Got tattoo regret? You’re not alone. Plenty of people seek tattoo removal, and laser removal is one safe and effective way to do it.
So, how many sessions of tattoo removal will you need? This article will break down the process and what factors impact the number of sessions. Understanding these factors will help you have realistic expectations.
Keep in mind that everyone is different, and this article is for general knowledge only. A consultation with a professional is the best way to get a personalized assessment.
How laser tattoo removal works
Laser tattoo removal is the gold standard for removing tattoos. In the past, tattoo removal options were riskier and less effective. Methods like dermabrasion, cryosurgery, and surgical excision often left scars and didn’t fully remove the tattoo.
The modern method involves using a laser to heat the tattoo ink. This creates a contrast in temperature that fragments the pigment into smaller particles.
The laser is calibrated to target specific colors of ink in the dermal layer of your skin. Then your body’s immune system takes over to clear away the fragmented ink.
White blood cells carry the ink particles to the liver, where they’re expelled from your body.
Because your body needs time to heal and clear away the ink particles, treatments are usually spaced four to eight weeks apart.
Factors Influencing the Number of Sessions
The number of sessions you’ll need to fully remove a tattoo depends on a number of factors, including the characteristics of the tattoo, your own characteristics, and the experience of the person performing the laser removal.
Tattoo Characteristics
Larger tattoos take longer to remove than smaller ones, simply because there’s more area to cover. The type and color of ink also make a difference, because some colors are harder to remove than others. Professional tattoos are often more difficult to remove than amateur tattoos because the ink has been applied more deeply and in multiple layers.
Individual Characteristics
Your skin type and tone can affect how well you respond to laser treatments. Technicians often need to use lower laser settings on darker skin tones to avoid damaging the skin. Older tattoos can sometimes be removed more quickly than newer ones because the ink has already started to fade. Your overall health and the strength of your immune system will also influence how quickly the tattoo fades, since a healthy immune system helps clear the ink from your body. Smoking or other tobacco use can slow down the removal process.
Laser Technician Experience
Finally, the experience level of your laser technician can affect the number of sessions you need. An experienced technician will know how to adjust the laser settings to maximize ink removal while minimizing the risk of side effects.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Laser tattoo removal sessions are fairly quick, especially if you have a smaller tattoo. In fact, a 1-inch by 1-inch tattoo can be zapped in less than five seconds!
After each session, you’ll want to take care of the treated area to help it heal properly. This means:
- Avoiding heavy sweating
- Staying out of the sun
- Steering clear of hot water and high-pressure showers for a while
You may see some fading of the tattoo after just a few sessions, and some people even report seeing lightening after the very first treatment.
Remember, you’ll need to space out your treatments about 4 to 8 weeks apart to give your skin time to heal between sessions.
In Closing
So, how many laser tattoo removal sessions will you need? The answer depends on many individual factors, so a consultation with a qualified professional is essential to get an accurate assessment.
While the average is 6-12 sessions, some tattoos take longer to fade. The type of ink, the size of the tattoo, and your overall health all play a role.
But with realistic expectations, a good technician, and proper aftercare, laser tattoo removal can effectively fade or even eliminate unwanted tattoos.