How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on the size, color, and depth of the tattoo, as well as the number of sessions needed, typically six to ten sessions spaced weeks apart. Because every tattoo responds differently to treatment, The Luxe MedSpa recommends a consultation to provide a personalized quote.

How many sessions does tattoo removal take, and is there downtime?

Most tattoos require six to ten sessions, typically spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow proper healing and pigment clearance between treatments. The treatment causes minimal downtime, though the total timeline depends on the tattoo's size, color, ink density, and depth, along with how your individual skin responds to each session.

Is laser tattoo removal painful?

Discomfort during laser tattoo removal is usually mild to moderate, often described as a quick snapping sensation similar to a rubber band snap against the skin. Numbing options are available to help improve comfort during treatment, and most sessions are brief, so any discomfort is short-lived.

Who is a good candidate for laser tattoo removal?

Good candidates are patients looking to fade or remove an existing tattoo who understand that multiple sessions are needed for the best results. The treatment is designed to be safe for a range of skin types, and a consultation helps confirm candidacy and set realistic expectations for the specific tattoo.

What are the risks or limitations of laser tattoo removal?

Because different ink colors respond differently to laser energy, some colors fade more easily than others, and lighter pigments may require additional sessions. Some tattoos can be fully removed while others may only be significantly faded, depending on the ink and skin response. Discomfort is generally mild to moderate and temporary.

Home » Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal in Upper Arlington, OH

Quick Facts

Treatment
Time

10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo

Sessions Needed

Typically 6 to 12, though it varies considerably. See the FAQ below

Interval Between Sessions

6 to 8 weeks, to allow your body to clear the fragmented ink

Downtime

Minimal. Redness and swelling for a few days, with aftercare required

Results Timeline

Progressive fading across the full course rather than session by session

Pricing

Priced per session by tattoo size. See the cost FAQ below

Fade or Remove Unwanted Ink With Tattoo Removal in Upper Arlington, OH

Tattoo removal is one of the few aesthetic treatments where the honest version of the pitch is more persuasive than the optimistic one. It takes multiple sessions across many months, some inks clear far more readily than others, and complete removal is not guaranteed for every tattoo.

At The Luxe MedSpa in Upper Arlington, OH, serving patients across Columbus and central Ohio, that assessment happens before you commit rather than after your third session. What you should leave a consultation with is a realistic session estimate for your specific tattoo and a clear view of what the end result is likely to look like.

Tattoo Removal Before and After

What Is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal uses precisely targeted light energy to break up the ink particles held in your skin. Tattoo ink sits in the dermis, deeper than the layers that naturally shed, which is why a tattoo is permanent without intervention.

The laser delivers energy in extremely short pulses, absorbed by the ink rather than the surrounding tissue. That absorption shatters the particles into fragments small enough for your immune system to carry away, which is the part patients most often misunderstand: the laser does not remove the ink; your body does. The laser only makes the fragments small enough to be cleared.

That explains the timeline. Sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart precisely because clearance is a biological process happening in the weeks between appointments, not during them. Rushing the interval does not speed up removal and increases the risk of skin reaction.

Benefits of Tattoo Removal in Columbus, OH

Pico Laser Efficiency: Uses ultra-short pulses to break down tattoo ink more effectively than traditional lasers, supporting faster and more consistent fading.
Effective Ink Reduction: Breaks down tattoo pigment for gradual fading or complete removal.
Advanced Precision: Targets ink with accuracy while protecting surrounding skin.
Safe for Multiple Skin Types: Designed to treat a variety of skin tones and tattoo colors.

How Does Tattoo Removal Work Over a Course of Treatment?

Fading is progressive, and it is rarely even. The outer edges and the lightest areas of a tattoo generally clear first, while dense black areas and heavily saturated sections take longer. Many patients find the first two sessions produce the most visible change, and later sessions work on what remains.

Ink color is the single largest variable, and it is worth understanding before you begin. Black and dark blue absorb laser energy across the broadest range and clear most readily. Reds and oranges respond reasonably well. Greens and light blues are more stubborn. Yellow, white, and some pastel shades are the most resistant and may not clear completely at all.

Other factors affect the timeline too, including how old the tattoo is, how deep the ink was placed, whether it was applied professionally or amateur, where it sits on the body, and how efficiently your lymphatic system clears the fragments. Tattoos on the extremities generally take longer than those on the torso because circulation there is less efficient.

