Just in the last year, searches for “tattoo removal” in the U.S. on Google have increased 40%, compared to 2020.
Laser tattoo removal has increased in popularity over the years, and it's no surprise. You see, tattoos have become a normal part of our culture, and while they can be beautiful and worthwhile, opinions on art change over time.
Tattoo removal in itself is nothing short of a miracle. And Pico technology is still relatively new. The next step up in laser tech is likely a decade or more away, and will likely take a billion dollars of R&D funding.
The need for tattoo removal has increased due to changes in fashion and lifestyle trends. People frequently get their tattoos removed for various reasons, including career goals, social circumstances, and other individualized factors that drive the global tattoo removal market growth.
While there are no official statistics on the numbers of people who have tattoos removed, a survey undertaken by McCrindle suggests that about one-third of individuals who have been tattooed subsequently say they have some regret about the decision, and one in seven (14%) have either “commenced or looked into tattoo ...
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.
With the rising popularity of tattoos, it's no surprise that tattoo removal has become a lucrative industry. The tattoo industry itself is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, with a significant portion of that revenue coming from tattoo removal.
As of Mar 8, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Tattoo Removal in California is $50.70 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $188.13 and as low as $13.76, the majority of Tattoo Removal salaries currently range between $20.62 (25th percentile) to $37.98 (75th percentile) in California.
At each of these moments there's an opportunity for laser tattoo removal to go wrong. When proper procedures and protocols are not followed there's a possibility for things to go badly, in some cases resulting in skin discoloration, textural change or even scarring.
Some believe the number of clients wanting to get inked has declined, while others claim there's simply been a shift in how discerning people are when choosing an artist. Jason John Miles, a tattoo artist and content creator, said the industry is in a "bad state." Artists are struggling to fill their books.
What is picosecond laser technology, and how does it differ from traditional laser removal? Picosecond laser technology utilizes ultra-short pulses to shatter ink particles into finer fragments, potentially leading to faster clearance, especially for stubborn pigments and multicolored tattoos.
Tattoo removal: Tips for recovery
Tattoos used to be considered permanent, but thanks to advances in laser technology, today's lasers can get rid of tattoos more safely and effectively, including removing tattoo ink with fewer treatments and treating ink colors that were once difficult to remove.
Pete Davidson burned off all his tattoos: details
"I've been burning them off," Davidson told Fallon about his tattoo removal process. "They're almost gone." "Is it painful?" Fallon asked. "It's horrible," Davidson said with a laugh.
Laser tattoo removal can leave behind skin that is lighter than the skin around it. Other risks include possible scarring, infection, pinpoint bleeding, redness, or soreness, none of which should last for long.
The ink that breaks down is processed through the liver, so it is important to discuss liver problems with your doctor before proceeding. Keep in mind that a healthy liver will have minimal to no issues, but a liver that is already struggling could end up with adverse effects.
Tattoo removal in 2024 is no longer complicated or painful, thanks to advanced lasers like PicoSure, PicoWay, and RevLite. As more people seek fresh starts, whether due to personal growth, career changes, or evolving aesthetics, tattoo removal is becoming more popular than ever.
North America dominated the tattoo removal market with a market share of 35.92% in 2024. Moreover, the tattoo removal market in the U.S. is expected to grow significantly, reaching USD 1.06 billion by 2032. Increasing demand for laser-based and non-invasive removal treatments is driving market growth.
Are Newer Tattoos Easier to Remove? The short answer to “are newer tattoos easier to remove” is “no”. Newer tattoos aren't easier to remove via laser technology than older tattoos. But, many factors come into play as to how easy or difficult a new tattoo may be to remove, alongside its age.
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.
Tattoo Removal. With tattoo removal becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking to get rid of their ink, nearly 1 in 4 (23%) Americans plan to have tattoos removed in the future. In fact, 51% plan to have one tattoo removed. Nearly 3 in 4 (73%) Americans like tattoos and 39% proudly bear their own ink.
Here is a sampling of states that are unusual in requiring a certain background to perform laser tattoo removal: California: Only Nurses/Physician Assistants/Nurse Practitioners/Physicians can fire a laser.
A tattoo removal technician is an individual who uses specialized equipment and skills to remove permanent ink tattoos from a client's body. The job requires laser technology knowledge and have a variety of techniques to provide safe and effective treatments to clients.