At Apollo Tattoo & Piercing Studio in Los Angeles, we’ve had the privilege of walking thousands of clients through their tattoo journeys—from bold beginnings to clean slates or thoughtful re-imaginings. While we don’t offer laser removal in-house, we work closely with vetted medical professionals in the area and specialize in the creative side of what comes next: reworks, reinventions and tattoo cover-ups in Los Angeles. Think of us as your design-forward co-pilot—we’ll help you understand costs, timelines, and options so you’re not just removing a tattoo, but making room for something new.
What This Guide Covers
This isn’t your average pricing chart. It’s a practical, honest look at what to expect—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether you’re still weighing your options or already booking consultations, this guide aims to demystify every stage of the process.
You’ll learn:
- What tattoo removal actually costs in 2025—especially in L.A.
- Why prices vary (it’s more than just size!)
- How many sessions you might need
- What the process feels like—and how to manage discomfort
- Smart ways to save money without compromising your safety
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost? (2025 Estimates)
Let’s get straight to what’s likely top of mind: How much will this cost me?
Laser tattoo removal isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s far more accessible than it was even five years ago. The price you’ll pay depends on multiple factors, including the complexity of the design, the colors used, your skin type, and the technology available at your chosen clinic.
Average Costs in Los Angeles (Per Session)
- Small tattoos (under 2″, black ink): $150–$250
- Medium tattoos (2–4″, some color): $300–$450
- Large or intricate pieces (multi-color, shaded, layered): $400–$600+
Keep in mind: those numbers are per session. Most removals require multiple treatments spaced out over months—so your total investment will depend on how many sessions your particular tattoo needs.
What Affects The Cost of Tattoo Removal?
Tattoo removal isn’t a one-size-fits-all science. In fact, it’s more like a unique equation, factoring in everything from your skin’s biology to the laser tech being used.
Key pricing variables include:
- Tattoo Size & Ink Saturation – A small, faint outline fades faster (and cheaper) than a dense, heavily shaded design.
- Ink Colors – Black ink breaks down easily. Bright colors—especially yellow, teal, and pastel tones—are more stubborn and often require more sessions.
- Skin Tone – People with deeper skin tones may require gentler laser settings, which can slow the process (but keeps things safer).
- Tattoo Age – Older ink tends to respond better, as it’s already faded a bit on its own.
- Location on the Body – Areas with less blood flow (like hands or ankles) take longer to heal, and may hold ink longer.
- Laser Type – Cutting-edge devices like picosecond lasers work faster and more effectively—but they also tend to come with a higher price tag.
- Clinic Experience & Location – Reputable clinics in central Los Angeles may charge more, but you’re also paying for better equipment and expert care—and that matters.
Understanding Tattoo Removal Sessions
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people are happy with partial fading to prep for a new piece, while others want every last trace of ink gone. On average, most clients undergo between five and ten sessions, spaced out over six to eight weeks at a time. The number can increase if your tattoo includes stubborn colors, complex shading, or if you have sensitive or older skin.
The math adds up quickly: five sessions might cost around $1,500; eight sessions could climb to $2,400 or more. That said, many clinics offer bundled packages that lower the per-session cost if you pay upfront or commit to a series—so it’s always worth asking about discounts.
Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Let’s be honest—it isn’t painless. But it’s usually not as bad as people fear.
Most describe the feeling as a quick, hot snap—like a rubber band snapping hard against your skin, or a concentrated burst of heat. Sessions are usually short, often lasting just a few minutes depending on the tattoo size. The discomfort is real but brief. Many clinics use numbing creams or cooling devices to minimize the sting, especially for more sensitive areas like the ribs or inner arms.
Ultimately, for many people, a few moments of discomfort are worth the long-term relief of no longer carrying ink that doesn’t align with who they are today.
How to Lower the Cost of Tattoo Removal (Without Compromising Safety)
You don’t need to compromise your safety—or your results—to stay within budget. Many reputable providers offer session bundles or loyalty pricing, like “buy five, get one free.” These packages can shave hundreds off your total cost without cutting corners on care. And if paying upfront feels daunting, financing tools like Klarna or CareCredit are widely accepted at professional clinics. They let you split the cost into manageable monthly payments so you can start treatment sooner without financial strain.
