While tattoos are quite popular among Americans, it can’t be denied that there are many people who are not happy with their “ink”.
Some of them want to get it removed as it looks trendy no more. Breakup prompts people to remove this painful reminder of their failed relationship. Then, employees are forced to remove it by their employers.
Whatever the reason, it is for sure that many people are just driven by their tattoo regret to take this step. There are many celebs who want to get their tattoo erased, from Angelina Jolie, Nick Carter to Paris Hilton.
Can a tattoo be removed? Well, it can be.
A laser is by far the most effective ways to remove tattoos, although it is expensive. Then, there are some other tattoo removal methods like topical application and salabrasion.
Here we have explained each tattoo removal option along with their costs.

1. Laser Tattoo Removal:

Laser tattoo removal is the most effective tattoo removal option. It works by breaking down the ink pigments using laser beams. As a result, the tattoo gets fader with each session. It requires multiple laser sessions to get it removed completely.
The numbers of sessions are determined by your skin type, tattoo location, type of laser, location of a tattoo and tattoo pigment. The estimated cost of a laser tattoo removal can be as little as $1,000 or as high as $10,000. The average laser tattoo removal cost can be anywhere from $200 to $500 per session. A 15 square inch tattoo generally requires 8 sessions. Therefore, the total cost can be $5,880 for all sessions. In fact, laser tattoo removal is 10 times expensive than getting a tattoo.
It can be costly for you if you are a budget-conscious person. Don’t worry.
There are many ways to bring the cost lower. Here are some of them.

  • Go for laser tattoo removal in winters. This is because this season sees the lower tattoo removal demands than summer. As tattoo removal clinics are likely to grab more customers, they can give you a discount. But make sure they are professional and certified.
  • Prefer professional tattoo removal clinics as they are more affordable than a dermatologist office. It is for sure that they would have more experience than a dermatologist in tattoo removal.
  • Consider getting a laser tattoo removal package as it may reduce your per session costs.
  • Tattoo removal is slow during the week as compared to the weekend. Ask the professionals if they can offer you weekday discounts. Similarly, you can ask for morning session as they don’t have many customers at that time.
  • Prefer Q-switched lasers as they cost less than Picosure laser.

2. Tattoo Removal Cream:

A tattoo removal cream costs you ten times less than one laser sitting. They are used to erase the ink. They are available online or in department stores.
The creams claim to erase tattoos by peeling away the top layer of the skin. Interestingly, some claim to replace the white blood cells on your skin that are covered with tattoo ink. Tattoo ink is embedded to the next layer of your skin, so many of these surface level treatments by tattoo removal creams may not work at removing the tattoo ink. Although a cream won’t remove the tattoo completely, it will leave it discolored, distorted and faded. The cream may not work over the inks like yellow, pastels and fluorescent.
If you can wait longer to get your tattoo removed, this may be an optimal option for you. It is also a suitable option if you can’t afford laser tattoo removal. A tattoo removal cream may also cause side effects as it bleaches or peels away the skin. You may experience irritation and other complications after the application. It may not be right for thin skin. So, consult your physician before using a tattoo removal cream.
Read Also: What to Know Before Getting Tattooed?

3. Dermabrasion:

Dermabrasion or skin planing is a process in which the outer layers of skin are sanded with a rapidly rotating device. This way, it can be useful in removing the surface and middle layers of the tattoo. Following the process, the new skin has a smoother and refreshed appearance. It is often done at the dermatologist office or in an outpatient surgical facility.
The skin takes two to three weeks to recover. The skin may feel like “wind-burned” for several days. There will be “pinkish” on the skin which will be faded within 8-12 weeks. You are needed to avoid the sun for 3-6 months following the process and should apply sunscreen whenever you go outside.
How much does dermabrasion cost?
The cost of dermabrasion is determined by several factors like the size, type, location and the age of the tattoo. It is difficult to figure out exactly how many treatments it requires to get the desired results. Certain inks have proven to be easier to erase, with fluorescent colors being the toughest one.

Read Also: Essential Tips To Get A Perfect Tattoo

4. Surgical Excision:

Also known as surgical removal, this is an invasive method to remove a tattoo. To perform this, a doctor will numb the skin around the tattoo using a numbing cream. Then, they cut out the tattooed skin using a scalpel. The skin is then stitched with the sutures. And this process is effective and quick as it can be done in one session. It removes all the tattooed skin.
But it comes with a huge trade-off—it can leave a visible scar behind and may not be successful on larger tattoos.
Its cost is determined by the location and the size of the tattoo, as well as whether your physician recommends using skin grafts. Generally, surgical excision can cost you around $800-900.
Before the process, the doctor will go through medical history before conducting a physical exam. They will discuss outcomes, risks, and expectations with you.

5. Salabrasion:

This one is the least expensive tattoo removal method. In fact, it is a home remedy for tattoo removal. It works by sanding the tattooed skin. However, it may not work. It uses granular salt as its abrasive material. Take a moist gauze sponge with salt on it, and rub it onto your tattooed skin until the area turns dark red. Repeat the process after 1 week or when the skin is completely healed. Make sure to apply an antibiotic after the process and secure it with a bandage. See your physician if pain or redness persists for longer as it can be a sign of infection.

LAST NOTE…
Some of these tattoo removal methods are effective while some may not give you expected results. The point is clear——go for effective tattoo removal methods like laser and surgical excision if your budget allows you. Or you can choose cheaper products like cream or salabrasion.

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