GITNUXREPORT 2025

Tattoo Removal Statistics

Majority regret tattoos; laser removal success varies, costs increase with size.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The average cost of laser tattoo removal in the US is about $200 to $500 per session

Statistic 2

The total global tattoo removal market size was valued at approximately $63 million in 2020 and is projected to grow

Statistic 3

The average tattoo size is around 3-4 inches in diameter, influencing removal time and cost

Statistic 4

Approximately 34% of people aged 18-29 in the United States have at least one tattoo

Statistic 5

Approximately 60-70% of people who seek tattoo removal are women

Statistic 6

Children and teens aged 15-19 account for about 11% of all tattoo procedures in the US

Statistic 7

About 23% of tattooed individuals regret getting a tattoo

Statistic 8

The most common reason for tattoo removal is regret, cited by about 50-60% of patients

Statistic 9

Laser tattoo removal can cause side effects such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring in some cases

Statistic 10

The healing process after tattoo removal may take several weeks, during which patients should avoid sun exposure to minimize scarring

Statistic 11

Patients with darker skin tones may face higher risks of pigmentation changes after laser removal procedures

Statistic 12

Laser tattoo removal sessions can range from 2 to 10 or more depending on tattoo size and ink density

Statistic 13

The success rate of laser tattoo removal is approximately 60-80% clearance of ink after multiple treatments

Statistic 14

The average number of sessions needed for complete tattoo removal decreases with smaller tattoos, often 2-4 sessions

Statistic 15

Dark ink colors such as black and blue are easier to remove than lighter colors like yellow and green

Statistic 16

The likelihood of complete tattoo removal increases with newer laser technology, which can target different ink colors more effectively

Statistic 17

The most common type of laser used for tattoo removal is the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

Statistic 18

The pain level during tattoo removal can vary, with some patients describing it as similar to the tattooing process

Slide 1 of 18
Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

  • Approximately 34% of people aged 18-29 in the United States have at least one tattoo
  • About 23% of tattooed individuals regret getting a tattoo
  • Laser tattoo removal sessions can range from 2 to 10 or more depending on tattoo size and ink density
  • The success rate of laser tattoo removal is approximately 60-80% clearance of ink after multiple treatments
  • The average cost of laser tattoo removal in the US is about $200 to $500 per session
  • The total global tattoo removal market size was valued at approximately $63 million in 2020 and is projected to grow
  • The most common type of laser used for tattoo removal is the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser
  • The pain level during tattoo removal can vary, with some patients describing it as similar to the tattooing process
  • Approximately 60-70% of people who seek tattoo removal are women
  • The most common reason for tattoo removal is regret, cited by about 50-60% of patients
  • Laser tattoo removal can cause side effects such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring in some cases
  • The average number of sessions needed for complete tattoo removal decreases with smaller tattoos, often 2-4 sessions
  • Dark ink colors such as black and blue are easier to remove than lighter colors like yellow and green

Did you know that nearly one in four young adults in the U.S. regrets their tattoo, fueling a booming industry where laser removal treatments now range from $200 to $500 per session and promise 60-80% ink clearance with evolving technology?

Cost and Market Size of Laser Tattoo Removal

  • The average cost of laser tattoo removal in the US is about $200 to $500 per session
  • The total global tattoo removal market size was valued at approximately $63 million in 2020 and is projected to grow
  • The average tattoo size is around 3-4 inches in diameter, influencing removal time and cost

Cost and Market Size of Laser Tattoo Removal Interpretation

With the tattoo removal industry projected to swell from a $63 million market and the average inked canvas costing up to $500 per session to erase, it seems many are discovering that what’s inked on your skin often costs more than it’s worth—especially when size and complexity bump up the price.

Demographics and Age Groups

  • Approximately 34% of people aged 18-29 in the United States have at least one tattoo
  • Approximately 60-70% of people who seek tattoo removal are women
  • Children and teens aged 15-19 account for about 11% of all tattoo procedures in the US

Demographics and Age Groups Interpretation

While nearly one-third of young Americans sport tattoos, the fact that 60-70% of removal seekers are women and teenagers make it clear that today's ink is just as likely to be tomorrow's retreat—highlighting both the fleeting nature of youth and the evolving perceptions of body art.

Reasons, Safety, and Skin Considerations

  • About 23% of tattooed individuals regret getting a tattoo
  • The most common reason for tattoo removal is regret, cited by about 50-60% of patients
  • Laser tattoo removal can cause side effects such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring in some cases
  • The healing process after tattoo removal may take several weeks, during which patients should avoid sun exposure to minimize scarring
  • Patients with darker skin tones may face higher risks of pigmentation changes after laser removal procedures

Reasons, Safety, and Skin Considerations Interpretation

While nearly a quarter of tattooed individuals regret their ink and half cite regret as the main reason for removal, the pursuit of a clean slate comes with its own risks—ranging from unpredictable pigmentation to scars—reminding us that deleting memories inked on the skin isn't as simple as pressing delete.

Tattoo Removal Effectiveness and Success Rates

  • Laser tattoo removal sessions can range from 2 to 10 or more depending on tattoo size and ink density
  • The success rate of laser tattoo removal is approximately 60-80% clearance of ink after multiple treatments
  • The average number of sessions needed for complete tattoo removal decreases with smaller tattoos, often 2-4 sessions
  • Dark ink colors such as black and blue are easier to remove than lighter colors like yellow and green
  • The likelihood of complete tattoo removal increases with newer laser technology, which can target different ink colors more effectively

Tattoo Removal Effectiveness and Success Rates Interpretation

While laser tattoo removal boasts a 60-80% success rate and fewer sessions for smaller tattoos, it's a reminder that even in today's tech-driven world, some inks—especially the stubborn greens and yellows—still cling on, proving that beauty and ink are often a matter of persistence and pigment.

Types, Techniques, and Pain Management

  • The most common type of laser used for tattoo removal is the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser
  • The pain level during tattoo removal can vary, with some patients describing it as similar to the tattooing process

Types, Techniques, and Pain Management Interpretation

While the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser stands as the industry’s go-to tool for erasing ink, wielding it often prompts a pain that, for some, echoes the original tattoo experience—proof that even removal has its own stubborn scars.