Another option to consider: fading instead of full removal. If your goal is to prep for a tattoo cover-up (something we specialize in at Apollo), partial removal might be all you need—often just 2–3 sessions instead of 6 or more. That’s a big difference in both time and money. What don’t we recommend? Bargain-basement clinics use outdated equipment or uncertified staff. Cheaper doesn’t mean safer. It’s your skin—invest in professionals who treat it like it matters. Because it does.
What Is Tattoo Removal Like in Los Angeles?
L.A. has one of the most advanced tattoo removal ecosystems in the country. Whether you’re near Echo Park, Downtown, or the Griffith Park area, you’ll find dozens of options—from boutique med-spas to high-tech dermatology offices.
Expect to pay between $250–$600 per session, depending on your specific situation.
Most top clinics offer:
- Licensed medical-grade lasers
- Clean, regulated treatment environments
- Experienced technicians who understand skin of all tones
Choose based on reputation, reviews, and results—not just price.
Alternatives to Laser Tattoo Removal
There are a few non-laser options, but they come with major caveats:
- Surgical Excision – Removes the tattoo entirely with a scalpel; best for very small designs. Scarring is guaranteed. Cost: $1,000–$2,500+
- Dermabrasion – Sanding off layers of skin. Rarely recommended anymore due to high risk of infection and scarring.
- Topical Creams – Almost never effective. Most aren’t FDA-regulated and can damage your skin.
Laser remains the safest, most effective removal method for most people.
Essential Aftercare for Tattoo Removal
Removal doesn’t end when the laser clicks off—aftercare is everything. Treating your skin well post-session ensures better fading and minimal complications.
Do:
- Apply cold compresses for 10 minutes at a time
- Use fragrance-free ointments like Aquaphor twice daily
- Keep the area clean, dry, and out of the sun
- Use SPF 50+ on treated skin for at least 8 weeks
- Support your immune system with rest, water, and healthy food
Don’t:
- Pick at scabs or blisters
- Submerge the area in pools or baths too soon
- Skip sessions or rush recovery
Your skin is doing deep work—give it grace.
Can you completely remove a tattoo?
In many cases, yes—especially when you’re dealing with black, dark blue, or red inks on lighter skin tones. These colors tend to respond best to laser energy and often fade close to completely. That said, even with the most advanced lasers, full removal isn’t always guaranteed—particularly for neon pigments or tattoos with heavy layering and saturation.
Your chances improve significantly if you’re treated with a picosecond laser, follow all recommended aftercare steps, and allow ample time for your skin to heal between sessions. With the right technology, a skilled provider, and a bit of patience, most people achieve 90–95% clearance—and in some cases, even more.
Tattoo Removal vs. Cover-Up: Two Powerful Ways to Start Fresh
Not every unwanted tattoo needs to disappear completely. In fact, for many of our clients, a tattoo cover-up in Los Angeles offers a faster, more affordable, and creatively empowering solution.
Here’s how to decide what fits best:
- If you want a completely blank canvas → full laser removal is best.
- If you just need to lighten bold lines or dark ink → consider a few laser sessions followed by a cover-up.
- If you’d prefer not to wait 6+ months for full removal → planning a cover-up may save time.
- If you’re emotionally ready to move on with fresh ink → a transformation piece could be perfect.
At Apollo, we specialize in designing custom tattoos that turn your past into powerful new art. We also work closely with laser providers across Los Angeles if fading is needed first. Whether you’re aiming for removal or reinvention, we’re here to help you explore what’s possible, judgment-free. Explore our full guide to laser removal vs. tattoo cover-ups.
Is Tattoo Removal Worth the Cost?
If you’re here, you’re already weighing whether this is the right move. We can’t answer that for you—but we can say that for many of our clients, tattoo removal is the first step toward self-alignment. It clears not just ink, but old energy.
And when you’re ready to move forward? As a trusted tattoo shop in Los Angeles, Apollo is here to help with cover-ups, reworks, or blank-page artistry. Whatever your next chapter looks like—we’re with you.
