The tattoo laser removal cost in Eau Claire, WI, starts at $97 per session. Your laser tattoo removal price can be higher, depending on the treatment area size, your skin type, and ink saturation, among other factors.
In this post, we’ll guide you on the average tattoo removal session cost, how many sessions you need, and what to expect at your upcoming appointment. Keep reading, and let’s help you plan your budget for laser tattoo removal!
What Is Tattoo Removal and How Does It Work?
Laser treatment for tattoos breaks down the pigments embedded in the skin. Using high-intensity laser beams, the ink is broken down into smaller fragments, absorbed by the body, and metabolized out of your system.
This process is called phagocytosis, where specialized white blood cells digest the ink particles. Once engulfed by these cells, the ink particles will be flushed out of your body naturally.
Here at Eau Claire Body Care, we use the FDA-approved PicoSure and Q-switched lasers for our non-invasive laser procedure. It targets the tattoo pigments without harming surrounding tissues. Also, it breaks up ink clusters while keeping the outer layer of your skin intact.
Not only that, the PicoSure Q-switched lasers can tackle hard-to-erase green and blue tattoo colors. The lasers are also adjustable based on your skin type and skin tone, ensuring effective tattoo removal for almost all clients.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Molly Rodriguez
15 years of experience
Alternative Methods (and Why They’re Less Common)
Aside from lasers, there are other safe tattoo removal options, but they are not as common. Here are some of the alternative treatments, how they work, and why clients prefer laser removal over them:
Surgical tattoo removal. With surgical tattoo removal, the skin is grafted to remove the inked area. However, it’s invasive and only suitable for small tattoos. It also leaves scars and at a higher risk for infection.
Chemical peel. Deep chemical peels, like TCA, can be used to lighten certain tattoo colors. However, it can’t remove deep and multiple colors, not to mention that it requires some level of aftercare.
Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion involves ‘sanding’ the tattooed skin using a diamond wheel or wire brush tool. It strips the epidermis and part of the dermis where the tattoo ink is deposited. Unlike laser removal, dermabrasion isn’t precise and causes pain, scarring, and potential infections.
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?
The average price of tattoo laser removal ranges from $97 to $127 per session. This depends on certain factors we’ve discussed below. Generally, bigger and more colorful tattoos will cost more to erase due to multiple sessions and the extensive treatment they require.
What’s Included in the Price?
The cost of removing tattoos through laser includes the treatment itself and a follow-up check. Here at Eau Claire Body Care, you can also book an initial consultation for $29, where we assess your tattoo, discuss a custom treatment plan, and what you can expect from the procedure.
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Factors That Affect the Cost of Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal pricing is on a sliding scale due to the following factors:
Tattoo Size & Placement
The cost to remove a tattoo with laser mainly depends on the length and width of the treatment area. For example, a full sleeve tattoo will cost way more to remove than a simple fine line tattoo. Bigger tattoos take longer to treat and often require more sessions to remove fully.
Tattoos located in sensitive areas, such as the face and neck, require more careful treatment, which translates to more sessions. At the same time, tattoos in areas with poorer blood circulation, such as the elbows and knees, will also need more laser appointments than other areas.
Ink Color & Saturation
Dark tattoo colors are easier to remove since they absorb laser beams more efficiently. Meanwhile, brighter and lighter colors like yellow and green often require more sessions, which will make the tattoo removal costlier.
Aside from that, heavily saturated tattoos that use more ink deposits will also need more extensive laser treatments. This means you’ll need more sessions than others, which adds up to your professional tattoo removal cost.
Age of the Tattoo
Fading old tattoos requires fewer sessions than newer and fresher inks. Tattoo ink fades over time, so older ones are easier and quicker to remove. Meanwhile, newer tattoos are still vibrant and embedded deeper into the skin, which takes more time and treatments to erase.
Skin Type & Health
Your Fitzpatrick skin type classification is also one of the cost factors for tattoo removal. Those with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II often require fewer laser tattoo removal sessions due to the prominent contrast between their skin color and tattoo ink.
Meanwhile, it’s more challenging to perform laser tattoo removal for darker skin types III to VI. These are prone to pigment alteration, which significantly increases the per-session tattoo removal cost.
Remember that the combination of your skin type and ink color is one of the main factors in the treatment cost. You can book a consultation with our certified laser technician for treatment plan customization and a custom quote.
Type of Laser Used
Advanced laser technology for tattoos costs more than traditional lasers. While it costs more, these newer lasers are more effective in tackling a wider range of ink colors, making it worth the price for those with extensive tattoos.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
On average, most clients require 5 to 10 laser tattoo removal sessions to see substantial results. Each tattoo removal session duration is about 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the tattoo size.
Overall, you’ll need a number of sessions for tattoo removal, spaced weeks apart to allow your skin to heal before the next appointment.
