The concept of “tattoo regret” has become more ubiquitous in today’s society, with celebrities and younger generations increasingly comfortable sharing their stories about removing ink.
While it’s difficult to ascertain definitively whether more people are “regretting” getting ink—the most recent Pew Research survey said about 24% of Americans experience such feelings—it's clear the tattoo removal market is experiencing significant growth.
Indeed, the market was valued at $1.54 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.71 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 9.20%, according to Research and Markets.
More people are choosing to lighten, revise, or fully remove tattoos一not because tattoos have fallen out of favor, but because lives, careers, and aesthetics evolve. And just as critical: advancements in laser technology have made removal more accessible.
With tattoo removal laser technology improving, patients simply have more options than they did in the past.
Modern systems include advanced laser technologies that give providers and patients safe, predictable paths to clearer skin across a wider range of skin tones and ink colors.
Tattoo regret isn’t about tattoos losing cultural relevance—ink is more popular than ever. What’s changed is context.
As lives and careers evolve, personal aesthetics shift. Minimalist trends and on-camera professions can make old designs feel outdated, while rising awareness of ink safety has some rethinking older or budget tattoos.
At the same time, laser technology has advanced. What was once slow and inconsistent is now faster, safer, and more effective across skin tones—making tattoo removal a practical choice for more people than ever.
Recent data underscores just how significant this shift has become:
Tattoo removal has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Where earlier laser systems offered limited wavelength options and slower clearance, today’s advanced platforms feature short-pulse durations, giving providers unmatched flexibility:
Picosecond pulses ("Pico") deliver ultra-short bursts of energy that create a strong photoacoustic effect一breaking down pigment into finer particles for faster clearance and less thermal impact on surrounding tissue.
Nanosecond pulses ("Nano" or "Q-Switched"), meanwhile, remain valuable for targeting specific ink depths and pigment types, particularly in the early stages of removal, or for specific color challenges.
When combined with multiple wavelengths that target different colors (532 nm, 785 nm, 1064 nm, and 694 nm), modern systems enable providers to treat a broader range of tattoos, pigments, and skin tones safely and efficiently.
This integration of technologies一available in devices such as Toro and Discovery Pico—gives practices the ability to customize every treatment based on patient needs, tattoo characteristics, and desired outcomes. The result: faster, safer, and more predictable clearance for both professional tattoos and permanent makeup.
Building on that advantage, the real strength of modern laser platforms lies in how those wavelengths are applied.
Tattoos are rarely just one color, and pigment sits at different depths in the skin. By choosing the right wavelength for the right target, providers can maximize clearance while minimizing risks for the surrounding tissue.
This versatility allows providers to treat multicolored tattoos more effectively while minimizing risks of scarring or pigment changes—especially important for patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types.
That said, tattoo removal is never a one-and-done process. Most patients require a series of treatments, spaced several weeks apart, to let pigment fragments clear and skin recover. The number of sessions depends on:
Results range from significant fading (enough for a cover-up) to nearly complete clearance. By setting expectations early and tailoring treatment to each tattoo’s unique makeup, providers can design safe, step-by-step treatment plans that give patients predictable, effective outcomes.
Demand for permanent makeup removal is growing, particularly for brows, eyeliner, and lips. Shapes can look dated, inks may fade unevenly, and iron oxide pigments sometimes shift color over time.
Pico systems give providers the precision needed to target mixed PMU pigments without causing unwanted scarring or pigment shift. Providers can:
While results often require staged lightening over several visits, advanced lasers provide patients with clearer options and enable providers to meet the rising demand for PMU correction reliably.
With tattoo and PMU regret on the rise, practices need devices that can clear a wide range of inks safely and efficiently. Patients want faster fading and fewer risks, while providers need technology that can adapt to different colors, depths, and skin types.
Two platforms distributed by Cartessa Aesthetics are leading the way:
Toro is the latest pigment-focused platform from DEKA, the innovator behind industry-leading technologies such as Tetra PRO, HELIX, Motus PRO, AZ+, PRISMA, and Physiq 360. Built for versatility, Toro features three wavelengths—532 nm, 785 nm, and 1064 nm—and multiple pulse modes (pico and nano), enabling providers to tailor energy to the tattoo’s ink color, depth, and skin tone. This adaptability makes Toro highly effective for multicolor tattoo removal and challenging pigment cases. It also offers fractional and full-beam delivery options for added treatment customization.
Beyond tattoo removal, Toro supports non-ablative “laser facial” treatments, and features a thermal pulse mode for collagen stimulation and skin revitalization, broadening clinical applications and increasing overall practice revenue potential.
Toro is distributed exclusively in the U.S. and Canada by Cartessa.
Discovery Pico, from Quanta System and distributed exclusively in the U.S. by Cartessa, is a proven picosecond Nd:YAG system with up to three wavelengths—1064/532 nm, plus an optional 694 nm Ruby.
With high peak power and the ability to deliver both pico and nano pulse durations, the Discovery Pico delivers exceptional versatility. It excels at clearing stubborn pigments like greens and blues, as well as tattoos that have been layered over time. This same flexibility also supports the treatment of pigmented lesions and provides resurfacing benefits, giving practices a device that does more than tattoo removal alone.
Together, Toro and Discovery Pico set a new standard in laser technology, delivering faster, safer, and more versatile solutions that turn tattoo regret into clear opportunities for patients and growth for practices.
Most healthy adults who are motivated, realistic, and willing to follow aftercare are good candidates for tattoo removal. Protecting the treatment area from sun exposure is critical, and patients should be ready for a staged treatment plan rather than expecting instant results.
During consultation, providers will evaluate several factors to design safe and effective parameters:
Together, these details shape a treatment plan that balances efficacy with safety.
Results depend on both technology and aftercare. Patients should:
With the right plan and proper care, patients can expect steady, visible progress at each session
As tattoo and permanent makeup regret lead to increased removals, both patients and providers recognize the need for advanced solutions backed by expert support.
Cartessa brings manufacturer-independent expertise to help practices navigate the evolving tattoo removal market while delivering the safe, effective outcomes patients expect.
With access to proven platforms like Toro and Discovery Pico, we provide comprehensive support that extends far beyond equipment purchase. Our team can help you evaluate your patient base, treatment goals, and practice model to determine which technology aligns best with your needs.
Our partnership includes detailed training protocols, patient consultation guidelines, and proven marketing materials to build a successful tattoo removal program.
From setting realistic expectations to optimizing treatment parameters across different skin types, we provide the clinical and business support needed for sustainable growth and patient satisfaction.
With exclusive distribution of leading platforms, we offer unbiased guidance on selecting the right technology for your practice demographics and growth objectives. Our agile business model prioritizes your long-term success over equipment sales, delivering transparent pricing and ongoing support that adapts as your program expands.
Ready to capture the growing tattoo removal opportunity with proven technology and expert support? Contact Cartessa Aesthetics today to discover how our independent approach can transform tattoo regret into practice growth and exceptional patient outcomes.