Laser Tattoo Removal Cost Guide
National pricing data from 177 providers across 40 cities
What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal uses high-intensity light pulses (Q-switched or picosecond lasers) to break down tattoo ink particles trapped in the skin. The fragmented ink is then naturally eliminated by the body's immune system over weeks. Modern picosecond lasers (PicoSure, PicoWay) are more effective and require fewer sessions than older Q-switched technology. The number of sessions depends on ink colors, tattoo size, ink depth, skin tone, and tattoo age. Amateur tattoos typically respond faster than professional ones.
Laser Tattoo Removal Prices by City
Sorted cheapest to most expensive
| City | Avg Price | Range | Providers | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, FL | $343 | $164 — $781 | 5 | -45% |
| Atlanta, GAMajor | $384 | $165 — $711 | 6 | -38% |
| San Diego, CAMajor | $405 | $221 — $698 | 5 | -35% |
| Columbus, OH | $406 | $234 — $646 | 4 | -35% |
| Chandler, AZ | $416 | $170 — $605 | 4 | -33% |
| Houston, TXMajor | $420 | $182 — $759 | 3 | -33% |
| Gilbert, AZ | $445 | $199 — $783 | 4 | -29% |
| Nashville, TNMajor | $460 | $194 — $717 | 4 | -26% |
| Austin, TXMajor | $462 | $212 — $885 | 6 | -26% |
| San Francisco, CAMajor | $474 | $222 — $809 | 5 | -24% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $475 | $318 — $712 | 3 | -24% |
| Tampa, FL | $508 | $198 — $773 | 6 | -19% |
| Raleigh, NC | $521 | $222 — $853 | 4 | -17% |
| San Jose, CA | $534 | $257 — $983 | 3 | -14% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $545 | $275 — $830 | 5 | -13% |
| Frisco, TX | $554 | $261 — $910 | 4 | -11% |
| Denver, COMajor | $562 | $254 — $969 | 6 | -10% |
| San Antonio, TXMajor | $572 | $173 — $833 | 5 | -8% |
| Seattle, WAMajor | $584 | $245 — $854 | 4 | -7% |
| Orlando, FL | $586 | $316 — $835 | 5 | -6% |
| Naples, FL | $599 | $199 — $1,162 | 6 | ~avg |
| Minneapolis, MN | $616 | $293 — $861 | 3 | ~avg |
| Fort Worth, TX | $630 | $386 — $829 | 5 | ~avg |
| Henderson, NV | $641 | $202 — $874 | 3 | ~avg |
| Miami, FL | $665 | $305 — $1,095 | 4 | +7% |
| Charlotte, NC | $680 | $146 — $935 | 4 | +9% |
| Portland, OR | $691 | $488 — $855 | 3 | +11% |
| Boca Raton, FL | $704 | $249 — $1,096 | 5 | +13% |
| Plano, TX | $709 | $616 — $909 | 4 | +14% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $713 | $600 — $902 | 3 | +14% |
| Philadelphia, PAMajor | $763 | $398 — $1,079 | 5 | +22% |
| Los Angeles, CAMajor | $797 | $512 — $1,001 | 5 | +28% |
| New York, NYMajor | $820 | $461 — $1,193 | 5 | +31% |
| Irvine, CA | $833 | $319 — $1,199 | 6 | +33% |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $852 | $197 — $1,084 | 6 | +36% |
| Newport Beach, CA | $870 | $265 — $1,194 | 6 | +39% |
| Dallas, TXMajor | $878 | $697 — $1,017 | 3 | +41% |
| Chicago, ILMajor | $903 | $749 — $1,153 | 3 | +45% |
| Phoenix, AZMajor | $926 | $789 — $1,040 | 3 | +48% |
| Beverly Hills, CA | $1,033 | $819 — $1,193 | 4 | +65% |
Recovery & Aftercare
The treated area will appear white (frosting) immediately, then become red, swollen, and tender. Blistering is common and normal — don't pop blisters. Apply antibiotic ointment and keep covered with a bandage. Avoid sun exposure on the area. Healing takes 4–6 weeks per session. Sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow fading. Full removal typically takes 6–12+ sessions.
Risks & Side Effects
Common side effects include blistering, scabbing, swelling, and temporary darkening or lightening of the skin. Risks include scarring (especially with older technology), permanent hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, incomplete removal (some colors like green and yellow are harder to remove), and infection. Dark skin tones face higher risk of pigmentation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions does tattoo removal take?
Typically 6–12 sessions for significant fading, depending on ink colors, density, and your immune response. Amateur tattoos may only need 4–6 sessions. Complete removal is not always possible.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Most patients describe it as a rubber band snapping against the skin. It's generally more painful than getting the tattoo. Numbing cream or cooling devices help manage discomfort.
Can all tattoo colors be removed?
Black and dark blue respond best to laser removal. Red, orange, and purple respond well with the right laser. Green, yellow, and white are the hardest to remove and may require more sessions or specialized lasers.
Similar Treatments
Find Laser Tattoo Removal Near You
Get free quotes from top-rated providers