Tattoo removal has become a popular service offered as many people now want to erase tattoos that are unsightly or do not fit in with their personal or professional image. For beauty clinics, dermatology centers, and even aesthetic practices, tattoo removal is a good economic opportunity. However, when purchasing beauty equipment supplies to provide this treatment, it is essential to comprehend the pricing factors.
If you are planning on expanding your business and offering tattoo removal services, this guide will explain how much does tattoo removal cost and the factors that determine the price of treatments.
The Average Cost of Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal costs differ due to many reasons such as technology used to conduct the procedure, the color, location, size of the tattoo, and many more. Usually, one session of laser tattoo removal ranges from $100 – $500. Still, most patients need more than one session which brings the total amount to an average between $1,000 – $5,000+.
As for business owners looking to expand their services to include tattoo removal, having an idea of prices beforehand will be helpful when deciding on which beauty equipment supplies to purchase for your clinic.
Also, the expense of equipment and the price per session needs to be incorporated into your business plan if you want to turn a profit.
Important Considerations for Tattoo Removal Pricing
There are several factors that may influence the pricing of tattoo removal. By understanding such factors, a clinic can set a strategic price and also decide on the right equipments to invest in.
Tattoo Size and Complexity
The size of the tattoo and its complexity is often one of, if not the most important determinant of the cost of removal. Bigger tattoos are more expensive to remove because they take more time and energy to treat, which subsequently costs more money to remove.
- Small tattoos (1-2 inches): Average price per session is $100-250.
- Medium tattoos (3-6 inches): Average price per session is $200-500.
- Large tattoos (7+ inches): Prices per session are above $500.
Tattoos with complex designs and intricate details or shading may take longer to remove, which also increases cost.
Number of Sessions Required
Most clients will need multiple sessions to completely remove the tattoo. The number of sessions needed varies based on:
- Ink depth (How deep the tattoo ink was injected in the skin)
- Ink density (How much ink was used)
- Type of laser technology used
Some tattoos fade after 3-5 sessions while others may require 8-12 sessions. In the end, this all leads to increased cost.
For clinics to achieve fast and efficient results, investing in top-quality beauty equipment supplies is critical.
Ink Type and Color
Different colors of tattoo ink impact how easily the tattoo can be removed. Some colors are more difficult to treat using lasers, resulting in higher costs:
- Black ink tattoos are the easiest to remove because they absorb all wavelengths of the lasers.
- Red, orange, and dark blue inks can also be treated well.
- Green, yellow, and purple inks tend to be more difficult to remove and need advanced specialty lasers.
The type of ink used also matters. Amateur tattoos and older tattoos usually employ an easier fading ink whereas professional tattoos utilize high-density inks which require more time to be removed.
The Tattoo’s Location and Skin Type of the Person
The Fitzpatrick skin type scale categorizes the grades of skin and how they respond to laser treatments. Lighter skin types tend to receive faster results, but darker skin types require modification of the laser settings to prevent pigmentation problems which increases the number of sessions needed.
Where the tattoo is located affects how fast it fades as well:
- Tattoos on high blood circulation areas (arms, chest, back) are much faster to fade than others.
- Tattoos on low circulation areas (hands, feet, and ankles) take a longer time to remove.
This can be particularly important for businesses as they counsel clients on treatment outcomes.
Technology of the Laser
The technology of the laser utilized for tattoo removal greatly influences the price. Clinics tend to invest in more advanced lasers since they yield quicker, more efficient results in fewer sessions.
Some common types of lasers include:
- Q-Switched Lasers are the most popular form of technology used for the removal of tattoos. They are capable of removing most colors of ink but often take multiple sessions.
- Picosecond lasers are new and advanced types of lasers that require fewer sessions for patients since the ink particles are broken down more effectively. Picosecond lasers, however, tend to be highly priced.
When purchasing supply for beauty equipment, one-off expenses are not the only thing businesses have to think about. The ability of the machine to shorten treatment time and maximize client happiness also plays a part in determining its price.
Other Business Expenses
In addition to the per-session fee, businesses that provide tattoo removal services also have to consider operational and maintenance costs when calculating the price.
Costs for Equipment and Maintenance
High quality tattoo removal lasers, like other expensive equipment, are costly to acquire.
Tattoo removal lasers fall in the price range of $20,000 and $150,000 depending on the brand and specifications. The clinic must also reserve some budget for:
- Machine upkeep and servicing
- Replacement handpieces and lenses.
- Technician training and certification program.
In order to make a profit, service prices should be set with this in mind.
Operational Costs
The tattoo removal service, like any other, has some overhead costs that include:
- Rent and bills associated with the clinic.
- Advertising and marketing designed to get new clients.
- Salary expenses for the certified personnel carrying out the procedures.
If these expenses are incorporated into the pricing, then the business will be able to stay afloat financially.
Options for pain relief
During the sessions of tattoo removal, some customers prefer to use numbing creams and freezing tools. The investment into these services may involve higher costs for aesthetic supplies such as skin-cooling devices or anesthetic gels, which must be included in the price.
Ways to increase profitability from tattoo removal services
Making any profits will be difficult without striking a balance between how competitively priced the services are, and how effectively the business is run. Consider these ideas:
- Consider selling multi-session packages: Clients will always need multiple sessions, so pre-paying guarantees multi-session packages.
- Purchase effective equipment: Good quality laser machines have a high markup, but time-consuming procedures mean that more clients can be served.
- Client Education: Honesty regarding the procedure, the outcomes, and the potential costs fosters trust which is essential for building long-lasting relationships with clients.
When analyzing tattoo removal cost and setting treatment fees, businesses have to balance client value with business cost to remain competitive in the market.
Conclusion
The costs for tattoo removal are impacted by many variables such as the size, color and type of ink of the tattoo, the person’s skin type, and the technology of the laser and equipment used. For aesthetic companies purchasing beauty equipment supplies, optimizing their operational costs with good quality lasers is the challenge in meeting the market demand.
By being proactive with these strategic pricing policies and their related cost factors, clinics and aesthetic centers will be able to widen their scopes in offering tattoo removal services while increasing the number of clients who want quality services.
