Of all the questions we get asked, the most common is all about tattoo removal cost.
Getting inked is quite popular among Aussies, with nearly 25% of Australians having at least one tattoo.
Unfortunately, those statistics are also followed by at least 22% wanting to get them removed!
And while there’s a range of different products on the market, laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective method.
But how much does tattoo removal cost?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Before getting into the tattoo removal cost, it’s worth knowing what you’re paying for.
Tattoos and the Skin’s Layers
There are three main layers of the skin:
- the epidermis: the top layer of your skin and the part of the skin that is visible;
- the dermis: lies beneath the epidermis and is much thicker; and
- the hypodermis: the deeper subcutaneous fat layer.
When you get a tattoo, the ink doesn’t just deposit on the epidermis layer, but it also penetrates the dermis layer.
Laser tattoo removal works by targeting the pigment colours in the skin’s dermis.
The light beams that are given off by the laser are absorbed by tattoo pigments, which then break into tiny little pieces. The body then absorbs and eliminates these pigment pieces through its immune system.
The Q-switch is the most common type of laser used in tattoo removal. Several types of Q-switch lasers exist, and each one targets a different colour spectrum at different wavelengths.
Because Q-switch lasers are precise and intense, tattoo pigments fragment instantly, resulting in minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.
But, it’s worth noting that It is not possible to remove a tattoo using laser technology in one sitting. You’ll need at least four to six sessions to get the best results.
How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions Do I Need?
The number of laser tattoo removal sessions that you’ll need is dependent on a few different factors, including:
- the size of your tattoo;
- the tattoo’s colour;
- its placement;
- your lifestyle health; as well as
- how sensitive your skin is - you might only be able to handle small sections at a time.
So, What Is the Estimated Cost of Laser Tattoo Removal?
The cost of removing a tattoo depends on different factors such as the tattoo removal clinic you go to, the laser technology available at the clinics, and the size (and colour) of your tattoo.
Considerations You Need to Factor in the Laser Tattoo Removal Cost
Each tattoo and person is unique.
So removal techniques need to be tailored to each individual case. This will undoubtedly affect the laser tattoo removal cost.
Here are few factors to consider:
- Older tattoos generally fade more easily with laser treatments than newer ones because, with older tattoos, your body would’ve absorbed some of the pigment throughout the years - making it easier to fade.
- Body placement matters: tattoos located further down the arm and leg tend to fade slower than tattoos situated on your back. As a rule of thumb, tattoos situated closer to the heart are easiest to treat because they have good circulation and fast healing rates.
- Different colour inks respond to different laser wavelengths: black and dark green inks are the easiest to remove. Yellow, purple, turquoise and fluorescent inks are the hardest to fade.
- The service you receive and how clean the tattoo removal clinic also plays a major roll in tattoo removal cost. If the price is significantly lower than other competitors (as in hundreds of dollars difference), it’s worth investigating the clinic’s hygiene protocols and the skills of the person using the laser machines. An untrained tattoo removalist and a dirty clinic is a recipe for infections.
Tattoo Removal Institute Price List
Because there are varying amounts of components that come with removing each unique tattoo, it’s best to first consult with a tattoo removal specialist to get a good idea of what they’re working with and can accurately quote you.
However, here are the 2021 prices you can expect from the Tattoo Removal Institute:
| Tattoo Size | Single Treatment Tattoo Removal Price | Pre-Purchase 5 (or more) Laser Treatment Sessions |
| Extra-Extra-Small (up to 9cm2) | $70 | $50 |
| Extra Small (up to 36cm2) | $100 | $70 |
| Small (up to 100cm2) | $140 | $100 |
| Medium (up to 225cm2) | $230 | $160 |
| Large (up to 400cm2) | $300 | $210 |
| Extra Large (up to 625cm2) | $400 | $300 |
| Extra-Extra-Large (up to 1225cm2/ custom sizes) | $700 | $550 |
| Cosmetic Eyebrow Tattoo Removal | $150 | $100 |
How Do Our Tattoo Removal Prices Compare?
We offer competitive laser removal prices. Here is what you can expect for a single session at different tattoo removal clinics in Sydney:
| Tattoo Removal Clinic | Single Session Laser Removal Cost |
| Sydney Laser Tattoo: Medium Tattoo Removal | $270 |
| Eden Laser Clinic: Medium Laser Treatment | $580 |
| Think Again Laser Clinic: Medium Tattoo Removal | $270 |
Why Should You Opt For Laser Tattoo Removal?
We know that the laser tattoo removal price can end up being relatively high, but here’s why it’s worth it.
Thanks to advances in laser and light-based technology, the techniques used in laser tattoo removal today are:
- much safer;
- less intrusive;
- more effective;
- and have fewer complications - if any.
We realise that there are a couple of different tattoo removal options on the market, like tattoo removal cream. But using a tattoo removal cream is mainly ineffective from a scientific perspective because it can’t penetrate the skin’s deeper layers.
And most of the time, if you can get your hands on an “at-home” treatment kit, the chemicals are so strong that you could end up permanently damaging your skin.
So you’ll need to think twice before going for the quick and easy fix.
Key Takeaways
Tattoo removal is no small feat.
So, unfortunately, it does come with a hefty price tag.
But now that you know why and how it all works, you can understand exactly what you’re paying for: safety and effectiveness.
After a series of successful laser treatments, most tattoos are pretty much gone.
The number of sessions you’ll need depends on a varying number of factors. Those factors will influence the overall tattoo removal cost.
So, we always suggest engaging with a tattoo removal expert who can help you determine whether you’re a good laser removal candidate, how many sessions you might need and the overall estimated tattoo removal cost.
Our staff at the Tattoo Removal Institute are highly trained, experienced, and certified in administering laser and other dermatological procedures.
What’s more, we only use cutting-edge laser technology and techniques at competitive prices!
Our goal is to make your experience with us comfortable and enjoyable.
If you would like to set up a free, no-obligation tattoo removal consultation, get in touch today!
DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns about interactions or go to the TGA for a comprehensive list of TGA warnings. Although we attempt to provide accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee is made to that effect.