Here are the average laser tattoo removal sessions you’ll need based on Fitzpatrick skin type:
Skin types I and II – 5 to 8 sessions
Skin types III and IV – 6 to 10 sessions
Skin types V and VI – 8 to 12 sessions or more
Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Most clients tolerate the discomfort of our laser tattoo removal treatment. They describe the sensation as something similar to a rubber band snapping on their skin.
Don’t worry, because we have pain management options to keep your laser session as comfortable as possible. We use topical numbing creams to minimize the discomfort, and we can also adjust the laser setting to match your pain tolerance.
Is Tattoo Removal Safe?
Laser tattoo removal is generally safe when provided by a legitimate and licensed technician. It’s also important that you follow your provider’s aftercare and healing instructions to avoid any adverse side effects.
Side Effects to Know
As with any cosmetic treatment, laser tattoo removal has its share of mild side effects. This includes temporary redness, tenderness, scabbing, and blistering on the treated area. All these typically resolve in a few days without needing medical attention.
The risk of scarring is low when the laser treatment is performed properly. However, you should be aware that there’s a risk of permanent lightening (hypopigmentation) and darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin, especially for darker skin types.
Choosing a Qualified Tattoo Removal Clinic
For your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment, trust only a licensed local tattoo removal provider. Here’s what you should look for:
License and medical credentials. Only licensed and certified laser technicians should provide laser treatments. For example, here at Eau Claire Body Care, you’ll receive laser tattoo removal from a registered nurse with a master’s degree in public health.
Experience and track record. You should get your laser tattoo removal from a reputable clinic like Eau Claire Body Care. We have 10+ years of industry experience providing laser treatments guaranteed to be safe and effective.
Modern laser technology. Look for a laser clinic that uses Q-switch or picosecond lasers, as these can be used on almost every skin type and tattoo color.
Transparent pricing. No one wants surprise fees when going for any treatment. To make sure you can plan your budget properly, look for a clinic that provides a detailed cost estimate based on tattoo size, color, placement, and skin type.
Tattoo Removal Financing & Payment Options
Some laser clinics offer different payment schemes for their tattoo removal methods. This way, you can erase your “inked regrets” without dipping into your savings. Here’s what you can expect:
Pay-As-You-Go vs. Packages
Most laser clinics in Eau Claire, WI, offer a pay-as-you-go scheme where you pay for each session you book upfront. You can also ask for package deals where you can save money when you book multiple sessions at once.
Financing Plans & Low-Monthly Payments
Some laser clinics also offer financing and flexible payments, where you only pay a fixed fee each month. This can be a cost-effective option for those who are getting large tattoos erased, as it can be expensive upfront.
Tattoo Removal vs. Cover-Up: What’s More Affordable?
In general, tattoo cover-up is more affordable than laser tattoo removal, especially for large areas. However, cover-ups are just another form of tattoo, which will embed more ink into your skin.
If you’re planning to have a ‘clean canvas’ for a new tattoo or simply to erase an old one, laser tattoo removal would be a better option. Take note that cover-ups may require future removal, which will be costlier since there’s more ink on your skin.
FAQs About Tattoo Removal Pricing
Do bigger tattoos cost more to remove?
Generally, bigger tattoos cover more skin surface, which requires longer and more laser sessions. This will add to the total tattoo removal cost.
Does the color of ink impact cost?
Yes, both the tattoo size and color complexity affect the cost of your laser tattoo removal. Certain colors, such as green, blue, yellow, orange, and pink, absorb less light, which will need more laser sessions to remove fully.
Can tattoos be fully removed?
Yes, tattoos can be fully removed using modern laser technology, but it will require multiple sessions. It’s important to space out each session within weeks to reduce the risk of scarring and infection.
Does insurance cover tattoo laser removal?
No, tattoo removal is generally not covered by health insurance since it’s an elective cosmetic procedure. However, certain exceptions may apply, depending on the inclusions of your policy. This includes tattoo removal due to allergic reactions, infections, or reconstructive surgery after trauma. It’s best to refer to your insurance policy to learn about your possible coverage.
Can you remove a tattoo in one session?
In most cases, you need more than one laser session to remove a tattoo fully. Tattoo ink is embedded deep into your skin, and your body also takes time to metabolize the broken-down ink particles. Depending on your tattoo, it may take 5 to 12+ sessions to achieve the desired results.
Get a Personalized Tattoo Removal Quote!
Interested in laser tattoo removal and want to get a custom quote? Contact us at Eau Claire Body Care Medical Spa for a consultation and personalized estimate.
For 10+ years, we’ve been providing FDA-approved, safe, and effective laser tattoo removal in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We’re also recognized as the #1 medical spa in VolumeOne’s The Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll!
With Eau Claire Body Care, your skin will be in good hands. Contact us today and let’s finally erase your unwanted tattoos!
