How much does it cost to remove a 3 inch tattoo?

Author: Valentina Jakubowski  |  Last update: Monday, October 13, 2025

Okay, we can hear you thinking, “This is a little vague for me!” so here are some specifics about how much one session of tattoo removal costs: 1 square inch: $75 per treatment. 2 square inches: $100 per treatment. 3 square inches: $150 per treatment.

How long does it take to remove a 3 inch tattoo?

For example, small tattoos that are only a few centimeters or inches and do not involve great quantities of ink may only require 4 or 5 sessions to completely remove; larger tattoos with greater deposits of pigment may require 6 or more.

How much does it cost to remove a two inch tattoo?

The average cost for each tattoo removal session is $40 to $100 per square inch, and most tattoos are removed within four to six sessions. It's a common belief that tattoo removal is excruciating, yet most patients say that the sensation of removal is comparable to having a tattoo applied.

How much does it cost for a 3 inch tattoo?

On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 for a 3-inch tattoo. Simple designs might be on the lower end, while more detailed work could reach the higher end. It's always a good idea to consult with the tattoo artist for an accurate estimate based on your specific design and their pricing structure.

How long does a 3 inch tattoo take to heal?

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

Can tattoos be 100% removed?

It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.

How painful is tattoo removal?

Depending on what type of tattoo removal you choose, there may be varying levels of pain or discomfort. Some people say that removal feels the same as getting a tattoo, while others liken it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against their skin. Your skin may be sore after the procedure.

What is the cheapest way to remove tattoos?

Out of the three prescribed procedures, surgical removal is the cheapest at $150 to $350. Next is the laser tattoo removal at a national average of $463, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dermabrasion is a bit expensive – it can cost up to several thousands of dollars.

Why is tattoo removal so expensive?

Tattoo removal costs depend on various factors, including the size and complexity of the tattoo, the number of sessions needed, and the chosen removal method. Additional expenses can arise from pre- and post-procedure care, as well as potential complications.

What is the hardest tattoo to remove?

The Hardest Tattoo Colours to Remove

White is the hardest ink colour to remove. Why? Think about the colour spectrum. Black ink absorbs all wavelengths and retains the most heat, making it easier to break down with laser energy.

Is 3x3 a small tattoo?

Tattoo details.

It will take the stylist at least an hour for a small 3×3 inch tattoo. But if you want large imagery on your back, that could take multiple sessions and 20+ hours of work. The stylist will divide the process into multiple sessions.

Does insurance cover tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. Ask your plastic surgeon if they offer financing, including the CareCredit credit card, to pay for tattoo removal.

What is the shortest tattoo removal?

PicoSure treatments can take as little as 30 seconds, depending on the size of the tattoo. Generally 6 treatments is all that is needed to remove a tattoo.

Does tattoo removal leave scars?

While tattoo removals can leave scars, tattoo removal scars are uncommon. Still, they can happen, and you may even notice scars left behind from your tattoo when you get it removed. If your skin has irregularities, such as existing scars, you can expect these to remain after the laser removal.

Where is the most painful place to get a tattoo removed?

Some of the most painful places to have a tattoo removed are the rib cage, head, fingers, and feet as these are close to the bone. The least painful places to have a tattoo removal procedure are on the upper arms and thighs.

How expensive is laser tattoo removal?

The average cost of laser tattoo removal in North Hollywood ranges from $110 to $600 per session, depending on the size. Meanwhile, erasing a massive tattoo can cost you as much as $4,000+ for the entire treatment. In terms of pricing, medical spas have different approaches.

How to remove a tattoo at home?

One of the most common home tattoo removal methods we see talked about is salabrasion or rubbing the skin away with salt. It's an old method, and it does technically work, provided you rub enough skin off to reach the layer where the ink is held. You could also achieve the same effect with coarse sand or sandpaper.

What tattoos Cannot be removed?

Colors such as green, red, and yellow are the hardest colors to remove, while dark blue and black are the easiest. Flesh-colored tattoos, white ink, and permanent makeup are particularly tricky, because the pigment in these colors can oxidize (turn black) when treated by laser.

How do I get my license to remove tattoos?

In many states, performing laser tattoo removal typically requires certification as a laser technician or laser operator. These certifications often involve completing a training program that covers laser safety, skin anatomy, tattoo removal techniques, and proper equipment operation.

Are old tattoos harder to remove?

Older tattoos generally fade more easily with laser treatments than newer ones. For instance, a black tattoo that is ten years old may take one or two treatments less than a one year old black tattoo. Why? Because the body has already absorbed some of the tattoo's pigment throughout the years, making it easier to fade.

How many sessions does it take to remove a 3 inch tattoo?

This depends on the age, colors, size, and location of the tattoo. Larger tattoos may require between eight and 10 removal sessions. Smaller tattoos may require between five and seven removal sessions.

Did my tattoo go too deep?

While some redness, swelling, and scabbing is normal during the healing process, excessive pain, bleeding, and scarring may be a sign that the needle was too deep.

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