Tattoo Removal Prices & FAQs

Please note: these prices are a guide. A confirmed quote will be given at your appointment.

FAQs available below the pricing table.

How to measure your tattoo correctly for sizing and pricing:

• Measure the height and the width of the tattoo at the widest points, then ADD the 2 numbers together. This will give you the total size in centimeters (cm). Please refer to the size and price chart above.
• If the tattoo is just an outline, please still measure the full tattoo as your guide.
• If the tattoo fits in-between sizes, go up one size as an estimate.
• If you have multiple individual tattoos that are not joined together, measure the height and the width of each tattoo then add all numbers together for the total size and price. It is cheaper to quote this way rather than pricing each tattoo individually.
• If the tattoos are close together, it may be cheaper to measure them as one larger tattoo. Kristy can help with this if you are unsure.
• Custom and partial tattoo removal may be charged above the normal price due to the extra time it takes for the preparation.
• There are 2 pricing options. The above prices indicate single treatments paid at each visit or prepaid discounted packages of 4 treatments.
• For a free estimate over the phone, please text a photo of the tattoo to 0499383821, along with the height and width measurements. If possible, it may also be helpful to hold a tape measure or ruler against the tattoo in your photo so that Kristy can assist with the correct measurements.

Booking your appointment:

• Skin Sensations runs by appointment only and a $50 deposit is required for all bookings.
• For consultations without a treatment, the cost will be $50.
• If you have a treatment on the same day as your consultation, the $50 can go towards the cost of the treatment or will be transferred to secure your next booking.
• Deposits will be refunded on the completion of your treatments if all the cancellation policies have been met, or you can redeem your deposit at your final booking.
• Deposits are not refundable if a booking is cancelled without sufficient notice or if you fail to attend an appointment.
• Please no walk-ins. Appointments are required, even for a quick measure and quote - however there is no cost for this.

Preparing for your treatment:

• New tattoos need to be completely healed and must be at least 8 weeks old before the removal process can commence.
• If needed, numbing cream can be purchased over the counter from the chemist. Apply a thick layer 1hr before the appointment, wrap with cling film then reapply 1/2hr before the appointment. Arrive with the cling film still on.
• Please shave any hair from the tattooed area before your appointment. Shaving before applying numbing will also help the cream to work more effectively.
• Skin Sensations clinic encourages all tattoo clients to seek advice from a medical practitioner who is familiar with the effects of laser treatments. This advice should be followed before, during and after the course of treatments.
• It is important to avoid UV exposure before and after any laser treatment and to notify the clinic if the skin has been sunburned within 4 weeks before treatment
• After leaving the clinic you will need to allow time to ice the area for several hours. This is essential to remove any heat from the skin and to promote optimal healing.
• Ice will be provided after each treatment to get you home, however you will need to have cold packs prepared at home to continue icing.
• If you are travelling more than 30mins to your appointment, we recommend packing a small eski or cooler bag with cold packs for the drive home.
• Skin Sensations has the aftercare healing balm available for purchase and will provide a paper copy of the aftercare instructions.

Which laser device does Skin Sensations use?

Skin Sensations uses the Cutera Enlighten III - the world's first and ONLY laser procedure to feature powerful specifications in both nano and pico second technology. This means you can enjoy better results in significantly fewer treatments and better clearance on a wider range of ink colours on all skin types. The Enlighten III really is the gold standard of tattoo removal!

What qualifications does the Laser Technician have?

Kristy is a skilled Laser Technician with all mandatory Queensland Radiation qualifications and licensing as well as holding a Queensland Radiation Safety Officer certificate.

How many treatments are needed?

There are a lot of factors to consider when giving an estimate of how many treatments it will take to remove the tattoo. For example: the amount of ink that was injected into the skin, how deep the tattoo is, what colour the ink is, what type of ink, the location of the tattoo, the age of the tattoo and how efficiently your immune system can clear the ink after each session. When you come in for a consultation, Kristy can look at your tattoo and review all of this with you. In general, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 sessions but in some cases, more.

How much time do I allow between treatments? 

The minimum time between treatments is 6 to 8 weeks. The skin heals very quickly - usually within a few days to a week. But extra time is needed between treatments to give your body's immune system time to flush out the ink particles we have broken down into smaller pieces. As treatments progress, we may recommend more time between sessions for best results.

Are there any contraindications?

• If you are breastfeeding or are pregnant, you will need to allow a minimum of 3mths before commencing tattoo removal.
• If you are taking any photo-sensitising medications, you will need to allow 2-4 weeks after you stop taking the medication. If you are permanently on this medication, medical clearance is required.
• We will need to reschedule your appointment for a later date if you are unwell. 

Is there a cancellation policy? 

7 days notice is required to cancel any booking. If you have a confirmed booking and don't attend, the deposit or one of the prepaid treatments is forfeited. You will need to pay another $50 to secure the next booking. The deposit may also be forfeited if not enough notice is given for a cancellation and we do not have enough time to fill the appointment time slot. 

If I miss an appointment and I'm on a prepaid course what happens then?

If you give 7 days notice to cancel a booking, nothing happens. Simply reschedule the appointment. If no notice is given you will forfeit your $50 deposit or one of the prepaid treatments.

