How Many Treatments Does It Take Before The Tattoo Is Removed?
Tattoo removal is a gradual process that requires multiple laser sessions to fully break down and clear the ink from your skin. The exact number of sessions depends on factors like:
- Age and size of the tattoo
- Type and amount of ink used
- Depth of the ink in the skin’s dermis
- Skin tone and how your body responds to treatment
- Ink ingredients (e.g., presence of titanium dioxide or iron oxide)
- Type of laser technology used
During each session, lasers target ink pigments and break them into tiny particles that your immune system gradually removes. Sessions are typically spaced 8 weeks apart to allow for healing and clearance. Most patients see fading within a couple weeks after their first treatment.
Why Multiple Sessions Are Needed
Lasers only break up a portion of the ink during each treatment. Your body needs time to clear those particles before more ink can be treated effectively. That’s why spacing between sessions is so important it maximizes fading while minimizing side effects.
The Role of Tattoo Age
Older tattoos may fade more quickly during removal because the ink has already broken down and shifted within the skin over time. Newer tattoos with fresh, vibrant pigment tend to take longer to treat due to the ink’s stability and density.
Tattoo Size and Ink Saturation
Larger tattoos take longer to remove because they require more laser coverage per session. Likewise, tattoos with heavy ink saturation or detailed linework will likely need additional sessions to fully clear. Sparse or lightly applied ink clears more easily.
How Ink Color and Composition Affects Results
Tattoo ink isn’t one-size-fits-all. Black and red pigments are typically the easiest to treat because they absorb laser wavelengths efficiently. In contrast, blue, green, yellow, and white pigments are more resistant and may require specialty laser settings.
Skin Tone and Healing Response
Skin tone plays a major role in laser tattoo removal settings. LaserAway uses settings tailored to your skin type to ensure safety and results. Additionally, everyone’s immune system clears ink at a different pace, which also affects how quickly you’ll see results.
Professional vs. Amateur Tattoos
Professional tattoos are typically embedded deeper in the dermis and use denser, more complex pigments, which means they take more energy—and more sessions—to fully remove. Amateur or “stick and poke” tattoos usually sit higher in the skin and often fade more quickly.
What to Expect Between Sessions
After each treatment, your body gradually breaks down and flushes out ink particles. It’s normal for fading to be more obvious a few weeks after the session than immediately afterward. If fading seems to stall, your provider may adjust the laser’s wavelength or energy setting. Recovery times vary, but most clients see progressive fading with each visit.
LaserAway has performed millions of treatments nationwide. Using advanced laser technology, we safely and effectively target and break down unwanted ink on all skin types. Every treatment is performed by a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician associate and is overseen by board-certified dermatologists to ensure expert-level care at every step.
Ready to say goodbye to that ink? Schedule a free consultation today by filling out a request form or calling the LaserAway staff at (855) 233-9134.
Why LaserAway?
We’ve committed over a decade to helping people of all skin types discover their best skin ever, with over 5 million treatments performed and new locations opening every month! We use state-of-the-art technology for maximum results, our clinics are supervised by board-certified, industry-leading dermatologists, and our treatments are implemented by registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physician associates who undergo one of the most comprehensive training programs in the business. Our mission is to make our clients feel beautiful by providing the best and most effective aesthetic treatments in the nation in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Ready to invest in yourself? Schedule a free consultation today by filling out a request form or calling the LaserAway staff at (855) 233-9134. Our nurses look forward to making sure your service and skin are as smooth as possible!
