermatologist and the latest laser technology may mean that each session costs slightly more, but it also ensures that you achieve the best possible results in the fewest number of sessions—ultimately saving you both time and money in the long run. With tattoo removal, you truly get what you pay for, and cutting corners can lead to disappointing or even permanent consequences.
Laser Tattoo Removal Cost at Our Office
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we believe in transparent pricing so that our patients understand exactly what to expect when considering laser tattoo removal. Our pricing is based on tattoo size, with PicoWay laser technology ensuring that patients get the best results in the fewest sessions possible.
Tattoo Removal Pricing Per Session
- For tattoos less than 20 cm² → $800 per session
- For tattoos larger than 20 cm² → $800 + $50 per additional 10 cm² thereafter
This pricing structure ensures that patients with larger tattoos only pay for the additional treatment area needed, rather than a flat rate that may not reflect the true size of their tattoo.
Since multiple sessions are required for complete tattoo removal, the total cost of removal will depend on the number of treatments needed, which is determined by factors such as tattoo ink color, depth, and location. However, thanks to PicoWay’s advanced picosecond technology, fewer sessions are required compared to older laser systems, ultimately making tattoo removal faster, safer, and more cost-effective.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, our goal is to provide the best possible tattoo removal results with state-of-the-art technology and expert care from a board-certified dermatologist, ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective treatment available.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Body, Tattoo Removal