Tattoo Removal

The cost of tattoo removal at our AVORYA practice depends on the device used, as well as the size, colors, and intensity of the tattoo. Multiple sessions are required for removal, as only a certain amount of pigment can be eliminated in each session. With our modern laser, we typically need five to seven sessions to completely remove a tattoo.

Each session of tattoo removal is billed separately. Session costs are differentiated between small tattoos (size under 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm) and large tattoos. If you have a multicolored tattoo, the treatment will be more expensive than for a classic black design. The reason for this is that the device needs to be adjusted for each color tone.

Prices at our AVORYA practice for tattoo removal with a high-tech laser start at CHF 250 per session for a small tattoo with few different colors, and can go up to CHF 500 or even higher in individual cases, depending on the size and color tone.

We can provide an estimate of the removal cost for your individual case after an assessment. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact us at any time.

To understand how laser removal of a tattoo works, it's important to briefly explain why the color stays at the tattooed site after being inked. The color particles are recognized as foreign bodies by certain cells, called macrophages, as they penetrate the skin layer. The macrophages quickly encapsulate the color, ensuring it remains under the skin for a lifetime.

To remove the tattoo, the macrophages must release the color pigments. The PicoPlus laser achieves this by rapidly heating the color particles in picoseconds, causing the cell walls of the macrophages to rupture. The particles are then transported away by the lymphatic system and broken down by the body. For even better color removal, we also use the CO2 laser, which creates tiny channels in the skin for the breakdown of tattoo pigments. Our method also minimizes the risk of scarring.

In Switzerland, anyone who is authorized to perform laser treatments is allowed to remove tattoos. Currently, only experienced, trained professionals are authorized to use laser devices. Many providers are either unaware of this or do not comply with it. Without proper laser training, the devices may be used improperly, potentially causing severe burns. Therefore, you should inquire about the knowledge and experience of the practitioners before undergoing tattoo removal.

Dr.med.univ. Kerbler (A) and Ms. Storto are experts in the field of laser treatments and work with the most advanced laser devices currently available on the market in their practice in Zurich.

Just as you entrusted the tattooing of your tattoo to a professional, you should also entrust the removal of the artwork to experienced and trained hands. Some tattoo removal creams advertised on the internet claim to remove the tattoo and be inexpensive. Some of these creams do not contain any active ingredients capable of removing tattoo colors. Others often bleach the skin with harmful acids. In the best case scenario, your tattoo will be lightened, but at the same time, chemical burns could occur. These can be particularly painful and may even leave scars.

During tattoo removal, you will not feel pain, as we apply a numbing cream to the area to be treated before the procedure. This means you will only feel a slight pricking sensation during the treatment, which is usually well tolerated. However, if you wish, we can also administer a local anesthetic injection in addition.

The number of sessions required for removal depends on the size - the larger the tattoo, the more time and treatments are needed for removal. A break of four to six weeks is scheduled between sessions to allow for skin regeneration.

There is a specific wavelength for each color that is most effective for removal. However, a laser capable of generating different wavelengths is required. This is possible with the latest generation PicoSecond laser used in our practice. Since the wavelength needs to be set separately for each color, this results in additional effort during the treatment.

In our AVORYA practice, we use state-of-the-art laser technology for tattoo removal. The risk of scarring - which often occurred with older technologies - is significantly reduced thanks to the use of the new medical tattoo laser PicoPlus. We also offer a combination treatment with a CO2 laser in our practice in Zollikon near Zurich, which completely avoids scarring.

How easily a tattoo can be removed depends on both skin type and how professionally it was applied. If it is a high-quality tattoo, we can achieve complete removal of almost any tattoo with our modern laser equipment. However, even with irregularly placed tattoos, removal is possible in most cases thanks to state-of-the-art laser technology. The number of necessary sessions can vary depending on the extent, age, and colors of the tattoo.

While almost any tattoo can be removed from lighter skin types, the precision of laser technology unfortunately (still) isn't as high for darker skin. The darker your skin, the more difficult it is to remove your body art. It becomes particularly problematic with dark tattoos on dark skin. The laser shatters the color pigments of the tattoo in the second layer of the skin. The more these pigments resemble those of your skin, the more difficult it is to completely remove the decoration. With darker skin types, there will always be remnants of color. Additionally, it may happen that alongside the color pigments of the tattoo, the skin's own color pigments are also removed. The result: For a few days or weeks, these areas may be lighter than the rest of the skin.

You can already see initial changes a few weeks after the first session. With each treatment, the tattoo colors become progressively lighter until they disappear completely, unless you wish to prepare for a cover-up. A significant effect can be observed in most cases after two sessions. To track progress, we can create before-and-after images for you.

Just like getting a tattoo, tattoo removal is a challenge for the skin. You can support your skin in its healing process with proper aftercare. After cleansing, disinfect the treated area and apply a suitable ointment.

Clean the affected skin area with water only for the first one to two days after the treatment. Afterward, it's best to use mild cleansing products to avoid unnecessary irritation of the sensitive area.

We recommend cooling the treated skin area with a cold pack for a few days, as redness and swelling may occur after a laser treatment.

During the healing process, there may be slight scab formation or, in rare cases, blistering. Do not scratch off the crust or pop the blisters, as it can lead to an infection that leaves scars.

However, you should not experience any pain during the regeneration phase.

After treatment, refrain from visiting swimming pools, tanning beds, and saunas for a few days. Above all, protect the lasered area from direct sunlight.

Since sweat can cause inflammation, you should refrain from sports activities for a few days or at least reduce them. Regular walks in the fresh air are best. They stimulate circulation and promote healing.

You can also support your tattoo removal with a high fluid intake by drinking plenty of water. This will help your body effectively transport the color particles.