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Removal takes time
Laser tattoo removal uses very brief pulses of light that break the tattoo ink into tiny particles, which the body then gradually eliminates. Because each session treats only part of the ink, several sessions spaced several weeks apart are needed. The price is most often calculated per session, according to surface area, and the total cost depends on the number of sessions, which in turn depends on the size, colours, ink density and skin. More recent picosecond lasers can reduce the number of sessions. For the technique, see our page on laser tattoo removal.
The price of tattoo removal is calculated per session according to surface area, and the total cost depends on the number of sessions, often five to ten. Black and amateur tattoos fade faster than coloured and professional ones. The picosecond laser often costs more per session but can reduce the number needed. Lightening before a new tattoo requires fewer sessions. Tattoo removal is not reimbursed, except in particular situations.
What determines the number of sessions
Several factors influence the number of sessions, and therefore the total cost: size, colours, ink density, age of the tattoo, its location and skin type. Areas far from the heart, such as the ankles, often lighten more slowly.
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Black ink | Fewer sessions |
| Bright colours | More sessions |
| Amateur tattoo | Fewer sessions |
| Dense professional tattoo | More sessions |
| Old tattoo | Often fewer sessions |
| Distant area, such as the ankle | More sessions |
Price by surface area
The price per session increases with surface area. A small tattoo of a few centimetres costs considerably less per session than a large tattoo on the back or arm. Some clinics charge per square centimetre, others by size category.
| Waist | Budget per session |
|---|---|
| Very small, a few centimetres | Low |
| Medium, palm-sized | Moderate |
| Large, forearm or calf | Higher |
| Very large, back or full arm | Highest |
Nanosecond and picosecond lasers
So-called nanosecond lasers were long the standard. Picosecond lasers, with even shorter pulses, break the ink into finer particles, which improves the elimination of certain colours and can reduce the number of sessions. Their price per session is often higher; the total cost may be comparable, or even lower.
| Laser | Price per session | Number of sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Nanosecond | Lower | Often higher |
| Picosecond | Higher | Often reduced |
Regional differences
A tattoo removal session for a medium-sized tattoo costs slightly less outside the major cities; the tables detail these differences.
| Location | Canton | Instalment payment possible | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | Geneva | Often | Geneva baseline |
| Lausanne | Vaud | Often | 1–7% below Geneva |
| Bern | Bern | Often | 5 to 7% lower than Geneva |
| Basel | Basel-City | Often | 0 to 5% lower than Geneva |
| Zurich | Zurich | Often | 0 to 3% lower than Geneva |
| Zug | Zug | Often | 0 to 2% lower than Geneva |
| Lucerne | Lucerne | Depends on the clinic | 4–6% below Geneva |
| Lugano | Ticino | Often | 3 to 7% lower than Geneva |
| Canton | Reference centres | Instalment payment possible | Price level | Time to get an appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aargau | Zurich, Aarau | Depends on the clinic | 4–6% below Geneva | Varies with the season |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden | Herisau, St. Gallen | Depends on the clinic | 6 to 11% lower than Geneva | Two to four weeks |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden | Appenzell, St. Gallen | Depends on the clinic | 5 to 12% lower than Geneva | Two to three weeks |
| Basel-Country | Liestal, Basel | Often | 3 to 8% lower than Geneva | Varies with the season |
| Basel-City | Basel | Often | 0–6% below Geneva | Two to three weeks |
| Bern | Bern, Thun | Depends on the clinic | 5 to 10% lower than Geneva | Two to four weeks |
| Fribourg | Fribourg, Bulle | Often | 3 to 6% lower than Geneva | Two to three weeks |
| Geneva | Geneva | Often | Geneva baseline | Varies with the season |
| Glarus | Glarus, Zurich | Often | 3 to 7% lower than Geneva | Varies with the season |
| Graubünden | Chur, Davos | Often | 3–10% below Geneva | Two to four weeks |
| Jura | Delémont, Porrentruy | Often | 3 to 11% lower than Geneva | Two to three weeks |
| Lucerne | Lucerne, Zurich | Often | 1–7% below Geneva | About one month |
| Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel, Lausanne | Often | 2 to 7% lower than Geneva | Two to four weeks |
| Nidwalden | Stans, Lucerne | Often | 1–8% below Geneva | A few weeks |
| Obwalden | Sarnen, Lucerne | Depends on the clinic | 5 to 10% lower than Geneva | One to two months |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen, Wil | Depends on the clinic | 6 to 10% lower than Geneva | Varies with the season |
| Schaffhausen | Schaffhausen, Winterthur | Often | 3 to 6% lower than Geneva | About one month |
| Schwyz | Schwyz, Zurich | Often | 1–4% lower than Geneva | A few weeks |
| Solothurn | Olten, Bern | Often | 2 to 9% lower than Geneva | Two to three weeks |
| Ticino | Lugano, Bellinzona | Depends on the clinic | 5 to 10% lower than Geneva | Two to three weeks |
| Thurgau | Zurich, Winterthur | Depends on the clinic | 5 to 8% lower than Geneva | About one month |
| Uri | Altdorf, Zug | Often | 3 to 7% lower than Geneva | A few weeks |
| Valais | Sion, Monthey | Often | 3 to 11% lower than Geneva | About one month |
| Vaud | Lausanne, Nyon | Often | 0 to 5% lower than Geneva | One to two months |
| Zug | Zug, Lucerne | Often | 0 to 2% lower than Geneva | Two to four weeks |
| Zurich | Winterthur, Zurich | Often | 0 to 4% lower than Geneva | One to two weeks |
Lightening to re-tattoo
Many people are not looking for complete removal, but for enough lightening to have a new tattoo done over it. This option requires fewer sessions, so a lower budget, and often gives a better result than a direct cover-up.