Areas Tattoo Removal Treats

Tattoo removal can be performed almost anywhere on the body, though location affects both comfort and the number of sessions required. Areas with better circulation clear faster.

Arms

Among the most commonly treated areas and generally well tolerated.

Forearms

Highly visible in professional settings, which is a frequent reason for removal.

Upper Arms

Larger pieces here often need more sessions simply because of surface area.

Wrists

Thinner skin over bone, so treatment here is more sensitive.

Hands and Fingers

Well tolerated with good circulation, which supports clearance.

Shoulders

Slower to clear, as circulation in the extremities is less efficient.

Chest

Treated with attention to skin thickness, which varies across the area.

Back

Good circulation and thicker skin generally make this a favorable area.

Neck

Highly visible and frequently prioritized, treated with care given the thinner skin.

Behind the Ear

Small pieces here are common and usually straightforward.

Face

Treated conservatively, with careful assessment before any course begins.

Eyebrows (Cosmetic Tattoo)

Microbladed or tattooed brows, which require a different approach to body ink.

Lips (Cosmetic Tattoo)

Permanent lip color, treated with particular care in a sensitive area.

Abdomen

Larger pieces treated across multiple sessions.

Hips

Generally well tolerated with reasonable clearance rates.

Thighs

Common for larger work, with clearance typically slower than the torso.

Calves

Lower leg circulation means these often need more sessions.

Ankles and Feet

The slowest areas to clear, and among the most sensitive to treat.

Unwanted Tattoos: The most common reason, where the design no longer reflects who you are.
Faded or Blurred Tattoos: Older work where lines have spread and the design has lost definition.
Poorly Executed or Amateur Tattoos: Work that did not turn out as intended, including stick-and-poke and homemade tattoos.
Regretted Tattoo Designs: Decisions made at a different point in your life.
Tattoos in Visible or Professional-Facing Areas: Hands, neck and forearms, where visibility matters for work.
Names or Symbols No Longer Meaningful: Ink tied to a relationship, affiliation, or period you have moved on from.

Tattoos Being Prepped for a Cover-Up: Partial fading to give a tattoo artist a cleaner canvas to work over.
Partial Removal for Rework: Removing a section rather than the whole piece, so the rest can be reworked.
Permanent Makeup and Cosmetic Tattoos: Including brows and lip color, which need a different technique from body ink.
Microbladed Brows That Have Shifted Color: Brow work that has turned grey, blue, or orange over time.
Tattoos That Have Migrated or Spread: Ink that has blurred beyond its original lines.
Ink That Conflicts With Employment or Military Requirements: Where removal is needed for a specific standard or role.

Who Tattoo Removal Is For

Good candidates are in good general health, have realistic expectations about the timeline, and understand that the number of sessions is an estimate rather than a promise. Patients who understand this are consistently the most satisfied with the outcome.

It also suits people who want partial rather than complete removal. Fading a tattoo for a cover-up generally takes considerably fewer sessions than clearing it entirely, so if a tattoo artist has told you a piece needs lightening first, that is a shorter and less expensive course than full removal.

Skin tone is a genuine consideration and one this page will not gloss over. Laser tattoo removal can be performed on deeper skin tones, but the risk of pigment change is higher, and it requires the right wavelength, conservative settings, and a provider who will tell you honestly if the risk is not acceptable for your skin. That assessment happens at consultation.

Treatment is not appropriate over active infection, sunburn, or open skin in the area. Recent isotretinoin use requires waiting, a history of keloid scarring needs careful assessment, and certain photosensitizing medications affect suitability. Tattoo removal is also avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scarring and What to Expect Afterward

Modern laser tattoo removal is designed to target ink rather than surrounding tissue, which means significant scarring is uncommon when the treatment is performed correctly and the aftercare is followed. It is not impossible, and any page claiming zero risk is overselling.

The most common cause of scarring is not the laser. It is picking at blisters or scabs during healing, which is why aftercare matters as much on this treatment as anything we offer. Some patients also see temporary pigment change, either lighter or darker than surrounding skin, which usually resolves over months.

Immediately after a session, expect redness, swelling, and a frosting appearance over the treated area that settles within minutes to hours. Blistering is normal and not a complication. The area needs keeping clean, covered,d and out of the sun, and specific instructions are given at each appointment.