Is there any downtime?

You can go about your normal routine but avoid sun exposure. Limit the amount of physical activity that you do in the first 24 hours and any other activity that may bring heat to the skin. Showers can be taken but only if they are cool to lukewarm and you use a mild soap.

What does the skin look like after the treatment and how can I care for the skin?

The skin generally heals quickly but there are a few key things you can do to help your skin heal beautifully. Icing the area is essential immediately post treatment, until there is no heat left in the skin. If you don't ice, you increase the risk of blisters. During initial treatments, a white "frosting" will appear. This diminishes quickly and is part of the chemical reaction that takes place between the ink and the laser. Subsequent treatments will see less frosting - as the ink reduces, so does the frosting. The skin may be red, swollen & puffy and it can also look blood shot. You may also experience blanching, bruising or pin point bleeding. This is all normal though! Use our prescribed Health Recovery Balm at least 3 times per day for the first week . This will reduce the risk of blistering and promote optimal healing. Blistering can happen with advanced treatments and Kristy can guide you on caring for blisters should they occur.

Does the laser cause scarring?

Most of the time no. To avoid scarring it is important to be compliant with aftercare instructions as it is your responsibility. If you are not compliant with aftercare instructions and develop a blister it could cause scarring. If you already have a scar under the tattoo it will still be there when the tattoo is removed. If there is a lot of ink in the skin and the tattoo is raised above the skin surface, that has caused a scar already, then it may still be there after the removal of the ink.

Does it hurt?

The treatment can be uncomfortable for some people however, it is over and done with very quickly! Most treatments take between 30-60 seconds depending on the size of the area. We cold pack the skin and use a localised chilled air cooling machine with a continuous flow of chilled air before, during and after your laser session, which minimises discomfort. For larger tattoos, we recommend the use of an over the counter numbing cream. This takes the edge off and can be sourced from your local pharmacist. Most patients describe laser tattoo removal as a hot stinging sensation but often comment on how much faster the removal procedure is compared with getting the tattoo done initially.

Can I lighten the tattoo to have another one put on top?

Yes, depending on the colours of the tattoo. Very dark tattoos with lots of ink on the skin will require more treatments. Check with the tattoo artist in-between appointments to see if it is light enough to apply the new tattoo over the top. You should wait for a minimum of six weeks between your last treatment and when you apply the new tattoo.  

Can someone come in the room with me while I'm having the treatment done?

Yes, we have safety glasses that can be worn, but preferably only one person having the removal in the treatment room. I have a comfortable waiting room that your guests can sit in.

How old do I have to be to have tattoo removal done?

There isn't an age restriction, however, if the client is under 18 years of age we will need a parent or guardian to be present and a medical certificate.

Will the tattoo become lighter with one treatment?

Depending on the amount of ink and your natural skin tone, in a lot of cases we can see visible fading after one treatment. In some cases it may take 2 or 3 sessions before a significant reduction is visible. But your skin is working hard under the surface to clear treated ink.

If the tattoo looks healed can I come in before 6-8 weeks?

The body starts breaking down the ink after the treatment and even though the tattoo may appear healed, it may not be. For this reason, we wait 6-8 weeks between sessions. This gives your immune system time to flush out treated ink.

Can I have part of the tattoo removed?

Yes, Kristy is experienced and our tattoo removal machine is accurate so we can remove unwanted parts of tattoos.

I have permanent make-up (lip liner, eyeliner, eyebrows). Can you remove it?

Please text Kristy on 0499383821 to determine if your specific cosmetic tattooing can be treated.

I got my tattoo one week ago. Can I have it removed right now?

Unfortunately, no. You must wait 8 weeks after a tattoo has been put on to start the laser tattoo removal process. 

Can multi-coloured tattoos be removed fully?

In most situations yes, but not always. This depends on the make up of the ink that has been used. Kristy can discuss this with you in more detail.

How does ink type impact tattoo removal?

Amateur and homemade inks can sometimes be easier to remove. Amateur tattoo artistry often means that the ink is not as deep as a professionally trained artist. There are also a variety of inks that professionals use that can make the removal process more difficult. All tattoos are very much individually put on. It is very difficult by just looking at the tattoo without a treatment to say for certain how many treatments it will take to remove. Different inks will respond differently to laser treatment.

Why do some tattoos disappear faster than others?

There are many factors that go into the number of sessions an individual needs to remove a tattoo. Because ink types, depth of ink penetration and skin type vary, so does the number of sessions needed. The skin is one of the body’s largest organs. Healthy organs are more resilient. A patient’s level of hydration, the strength of the immune system and overall health are also factors. The age of the tattoo is another factor as well as the location on the patient's body.

How does it work?

During the treatment, laser energy is delivered to the tattoo using ultra-short nanosecond or picosecond pulses. The pulses deliver a mechanical effect that shatters the ink particles into small pieces which are easily eliminated through the lymphatic system. Over time as the particles are removed, your tattoo lightens and ink-free skin will appear.

After the first laser tattoo removal treatment, you'll notice a temporary whitening (frosting) of the treated area. Over time, the tattoo will fade and the skin returns to its normal colour. Each session may look a little different afterwards as we customise the settings based on your progress, to ensure we achieve the best result every time.