Outdated methods of tattoo removal---which include excision, dermabrasion, and chemical bleaching---are still available, but these methods can be very painful and leave ugly scars. The best way to have a tattoo removed these days is through laser treatment. Dermatologists can use lasers of different wavelengths and pulse durations to target the different colors of the tattoo without damaging the tissue surrounding the tattoo (which decreases the chance of scarring). The process requires multiple visits from patients with increased results with each visit. This procedure is not 100% effective, though---dermatologists will warn that some minor changes in skin texture and color may be unavoidable.
Although the laser removal procedure is fairly swift---usually lasting 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo---some pain is unavoidable, just as it is with getting a tattoo in the first place. There are creams and anesthetics available to counteract what most patients describe as a stinging feeling, but many people who have undergone the process will say that it is worse than the pain of getting a tattoo. To add some perspective, Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (who has several tattoos that he no longer cares to look at) has admitted that he tried tattoo removal by laser but didn't want to go through the pain. If a major league baseball player complains about the pain of laser tattoo removal, one might surmise that it's no walk in the park.
Having a tattoo removed is considerably more expensive than getting a tattoo. While most quality tattoo artists will charge $100 to $500, depending on size, the laser tattoo removal procedure can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. This is not one lump sum, however. Laser tattoo removal does require several visits for the whole procedure, and costs per visit may range from $200 to $600. Depending on how large the tattoo is, it may take several costly visits before you see any finalized results.
If you can't afford the laser procedure, can't handle the pain, or don't want any unsightly scars, there are ways to avoid tattoo removal. First of all, make sure you put a great deal of thought into the tattoo you want---and even when you come up with a good idea, wait a year or two to get the tattoo and make sure you go to a professional. Also, if you are only opposed to a particular tattoo and not all of your tattoos, there are many ways that tattoo artists can cover up one tattoo with a completely different design. Consider it upgrading your tattoo rather than having it removed.