Recovery
After a session, the area reddens, swells slightly and may form small blisters or scabs, which heal within one to two weeks. The area must be protected, the prescribed aftercare applied and the sun avoided.
Comparing offers
Compare the type of laser, the price per session, the estimated number of sessions, the medical setting and the aftercare included. Ask for an estimate of the total cost, not just of one session.
Three scenarios
A small black amateur tattoo on the wrist: a few sessions, moderate budget. A large coloured tattoo on the arm: many sessions, high budget. A tattoo to be covered: lightening in a few sessions.
What to plan for
Aftercare creams, dressings, sun protection, time between sessions.
Skin and precautions
On olive or dark skin, settings are adjusted to avoid light or dark marks. Tattoos containing certain pigments, particularly in permanent make-up, can darken on the first pass; a test on a small area is then useful.
Why you have to wait between sessions
After each laser pass, the fragmented ink particles are taken up by the skin's defence cells and gradually removed by the lymphatic system. This process takes several weeks. Bringing sessions closer together does not speed it up and increases the risk of irritation or scarring. This is why complete tattoo removal often extends over one to two years. It is worth factoring this time into your plans, for example ahead of an event or a career change.
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Session | Surgery day |
| Skin healing | One to two weeks |
| Ink elimination | Six to eight weeks |
| Next session | After six to eight weeks |
| Complete removal | Often one to two years |
Colours and wavelengths
Each colour absorbs certain wavelengths of light. Tattoo removal lasers have several wavelengths to target black, red, blue or green. A clinic equipped with several wavelengths treats coloured tattoos better. Some colours, such as yellow or white, remain difficult to eliminate, which can increase the number of sessions or leave a residue.
Why remove a tattoo
The reasons vary: a former partner's tattoo, a design that no longer suits, professional requirements, plans for a new tattoo, an amateur tattoo from one's youth. The goal, complete removal or lightening, determines the number of sessions and the budget.
Accidental tattoos
Particles of tar, dust or graphite can become embedded in the skin after a fall or an accident: this is known as a traumatic tattoo. Laser treatment of these may, in some cases, qualify for coverage, on a case-by-case basis. Voluntary cosmetic tattoos remain at the patient's expense.
| Situation | Usual management |
|---|---|
| Voluntary tattoo | Patient |
| Traumatic tattoo | Possible on a case-by-case basis |
Further reading
The technique, recovery and risks are explained in detail on our page Laser tattoo removal in Switzerland.
Compare with related procedures
- Vascular laser: prices in Switzerland
- Laser hair removal: prices in Switzerland
- Peel: prices in Switzerland
Our guides
Removing a tattoo: price and sessions
Quotes, payment, insurance: the essentials in short answers.
Tattoo removal: practical questions
Can the area be covered after the session? Yes, with a dressing for the first few days.
Is a recent tattoo harder to remove? It is advisable to wait until it has fully healed.
Does the laser damage the skin? With correct settings, the risk is low.
Is a tattoo caused by a fall reimbursed? A traumatic tattoo may be, on a case-by-case basis.
Is a test needed? For certain pigments, yes, on a small area.
Does bringing sessions closer together speed up removal? No, and it increases the risk of irritation.
How long does complete removal take? Often one to two years.
Do yellow and white fade? With difficulty; some residue is possible.
Should a clinic have several wavelengths? Yes, to treat coloured tattoos.
How is the price of tattoo removal calculated? Most often per session, according to the tattoo's surface area.
How many sessions are needed? Often five to ten, sometimes more.
Why so many sessions? Each session breaks up part of the ink, which the body then eliminates.
What interval between two sessions? Often six to eight weeks.
Do black tattoos fade better? Yes, black generally responds best.
Are colours more difficult? Some, such as green, light blue or yellow, are more resistant.
Is a professional tattoo harder to remove? Often, because the ink is denser.
Does an amateur tattoo fade faster? Often, as the ink is less dense.
Is the picosecond laser more expensive? Often per session, but it can reduce the number of sessions.
Is removal always complete? Not always; a slight residue may persist.
Is tattoo removal painful? An anaesthetic cream or cooling limits the discomfort.
Can scars appear? Rarely with a suitable laser and correct settings.
Can dark skin be treated? Yes, with precautions to avoid pigmentation marks.
Is tattoo removal reimbursed? No, except in special cases such as a traumatic tattoo.
Is a doctor needed? A medical setting is recommended.
Is post-session aftercare provided? Often a cream and a dressing.
Can I get a new tattoo over it? After lightening, yes; it is a common option.
Does lightening cost less? Yes, it requires fewer sessions.
Can permanent make-up be removed? Yes, with precautions depending on the pigments.
Can tattooed eyebrows be removed? Yes, with caution near the eye.
Does the price vary by city? Slightly, as our tables show.
Is a package offered? Some clinics offer multi-session packages.
Should I avoid the sun? Yes, before and after the sessions.
Can I exercise afterwards? After a few days, protecting the area.
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