If you have searched for a single price for tattoo removal, you have probably noticed there is no straightforward answer. That is not clinics being cagey, it is simply because no two tattoos are the same. The cost of removing a small, faded black wrist tattoo is worlds apart from clearing a dense, multi-coloured chest piece. Understanding the main tattoo removal cost factors helps you set a realistic budget and ask the right questions before you commit.
In short, the price comes down to how much laser work your tattoo needs, and that depends on its size, the ink involved, its age, where it sits on your body and how your skin responds. At our nurse-led clinic in Menora, sessions start from $150, but the total cost is always tied to your individual tattoo. Below we break down each factor so you can see what is driving the figure, and why a free consultation gives you the most accurate picture.
Size: the biggest single driver
Size moves the price the most, and it works in two ways. A larger tattoo takes more time and more laser passes per session, raising the per-session cost, and bigger pieces often need a similar number of sessions to smaller ones, so the cost adds up across the whole course.
A small symbol or piece of lettering might be treated quickly in a single short session, while a half-sleeve or back piece is a much larger undertaking. The good news is that we offer discounts for large tattoos, which helps soften the cost of treating a sizeable area over time. To compare what a small design versus a full sleeve really costs, our companion guide on small tattoo versus full sleeve removal costs walks through the numbers.
Ink colour and density
Not all ink behaves the same under a laser. Black ink absorbs laser light most readily and tends to fade fastest, which usually makes black tattoos the most cost-effective to remove. Stubborn colours such as greens and blues are harder to shift and often need more sessions, which adds to the overall cost.
Density matters too. A bold, heavily packed tattoo with layers of saturated ink takes more work than a fine-line piece with plenty of skin showing through. This is where the right technology earns its keep. We use a dual system combining picosecond and nano-second (Q-Switched) lasers, the Q-Switched laser is highly effective on black, while the picosecond laser helps break down those tricky greens and blues. Matching the laser to your ink keeps your course as efficient as it can realistically be. For a deeper look at why colour changes the bill, see our guide on why coloured ink changes the price.
Age of the tattoo
An older tattoo has usually had years for the body to begin breaking down the ink naturally, so it often starts out a little faded, and faded ink generally responds in fewer sessions than fresh, vivid ink. A tattoo from last year with crisp, dark lines may need more treatments than one from a decade ago. It is not a hard rule, some older tattoos were heavily inked and still need a full course, but as a general pattern, age can work in your favour when it comes to cost.
Placement on the body
Where your tattoo sits affects how quickly it clears, and therefore how many sessions you are likely to need. Tattoos closer to the heart, on the chest, upper back and upper arms, tend to fade faster because blood flow and lymphatic circulation in those areas help carry away the broken-down ink. Tattoos on the extremities, such as the hands, fingers, ankles and feet, are further from the heart and often clear more slowly, which can mean a longer course.
Placement does not change the price of a single session, but it influences the total number of sessions, and that is what ultimately shapes your overall spend.
Ready to get a real figure?
The fastest way to replace guesswork with a clear number is a quick chat. Book your free phone consultation and we will talk through your tattoo and give you honest, personalised guidance, no pressure, no obligation.
Skin type and how you heal
Your skin type plays a role in how your treatment is planned and paced. The laser settings are tailored to work safely for your skin, and a careful, conservative approach protects your skin while still making steady progress. Pacing treatment sensibly is part of getting a good result, and it is one of the reasons a nurse-led, medically supervised setting matters.
Most people will experience some redness, mild swelling and occasionally blistering after a session, all of which are normal parts of the process. We use Zimmer cooling during treatment to keep you more comfortable, and we walk you through how to look after the area afterwards. Good aftercare supports healthy healing between sessions, which keeps your course on track. Our pre and post-treatment care guide covers exactly what to do.
Professional versus amateur tattoos
The way a tattoo was applied affects removal too. Professional tattoos are usually inked deeper and more densely, with higher-quality, more saturated pigments, which can mean more sessions. Amateur or stick-and-poke tattoos are often shallower and less evenly packed, and may clear in fewer sessions, though they can sometimes be unpredictable because of inconsistent ink depth.
As a general guide, most tattoos take somewhere between five and fifteen sessions, spaced around six to eight weeks apart, with results building gradually over weeks and months as your lymphatic system clears the broken-down ink. Where your tattoo lands in that range depends on the combination of factors above.
Why a free consultation gives you the truest quote
Every factor interacts with the others, which is exactly why an online price calculator can only ever give you a rough idea. The most reliable way to understand your cost is to have your tattoo looked at properly.
Our clinic is dedicated solely to tattoo removal, and registered nurse Marissa, trained under Lorenzo Kunze of the iLaser Academy, will give you honest guidance on how many sessions your tattoo is likely to need and what that means for your budget. We will also talk through whether you are after full removal or a lighter fade for a cover-up, since that changes the plan too. For the bigger picture on pricing, our complete guide to tattoo removal costs in Perth ties it all together.
Get in touch for your free, no-obligation consultation and we will give you a clear, personalised quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a single tattoo removal session cost?
Sessions at our Menora clinic start from $150. The exact figure depends mainly on the size of your tattoo, with discounts available for large tattoos and for referrals. A free consultation gives you a precise quote for your piece.
Which tattoos are the cheapest to remove?
As a rule, small, older, faded black tattoos placed closer to the heart are the most cost-effective, because they tend to need the fewest sessions. Large, dense, brightly coloured or recently applied tattoos usually cost more overall.
Can you tell me the exact number of sessions I will need upfront?
No honest clinic can promise an exact number, because skin and ink vary from person to person. We can give you a realistic range based on your tattoo, typically five to fifteen sessions, and refine that as we see how your tattoo responds.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes. We offer discounts for large tattoos and for referrals. The best way to understand what applies to you is to book a free phone consultation and we will explain your options clearly.