Tattoo Removal

Laser Tattoo Removal 101: What Is The Kirby-Desai Scale?

Understanding the Kirby-Desai Scale for Laser Tattoo Removal

At LaserAway, we believe in empowering you with knowledge—so when you decide to pursuelaser tattoo removal, you’re informed, confident, and ready. One valuable tool in this process is the Kirby‑Desai Scale—a scoring method developed by Dr. Will Kirby, Chief Medical Officer of LaserAway, and Dr. Alpesh Desai to estimate how many treatments you might need to clear a tattoo. While LaserAway uses advanced technology and personalized treatment plans, understanding this scale gives you insight into how removal works and what factors influence results.

Why Use the Kirby-Desai Scale?

Laser tattoo removal isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. At LaserAway, we explain that the number of sessions depends on many variables: a tattoo’s size, colors, location, age, ink density, your skin tone and more.

The Kirby-Desai Scale helps break down six key factors, each scored numerically, so you can gain a ballpark estimate of how many sessions might be required. While it’s not perfect, it gives both you and your clinician a structured way to begin planning.

How the Kirby-Desai Scale Works

Here’s a breakdown of the six parameters in the Kirby-Desai Scale:

  1. Skin Type (Fitzpatrick Scale 1–6)
     Higher scores indicate darker skin tones, which may require more cautious laser settings and thus more sessions.&
  2. Location of the Tattoo (Score 1–5)
     Tattoos closer to the heart and major vascular/lymphatic drainage tend to fade faster; those farther out (e.g., feet, hands) tend to require more treatments.
  3. Ink Colour(s) (Score 1–4)
     Black ink absorbs all laser wavelengths and is typically the easiest to remove; colors like green, yellow, blue or complex blends take more work.
  4. Amount of Ink / Tattoo Complexity (Score 1–4)
     A small amateur tattoo with minimal ink = fewer sessions; a dense professional piece with deep saturation = more sessions.
  5. Scarring or Tissue Change (Score 0–5)
     If the tattoo sits in scarred skin or tissue that’s undergone change (e.g., graphic cover-up layers, heavy trauma), removal becomes more complex.
  6. Layering / Cover-Up Work (Score 0–2)
    Tattoos that have been covered up or layered over previous work add ink and complexity — increasing the required sessions.

You add up your scores across these six categories, and the total gives a rough estimate of the number of treatments likely needed. While it’s not an exact promise, it helps set realistic expectations.

How This Fits at LaserAway

At LaserAway, we integrate this kind of assessment into our consultation process. The exact number of sessions depends on factors like age and size of the tattoo, type and amount of ink, and skin tone.


We also emphasize that most tattoos need a minimum of 10 sessions spaced at least eight weeks apart—but that’s a general guideline; your journey may differ. 

When you come in for a consultation, we’ll evaluate those same variables that the Kirby-Desai Scale outlines—skin tone, location, colors, size/amount of ink, any scarring or cover-ups—so we can map your personalized treatment plan.

Setting Realistic Expectations

  • Not all tattoos can be erased entirely. Depending on the color palette, ink depth, and body location, some areas may fade rather than disappear. Dr. Will Kirby states that depending on the color and age of the tattoo, removal “can produce dramatic results” but doesn’t guarantee 100% removal.
  • Spacing between treatments matters. At LaserAway, we space sessions at least 6-8 weeks apart to allow your skin to heal and your immune system to clear shattered ink particles.
  • Coverage vs. full removal. Some individuals pursue tattoo removal not to clear the design fully but to fade it enough for a cover-up. In such cases, the number of sessions may be fewer—but the Kirby-Desai Scale still helps assess how many treatments are realistic.
  • Your body’s role is key. Laser energy breaks up the ink particles, but it’s your body that removes them via the lymphatic and immune systems. Variables like circulation (which relates to location) and overall health (which relates indirectly to skin type and healing capacity) all matter.

Why the Scale Matters for You

  • Transparency: You get a clearer value estimate and session outlook upfront.
  • Planning: Knowing the potential number of sessions helps you budget financially and time-wise.
  • Clarity around complexity: If your tattoo has multiple difficult variables (e.g., colored ink + feet placement + cover-up layers), you’ll understand why the process may take longer.
  • Informed decision-making: Armed with this knowledge, you can choose to proceed—or decide a cover-up rather than full removal is right for you.

Final Thoughts

The Kirby-Desai Scale isn’t a guarantee—it’s a smart starting point in the journey of laser tattoo removal. At LaserAway, our advanced laser technology, skilled clinicians, and personalized treatment plans are built to address each variable the scale highlights. By combining that with honest communication and realistic expectations, you’ll be empowered to move forward confidently.

If you’re considering tattoo removal, reach out for a consultation—let’s evaluate your tattoo’s unique features (location, colors, age, scarring) and determine your personalized plan together. The Kirby-Desai Scale gives you a roadmap; LaserAway gives you the tools and expertise to follow it with clarity.

References

  1. “Laser Tattoo Removal: Laser Principles and an Updated Guide for Clinicians,” Lasers in Medical Science, May 23, 2022.
  2. Laser Tattoo Removal Strategies: Part II: A Review of the Methods, Techniques, and Complications Involved in Tattoo Removal,” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 9, 2024.
Laser Tattoo Removal 101: What Is The Kirby-Desai Scale?
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