Tattoo Removal Market

Market Overview

The global tattoo removal market size was valued at USD 314.44 million in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 1,550.87 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 19.4% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Unwanted tattoos can be removed using various methods, including surgery, laser therapy, creams, etc. To remove tattoos, a laser beam works by dissolving the ink particles within them. In contrast, a surgical procedure merely entails using a scalpel to cut out the tattooed skin and then stitching the wound. Surgery is typically reserved for small tattoos and not usually available for large ones. Additionally, removing tattoos using creams is a gradual and painless process that clears the tattooed area of the skin. Due to its effectiveness in terms of safety, scar clearing, tattoo fading, and relative lack of pain compared to surgical procedures, laser tattoo removal is the most widely used technique.

Highlights

• The laser procedure segment is the highest contributor to the market by procedure.
• The clinics segment is the highest contributor to the market by end-user.
• Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor by region.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Regrets About Tattoos are Rising

Due to successful tattoo removals and a rise in the public's preference for tattoo removal procedures, the market for tattoo removal is expanding at a rapid rate. According to the Harris Research Poll, one in four people regrets getting a tattoo for various reasons, such as the fact that many people get inked when they are too young. Additionally, factors like alterations in lifestyle, the unprofessional appearance of tattoos, and the meaninglessness of tattoos contribute to an increase in their removal, which in turn spurs market expansion.

Changes in Trends and Lifestyles

Tattoos are thought to be a cross-generational cultural phenomenon. The need for tattoo removal has increased due to changes in fashion and lifestyle trends. People frequently get their tattoos removed for various reasons, including career goals, social circumstances, and other individualized factors that drive the global tattoo removal market. For instance, people with such tattoos want them removed because they are currently viewed as the most regrettable body art, outmoded trends, such as dolphin tattoos, misspelled foreign phrases, and 90s tribal symbols. Additionally, people who are married or getting older are making several efforts to get rid of tattoos they got in their 20s. Further, more people have requested tattoo removal over the past two years, according to a Premier Laser Clinic tattoo removal specialist in London. Therefore, all of the factors above show that shifting fashions and lifestyles fuel market expansion.

Market Restraints

High Cost of Tattoo Removal

Laser, surgical, and topical treatments for tattoo removal are more complicated and expensive than other methods. The average cost of a laser tattoo removal treatment ranges from USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 for normal-sized tattoo removal, according to Astanza Laser LLC, one of the industry leaders in tattoo removal procedures. Most patients require at least 5 to 10 treatment cycles to remove a tattoo entirely. Additionally, the cost of Q-switched devices used in laser tattoo removal is roughly USD 150,000. Tattoo artists must pay extra money to integrate laser equipment into tattoo parlors, which raises the overall cost of the tattoo removal procedure. Additionally, tattoo removal creams cost a lot of money and must be used frequently over an extended period. Therefore, all the factors above indicate that tattoo removal is expensive, which is expected to restrain the market growth during the forecast period.

Market Opportunities

Modern Improvements in Tattoo Removal Technology

Due to an increase in tattoo regrets and the rejection of tattoos in the armed forces and government employment, the tattoo removal market is expanding significantly. Due to this, major players have invested considerably in R&D and technological advancements related to various tattoo removal procedures. Intense pulsed light therapy is currently the most popular method for tattoo removal and is superior to laser in this regard. This is because, compared to laser treatments, this procedure requires fewer treatment sessions and takes less time to remove tattoos altogether. Scientists are also working to develop quicker and more effective ways to remove tattoos.

Additionally, the market is anticipated to expand significantly over the forecast period as most people adopt the available laser tattoo removal options to enhance their skin's appearance. Companies are investing in developing products that eliminate the entire spectrum of colors in fewer treatment cycles because each laser focuses on a different family of colors. Therefore, it is anticipated that technological developments in tattoo removal methods will present lucrative opportunities for market expansion during the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global tattoo removal market is segmented by procedure and end-user.

Based on procedure, the global market is bifurcated into laser procedures, surgical procedures, and creams.

The laser procedure segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.2% during the forecast period. A laser procedure uses a beam of light that selectively absorbs different ink colors. When this light strikes the skin, it creates a shockwave effect that breaks down the ink into smaller fragments. The body's immune system recognizes these particles as foreign and, as a result, removes them from the body. There are many kinds of lasers on the market, including Q-switched Nd: YAG and Q-switched alexandrite lasers. These lasers produce a powerful energy burst that breaks up the pigments or inks in a tattoo into tiny particles that can be easily washed away.

One of the most invasive ways to get a tattoo removed is through surgery, but this is the only way to guarantee a tattoo's total removal. Following surgical excision of the tattooed skin, stitches are used to close the wound. Surgical techniques include primary closure, split-thickness tangential excision, serial excision, dermabrasion, and tangential excision with dermal over-grafting. Antibacterial creams are applied after surgery to aid in healing. Although surgical tattoo removal is effective, it does leave a scar and may only be helpful for small tattoos. In addition, depending on the size of the tattoo, this type of tattoo removal procedure necessitates the use of regional, local, or even general anesthesia. Surgical bandages are left on the wound for 48 hours following the process. After removing the applications, the surgical site must be cleaned daily with soap and water.

