Tattoo removal: Duration, costs and tips at a glance
Faded colours, inappropriate body area or change of life circumstances: there are many reasons for tattoo removal. Find out more about laser treatments, alternative methods and prices in Switzerland.
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1. What methods exist for tattoo removal?
Laser treatment is the most effective and safest method for tattoo removal. It offers reliable results over several treatments. Alternative methods are less effective and carry a higher risk of scarring. They are thus used less often.
Lasering tattoos away
Meist wird bei der Laserbehandlung die Hautstelle im Vorfeld mit einer Betäubungscreme betäubt. Dann wird das Tattoo durch kurze, starke und konzentrierte Laserstrahlen behandelt. Das Laserlicht bricht die Farbe in kleinste Partikel auf. Der Körper kann sie so abbauen. Bei gewissen Anbietern wird die Therapie mit einer fraktionalen Lasertherapie kombiniert, was ein besseres Ergebnis als die alleinige Behandlung mit dem Tattoolaser erzielt.
Latest technology: Different lasers and wavelengths are used depending on the colour. So-called picosecond lasers are particularly effective. These emit very short laser pulses (a picosecond is one millionth of a millionth of a second). They can even remove multicoloured tattoos.
Low risk: the pigments of professionally inked tattoos are in the middle layer of the skin. Laser treatment therefore does not injure the upper layer of the skin. This keeps the risk of scarring low.
Important to know: tattoo lasering does hurt more than the stinging during tattooing. However, with numbing beforehand and cooling during the treatment, it is well tolerated.
Surgical tattoo removal
Surgically removing a tattoo is rarely recommended. Although effective, the method often leaves unsightly scars. However, surgery can be a solution for small, narrow tattoos. Get advice in advance.
During tattoo removal surgery, the tattoo area is given a local anaesthetic and the skin (with tattoo) is removed with the scalpel. The skin is then sewn back together. Antibiotics are only used at risk sites and not as standard. They prevent infection but do not speed up healing or prevent inflammation.
Dermabrasion
For this, a high-frequency sander removes the tattooed skin down to the deeper layers. The skin is iced beforehand. An open wound remains after treatment, which may hurt for up to three weeks.
The method is rarely used and not recommended by professionals as the results can be unreliable.
Chemical peeling
Chemical peeling (exfoliation) for tattoo removal involves applying fruit acids to the skin. These destroy the skin’s uppermost layers. The exposed pigments are removed with a mill or dissolved by another chemical substance.
The method is painful and requires local anaesthetic. Surrounding areas of skin are also damaged, so chemical peeling is not recommended.
2. What should I consider before tattoo removal?
Skin problems, some diseases and taking certain medications may rule you out for tattoo removal. Be sure to clarify risk factors with the provider before removing your tattoo.
What you need to know:
Find out in advance about risks, the chance of success and the price.
Look for a reliable provider, preferably a medical professional.
Take note of quality: a good result depends on the provider and the laser device.
Your skin shouldn’t be deeply tanned: don’t expose the tattoo to sunlight for four weeks before the treatment.
Tattoo removalduring pregnancy. is not recommended
If your tattoo is still recent, it must heal completely before laser treatment.
3. Who can laser my tattoo?
Dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and tattoo studios offer laser treatment.
To improve health protection during cosmetic laser treatments, the Ordinance on Protection against Hazards from Non-Ionizing Radiation and Noise (V-NISSG) has been in force since 1 June 2019. It was introduced with a transitional period of five years.
The following has applied from 1 June 2024: the treatment provider needs a certificate of competence to carry out a laser treatment.
Tattoo removal prices vary enormously between providers. Start the price comparison beforehand.
4. How long does tattoo removal take?
The number of sessions needed for complete tattoo removal depends on many factors. How big is your tattoo? How intense is the colour? Was it inked by an amateur or a professional?
From six to 12 sessions are required in most cases. White tattoos, certain colours, and large professional tattoos may take longer. Amateur and organic tattoos are usually less vibrant and can be removed more quickly.
One session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. A small tattoo may only take five minutes. The tattoo should fade after each laser treatment. An interval of about 8 weeks is needed between the individual sessions. This helps the skin to heal and the pigment to break down.
5. Can any tattoo be removed with a laser?
In general: yes, every tattoo can be removed. However, some tattoos are better suited for laser treatment than others. Darker colours such as black, dark blue or dark grey are usually easier to remove than red, yellow and orange.
Some tattoos cannot be removed completely. They remain as a ”ghost tattoo”, a shadow at the tattoo site. It is not possible to predict which tattoos can be removed completely and which cannot.
6. What are the risks of laser treatment?
Mild side effects may occur after laser treatment. A risk of scars, burns or colour changes only exists if the laser is not used properly. Possible side effects of professional laser tattoo removal include:
The skin region initially turning white
Then redness, swelling and crusting
Blistering
Mild bleeding
Wound healing problems and wound infections
The symptoms improve after a few days. The wound should heal after a week. An ointment with antibiotics applied after therapy can help prevent infection.
A skin crust forms on the tattoo after laser treatment. This dissolves on its own within a few days. Don't scrape it off! Otherwise, a scar may form. Also, to prevent infection, never pop blisters.
Pigments may also remain in the body. These usually collect in the lymph nodes. Whether the ink particles are harmful is not yet known.
7. How do I care for the skin after laser treatment?
To ensure that your skin heals well and doesn’t scar, get infected or suffer tissue damage, note the following tips:
Cool the area of skin being lasered before, during and after the treatment.
Cover the area with a wound dressing for the first three to four days.
apply a suitable ointment to the wound.
Refrain from shaving the treated skin until it heals.
Relieve itching when needed with a moisturizer.
Do not use makeup or other skin irritants.
However, do pay attention to sun protection, as the skin is particularly sensitive.
8. Does my health insurance cover tattoo removal?
Tattoo removal is generally considered a beauty treatment. Basic health insurance does not cover the cost of tattoo removal or the cost of possible complications.
9. How much does tattoo removal cost?
Would you like to have your tattoo removed by a specialist? Compare prices here:
Prices in Zurich
| Health facility | < 5cm diameter* | 5–10cm diameter* | > 10cm diameter* | Treatment provider & number of sessions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tattoo Renaissance | 70–90 | 120–160 | From 240 | Laser expert; 8–12 sessions |
| Dermanence | 80–150 | 250 | From 300 | Laser expert; 6–10 sessions |
| Prevention Center | 100–150 | 150–250 | From 250 | Doctor; at least 6 sessions |
| Avorya – Bettina Kerbler | From 250 | From 250 | From 250 | Not available |
| Beautyclinic – Dr. med. Nikolaus Linde | approx. 250–400 | approx. 400–500 | From 650 | Cosmetic professional; 7–10 sessions |
| Face Atelier – Haus zur Pyramide | From 300 | From 500 | From 800 | Doctor; 6–10 sessions |
* Price per session (francs) per size of tattoo
Are you a provider of tattoo removals and not yet listed? Contact us at aerzteverzeichnis@comparis.ch. We would be glad to review your request.
Sources (some links not available in English):
This article was edited by Dr Marianne Meli, specialist in dermatology and venereology.