What Tattoo Removal Works Alongside

Tattoo removal is usually a standalone course rather than part of a plan. Several of our other treatments come up in the same conversation, though, either because patients ask about them or because they are relevant once a course completes.

Pico Laser Treatment: Picosecond laser technology, used for pigment and ink concerns with very short pulse durations.
Laser Hair Removal: Frequently asked about in the same appointment, though it uses a different wavelength and targets pigment in the follicle.
MOXI Laser: Addresses overall tone and texture, sometimes used after a removal course completes to even the treated area.
Morpheus8 RF Microneedling: Improves skin texture at depth, occasionally relevant where older tattoo work has left textural change.
QuantumRF: Radiofrequency skin tightening, unrelated to ink but often discussed alongside body treatments.

Why Choose The Luxe MedSpa for Tattoo Removal in Upper Arlington, OH

Tattoo removal is a course of treatment rather than an appointment, which means you are choosing who you will see every six to eight weeks for the better part of a year. Honest expectation-setting at the start matters more here than on almost anything else.

Physician-Led Practice: Dr. Carlos Sanchez is the founder and medical director of The Luxe MedSpa, a board-certified interventional cardiologist who brings a medical rather than purely cosmetic standard to the practice.
A Realistic Session Estimate Upfront: Your tattoo is assessed on ink color, age, depth, placement,nt and size before you commit, so the estimate reflects your specific piece.
Honest About Ink Colors: You will be told which colors in your tattoo are likely to clear readily and which may not clear completely, rather than finding out after several sessions.

Honest About Skin Tone: Where deeper skin tone raises the risk of pigment change, that is discussed directly and settings adjusted accordingly, or an alternative recommended.
Partial Fading for Cover-Ups: If your tattoo artist needs a lighter canvas rather than a clean one, that is a shorter course, and we will plan it that way.
Progress You Can See: Before and after documentation in our gallery shows fading across full courses rather than single sessions, which is the honest way to show this treatment.

Tattoo Removal Pricing and Payment Options

Tattoo removal is priced per session and scaled to the size of the tattoo, since a small piece behind the ear and a full sleeve involve very different amounts of time and energy. Because a full course involves multiple sessions, the useful number to discuss is the total rather than the individual visit.

Your estimated session count and total cost are given at consultation once your tattoo has been assessed. If your budget is a factor, say so, because partial fading and prioritizing one area over another are both legitimate ways to plan a course.

Memberships: Our Luxebux membership at $50 per month banks funds toward any service with 10% off products and services, and Luxebux VIP at $150 gives 15% off. Funds never expire, which suits a treatment paid for across many months.
Patient Financing: CareCredit and Cherry payment plans are available and are commonly used for removal courses, since the cost is spread across a long timeline.

Areas We Serve

The Luxe MedSpa is located on Northwest Boulevard in Upper Arlington. We serve patients across the Columbus metropolitan area and central Ohio, with many traveling from the neighborhoods and suburbs listed below.

Dublin
New Albany
Bexley
German Village
The Short North
Victorian Village
Hilliard
Grandview Heights
Worthington
Westerville
Upper Arlington

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions are needed for tattoo removal in Columbus, OH?

Most tattoos require 6–10 sessions, depending on the size, color, and depth of the ink. Your provider will recommend a personalized plan based on your tattoo and goals.

How far apart are tattoo removal sessions?

Treatments are typically spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow proper healing and pigment clearance. Timing may be adjusted based on your skin’s response.

Is tattoo removal painful?

Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and can feel like a quick snapping sensation on the skin. Numbing options are available to help improve comfort during treatment.

Can all tattoo colors be removed?

Many colors can be treated, including black, blue, green, and purple. Some lighter or resistant pigments may require additional sessions.

Will my tattoo be completely removed?

Some tattoos can be fully removed, while others may be significantly faded, depending on the ink and skin response. Many patients choose fading for cover-up purposes.

How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost in Columbus, OH?

Our Luxebux membership banks monthly funds toward any service with 10% or 15% off depending on tier, and funds never expire, which suits a treatment paid across many months. CareCredit and Cherry payment plans are also available and commonly used for removal courses.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Most tattoos need somewhere between six and twelve sessions. The range is genuinely wide, and it depends on factors specific to your tattoo: the ink colors involved, how old it is, how deeply the ink was placed, whether it was professional or amateur work, its size, and where it sits on your body.