Based on the end-user, the global market is bifurcated into hospitals and clinics.

The clinics' segment owns the highest market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% during the forecast period. The preferred medical setting for tattoo removal therapy is a clinic. The main factor contributing to market growth is the rise in the number of tattoo removal clinics opening worldwide. Additionally, the adoption of new techniques like intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and the surge in demand for laser and surgical tattoo removal among the populace are anticipated to fuel the growth of the tattoo removal market for clinics. Additionally, having a skilled professional present ensures minimal scarring, avoidance of wounds, and preservation of skin texture both during and after tattoo removal procedures. Thus, the increase in demand for safe and efficient procedures promotes the segment's growth.

Due to the increased use of laser equipment, such as Q-switched lasers, by medical professionals in hospitals, the demand for tattoo removal procedures is increasing. The need for tattoo removal in hospitals has also increased due to the popularity of surgically based methods like dermabrasion and mini-punch skin excision. Additionally, increasing hospital investments in tattoo removal equipment and the availability of cutting-edge tattoo removal services provided by hospitals significantly contribute to expanding the global market.

Regional Analysis

The global tattoo removal market is segmented by region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.4% during the forecast period. Japan, China, India, Australia, and the rest of Asia-Pacific are all included in the analysis of the region. In 2019, this region accounted for the largest market share, accounting for 39.70% of the global tattoo removal market. It is also predicted to grow the fastest over the next five years. The increase in tattoo removal procedures is responsible for the market growth in this area. For instance, 9,672 non-surgical tattoo removal procedures were carried out in Japan in 2017, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Additionally, according to data from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, 1 in 7 Australians aged 20 to 30 want their tattoos removed, and 25% of those with at least one tattoo regret getting it. Additionally, a rise in the population's demand for tattoo removal by laser and surgery and the number of tattoo parlors drive market expansion. Further, the removal of tattoos for both personal and professional reasons contributes to the market's expansion.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.8% during the forecast period. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the rest of Europe are among the five major European nations considered in the report. In 2019, Europe held a 26.0% worldwide market share for tattoo removal. The number of people who want to get rid of their tattoos is increasing for various social and personal reasons. This is expected to fuel the growth of the tattoo removal market in European nations during the forecast period. For instance, nearly 5,940 non-surgical tattoo removal procedures were carried out in Italy in 2017, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Recent developments in laser tattoo removal technology have increased the use of the procedure, which has helped the market grow. Key growth drivers in Europe also include the availability of advanced aesthetic services and tattoo parlors, a rise in preferences for minimally invasive tattoo removal procedures, and an increase in public awareness of the growing use of advanced tattoo removal treatments. The availability of qualified dermatologists and surgeons also expands the market.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico are the three major North American nations in the report. The United States, a mature market, contributed the most revenue to North America in 2019. The primary factor contributing to market growth is an increase in tattoo removal procedures resulting from an increase in tattoo regrets. In 2019, the market for tattoo removal in North America generated a 20.80% share. The main factors that significantly contribute to the growth of the market are the rising demand for laser tattoo removal procedures, the ease of treatment with new tattoo removal lasers, and the presence of numerous tattoo removal clinics and parlors in the area. For instance, some tattoo removal clinics in the United States include Fresh Start Laser Tattoo Removal Clinic, Dallas Tattoo Removal Clinic, Houston Tattoo Removal Clinic, and Oregon Tattoo Removal Clinic. Additionally, the market is growing as more laser tattoo devices receive approval.

Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the rest of LAMEA are all studied. In 2019, it held a 13.50% market share of the global tattoo removal market and was predicted to have significant growth potential. Due to a lack of hospitals and clinics offering cutting-edge tattoo removal procedures and a shortage of qualified medical professionals, the tattoo removal market in LAMEA is still in its infancy. However, the LAMEA tattoo removal market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 17.6% during the forecast period due to increased tattoo removal procedures. For instance, almost 1,925 non-surgical tattoo removal procedures were carried out in Brazil in 2017, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). In addition, a significant factor anticipated to fuel market expansion in LAMEA is a rise in patient awareness of laser tattoo removal procedures. In 2019, Brazil held the largest LAMEA tattoo removal market, accounting for about 21.30% of the overall share.

Recent Developments

• April 2022- Cutera and Synchrony collaborated to give dermatology patients financing options for cutting-edge new acne treatments.
• March 2022- In Japan, Cynosure KK (a subsidiary of Cynosure LLC) and Jeisys Medical KK (a subsidiary of Jeisys Medical Inc.) formed a distribution partnership, according to a statement from Cynosure LLC. According to the terms of the contract, Jeisys Medical will have sole distribution privileges for certain premium products from Cynosure's energy-based laser line in Japan.

Tattoo Removal Market Segmentation

By Procedure

• Laser Procedure

• Surgical Procedure

• Creams

By End-User

• Hospitals

• Clinics

By Regions

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• LAMEA