How Many Sessions Are Needed For Laser Tattoo Removal?

Thinking about getting rid of an old tattoo, or even a new one?! One of the first questions our patients pose is, "How many laser tattoo removal sessions will it actually take?" It's obviously a valid concern, as the number of sessions will affect your time, budget, and overall expectations. It’s quite different from actually getting the tattoo. We have to be upfront, but removing one is a bit of a journey, - it will take some time. We want you to have a clear understanding of the factors that will influence the process.

At Aesthetica Medical, we use the advanced Lumenis Stellar M22 Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, known as the gold standard in tattoo removal, to give you the most effective results. But even with the best technology, the number of sessions required varies significantly from patient to patient. We’ll look into what determines this.

It should be said that there isn't a magic number of sessions that works for everyone. Several factors will contribute to how quickly a tattoo fades within the tattoo removal process, and these factors are unique to both each patient and each tattoo. As an estimate, 2-3 sessions for older, faded tattoos, rising upwards for newer and darker examples, up to 7 or more sessions. Here’s a look at some of the main reasons for variability:

Tattoo Age

Older tattoos tend to be easier to remove. Over time, the ink in older tattoos will naturally begin to break down, which means that the laser has less work to do. Newer tattoos, where the ink is fresh and vibrant, will generally require more sessions.

Ink Colours

The Lumenis Stellar M22’s Q-switch technology allows us to target different ink colours efficiently. Dark inks like black and dark blue absorb laser energy more effectively than lighter colours like greens and yellows. These difficult-to-remove colours may require more sessions to fully fade.

Tattoo Depth

Tattoos are created by injecting ink into the dermis, the second layer of the skin. The deeper the ink is placed, the more sessions it will take to remove. Professionally applied tattoos often have ink deeper than amateur tattoos (Slightly better news for patients with homemade tattoos), which can impact the treatment plan.

Ink Density

The amount of ink used and how concentrated it is will influence the fading process. A heavily saturated tattoo with a lot of ink will require more treatments than a lighter, less dense tattoo.

Tattoo Size Larger tattoos, as you might well expect, will require more treatment sessions to cover the entire area effectively.

Skin Tone

While the Lumenis M22 is effective on a wide range of skin tones, your natural skin tone plays a part. Patients with lighter skin tones may experience slightly faster results, while those with darker skin tones may require more cautious treatment and, potentially more sessions.

Individual Immune Response

Your body’s own immune system plays a part in removing shattered ink particles. Some individuals naturally have a more efficient immune response, leading to quicker results. Other individuals may take longer to eliminate the ink.

The Lumenis Stellar M22

Lumenis Stellar M22 uses a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, which is a game-changer in tattoo removal. Here's why this matters for your treatment:

Precise Targeting -  The Q-switched laser delivers energy in extremely short pulses, breaking the ink into tiny particles with minimal damage to surrounding skin.

Effective on Multiple Ink Colours -  Unlike older, and less technologically advanced lasers, the M22 can effectively target a wide array of ink colours, including those previously considered difficult to remove.

Comfort During Treatment -  The cooling system on the M22 provides added comfort and, unlike older technologies, enables us to apply a topical anaesthetic. This means you'll experience less discomfort during the procedure.

Faster Results & Fewer Sessions (Generally) -  The advanced technology of the M22 often results in fewer sessions compared to older methods. However, it is still important to be realistic as multiple sessions are usually necessary.

The Process

Before we start any treatments, we provide a free consultation where a trained technician will:

Assess Your Tattoo - We’ll evaluate your tattoo’s age, size, ink colours, and depth.

Discuss Your Goals - We'll talk about your expectations and desired outcome.

Provide a Personalised Plan - We'll develop a tailored treatment plan, including an estimated number of sessions (which, as highlighted above, will vary).

Patch Test - We always perform a patch test to ensure there are no adverse reactions and determine how your skin responds to the laser.

Explain the Process - We’ll detail each step of the process and provide clear aftercare instructions.

After each session, you can expect to see some redness, mild swelling, and potentially small white circles in the treated area. These usually subside within 24 hours. Within a few days, a crust will form, which is a natural part of the skin's healing process. Do not pick at this crust as it will naturally fall off within a few weeks. It's during this time that the fading process occurs.

It's important to know that patience will be key to successful tattoo removal.

Sessions are spaced out -  Treatments are usually spaced 6-10 weeks apart to allow your body enough time to naturally flush out the fragmented ink. Therefore, it can take a number of months to complete your treatment plan.

Progress is gradual - As indicated above, significant fading is not instant, it happens gradually over time and with each treatment.

Not all ink may be removed - Some colours are resistant to tattoo removal and may only partially fade.

Realistic expectations -  It is important to have realistic expectations in terms of what is achievable. Whilst tattoo removal is very effective, it cannot be guaranteed that a tattoo can be removed completely. Beware of tattoo removal clinics saying you will definitely be tattoo-free. With Aesthetica Medical you have the best chance, and we will always do our best for you.

Book With Us

There’s no magic number, but knowing the factors involved in laser tattoo removal can help you set realistic expectations. Our priority is to provide a safe, comfortable, and effective treatment plan using the best technology available. We're here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re ready to start your tattoo removal process, book in for a free consultation today for us to evaluate your tattoo and create a tailored treatment plan.