You will be given an estimate at consultation, and it is an estimate rather than a guarantee. Partial fading for a cover-up generally takes considerably fewer sessions than complete removal, so tell us which outcome you want.

Does Tattoo Removal Leave Scarring?

Significant scarring is uncommon when treatment is performed correctly and aftercare is followed, because the laser is designed to target ink rather than surrounding tissue. It is not impossible, and it would be wrong to tell you otherwise.

The most common cause of scarring is picking at blisters or scabs during healing rather than the laser itself, which is why the aftercare instructions matter so much on this treatment. Temporary pigment change, either lighter or darker than surrounding skin, is also possible and usually resolves over months. A history of keloid scarring

Is Tattoo Removal Safe for Darker Skin Tones?

It can be, with the right wavelength and conservative settings, and this deserves a straight answer rather than a reassuring one. Laser tattoo removal carries a higher risk of pigment change in deeper skin tones, because the laser can affect the melanin in your skin as well as the ink in the tattoo.

That risk is managed through wavelength selection, lower energy settings, and longer intervals between sessions, which generally means a longer overall course. Where the risk is not acceptable for your skin, you will be told so directly at consultation rather than partway through a course.

How Do I Care for My Skin Between Tattoo Removal Sessions?

Keep the area clean and covered as directed, apply the ointment you are given, and do not pick at blisters or scabs under any circumstances. That last one is the single most important instruction, since picking is the most common cause of scarring after an otherwise straightforward session.

Keep the treated area completely out of the sun between sessions and use broad-spectrum SPF once it has healed, as sun exposure on treated skin raises the risk of pigment change. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and strenuous exercise for the first few days, and skip shaving or exfoliating the area while it heals.

Can Tattoo Removal Be Used to Fade a Tattoo for a Cover-Up?

Yes, and it is one of the more useful things we do. If a tattoo artist has told you a piece needs lightening before it can be covered, partial fading gives them a cleaner canvas and generally takes far fewer sessions than complete removal.

Tell us at consultation that fading rather than removal is the goal, and bring any guidance your artist has given you about how light the piece needs to be. Planning to a cover-up target rather than to clear skin changes both the session count and the cost.

Which Tattoo Colors Are Hardest to Remove?

Black and dark blue clear most readily, because they absorb laser energy across the broadest range of wavelengths. Reds and oranges respond reasonably well. Greens and light blues are more stubborn and typically need more sessions.

Yellow, white, and some pastel shades are the most resistant, and in some cases may not clear completely at all. If your tattoo contains those colors, you will be told what to expect before you begin rather than discovering it after several sessions.

Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Most patients describe it as uncomfortable rather than unbearable, and comparable to being snapped with a rubber band or having the tattoo done in the first place. Sessions are short, generally ten to thirty minutes depending on size, and comfort measures are available.

Discomfort varies with placement. Areas over bone such as the wrists, ankles, and ribs are more sensitive than the fleshier parts of the arms, back, or thighs.

Why Do Sessions Need to Be Six to Eight Weeks Apart?

Because the clearing happens between appointments rather than during the session, the laser fragments the ink; your immune system then carries those fragments away over the following weeks. That process needs time, and treating again before it has run its course does not speed up removal.

Shortening the interval also increases the risk of skin reaction and pigment change without improving the result. That is why the spacing is not something we negotiate on, even when patients would prefer to move faster.

Will My Tattoo Disappear Completely?

Often, but not always, the honest answer depends on your specific tattoo. Many tattoos clear to the point where they are not noticeable. Others leave a faint shadow or a trace of the most resistant colors, particularly where yellow, white, or heavy pastel work is involved.

What you should get at consultation is a realistic view of what your end result is likely to look like, based on the ink colors in your piece and how it was applied. That is a more useful thing to know at the start than a guarantee nobody can honestly make.

Book a Tattoo Removal Consultation in Upper Arlington, OH

The most useful thing a consultation does for this treatment is set your expectations properly. You should leave knowing how many sessions your tattoo is likely to need, which colors will clear readily and which may not, and what the end result will realistically look like.

Call (614) 453-2056 or book your consultation at The Luxe MedSpa, 3025 Northwest Blvd, Upper Arlington, OH 43221. We see patients from across Columbus and central Ohio.

Tattoo Removal in Upper Arlington, OH