Say Goodbye to Your Tattoo Regrets and Hello To An Original Tattoo You’ll Fall in Love With
Removing a tattoo isn’t just about erasing—it’s about making space for something more aligned, more powerful, more you. Whether you’re stepping away from a past version of yourself or simply craving a design that better fits your present, the end of one tattoo journey can be the perfect beginning of another. And that’s where we come in.
At Apollo Tattoo Studio, we specialize in cover-up tattoos that do more than mask the past—they elevate it. Led by award-winning artist Blue Mason, our studio offers expert consultations, personalized design sessions, and jaw-dropping transformations that honor your story. Ready to turn regret into art you’ll love for life? Explore our cover-up tattoo services and book your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the average cost of laser tattoo removal?
The average cost of laser tattoo removal in 2025 ranges from $200 to $600 per session, depending on the size of the tattoo, its ink color, and the laser treatment method used. In Los Angeles, the total tattoo removal cost for full clearance typically falls between $1,200 and $5,000, especially for larger tattoos or those with complex shading. If you’re only looking to fade unwanted ink to prepare for a cover-up, the final price is often much lower—since fewer treatment sessions are required. Keep in mind that your skin type, tattoo colors, and number of removal sessions can all influence the overall tattoo removal process and how expensive it is to remove your tattoo completely.
Why do some tattoos cost more to remove than others?
Several variables affect how much tattoo removal costs. Larger tattoos or those with dense tattoo ink take longer to break down using laser tattoo removal treatment. Multicolored tattoos—especially those with lighter pigments like yellow or teal—often require more removal sessions. Your skin tone, laser type, and the age of the tattoo all influence how many sessions you’ll need and whether the tattoo removal method will work effectively. For people with darker skin tones, standard laser settings may need adjusting to reduce risk, which can also affect how expensive the removal will cost.
How does tattoo removal work, exactly?
The most common tattoo removal method uses high-powered laser treatment to break ink particles into tiny fragments. These are then naturally flushed out by the body. Different laser tattoo removal technologies target specific pigments, and your results vary based on skin type, tattoo depth, and overall health. Modern picosecond lasers have significantly improved outcomes and shortened the number of treatments needed—especially for challenging ink colors. Today’s laser tattoo removal sessions are more precise, less painful, and far more effective than older techniques like surgical removal or dermabrasion.
Is it cheaper to fade a tattoo than to remove it fully?
Yes. If your goal is to cover the tattoo later, fading the ink can be more cost-effective than full removal. The cost per session is usually the same, but you’ll likely need just 2 to 3 laser tattoo removal treatments instead of 6 to 10. That lowers your total tattoo removal cost significantly. It’s a great option for those getting ready for another tattoo or a custom cosmetic rework.
Can all unwanted tattoos be removed?
Most tattoos can be at least partially removed, but results depend on multiple factors. Black ink responds best to laser tattoo removal, while light colors like yellow, green, and pink are harder to fade. Tattoos created by amateur tattoo artists can also behave unpredictably. Still, with the right removal option, quality aftercare instructions, and enough treatment sessions, even older tattoos can fade dramatically or disappear entirely.
How do I choose the right clinic for laser tattoo removal?
Start by looking for a licensed dermatologist or certified laser technician who uses FDA-cleared equipment. A good clinic will customize your plan based on your skin tone, tattoo colors, and removal goals. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest provider, high-quality care typically avoids complications and saves you money long term.
Clinics recommended by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or those with experience treating people with darker skin, are often best. And if you’re in L.A., we can help connect you to vetted professionals near you.
What Does It Cost to Remove a 4-Inch Tattoo?
If your ink is around palm-size, you’re likely looking at the medium-to-large category—especially if it has color or shading.
Here’s what that typically means:
- $350–$500 per session
- 5–8 sessions on average
- Total range: $1,750 to $4,000
If you’re aiming to fade the tattoo rather than erase it completely—for a cover-up, for instance—you may only need 2 or 3 sessions, cutting both time and cost significantly.
