Tattoo Removal: [Sessions It Takes to ERASE YOUR MISTAKE]

In general, most tattoos will require 6-12 removal sessions to achieve the desired results. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to tattoo removal. Some of this varies depending on these factors:

• Health
• Quality, color, and type of ink
• Size and placement of the tattoo
• Skin tone and type
• Number of past touchups 
• Age of the tattoo

Stick with the article to learn more about how many tattoo removal sessions are required.

Key Takeaways

• The average tattoo takes 6 to 8 sessions to remove, though the larger ones may take up to 12 sessions.
• The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo depends on several factors like the person’s health, skin tone, quality of ink, or number of touchups.  
• The sessions are usually scheduled 6-8 weeks after each session to allow the immune system time to recover. 

How Many Tattoo Removal Sessions Required?

The average Tattoo takes 6 to 8 sessions to remove, though larger ones may take up to 10-12 sessions. Modern laser technology has made tattoo removal much simpler and less painful than it once was.

During each session, the laser is used to break up the pigment of the tattoo. Then the body’s immune system works to clear away the debris. While some discomfort is associated with the treatment, most people find it tolerable. 

Moreover, several factors determine how many sessions are needed to remove the tattoo altogether. 

How Are The Sessions Distributed?

The laser sessions are usually scheduled 6-8 weeks after each session. The immune system needs time to remove the ink particles and heal the skin. So waiting at least 6 weeks is ideal for healing.

However, for darker skin tones, the sessions are arranged with a gap of 8 weeks to 3 months. This is to avoid skin damage and discoloration. 

Here’s a visual representation of how tattoo removal works

Factors Affecting The Number Of Sessions

Here are the factors that affect the number of sessions: 

Health 

The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo depends on the client’s health. For example, a healthy person will heal faster than an unhealthy person. 

People with better immune systems will require fewer sessions for tattoo removal because your body is responsible for carrying the ink and expelling it. People suffering from medical conditions don’t have strong enough immunity so for them it may take more time.  

To give your immunity a boost before the sessions, avoid smoking, exercise and stay hydrated. 

Quality, Color, And Type Of Ink

Types of  Ink used in the tattoo, also, determine the number of sessions needed to remove it. For example, dark inks require fewer sessions than lighter colors like yellow, orange, and red.

The depth of the Ink also plays a role in the number of sessions needed for removal. Tattoos that are shallowly embedded in the skin will usually take fewer sessions to remove than those that are deeper.

When choosing a laser removal studio, make sure to choose one with a range of laser options to remove all types of colors.

Size And Placement Of The Tattoo

It is easier to remove the tattoo from fattier places in the body than on the bony regions. That’s why it is easier to remove tattoos from the chest, head, or neck than from lower limbs, feet, or hands.

Skin Tone And Type

In a laser removal treatment, darker skin tones need more sessions for tattoo removal than lighter skin tones. 

Darker skin tones have more melanin in them than lighter skin tones. As a result, laser lights are mostly absorbed by the darker skin while lighter skin reflects the light. This causes skin discoloration in darker skin tones so technicians can’t be aggressive with dark skin tones. 

Again, if you have scar tissue within the tattoo, it will take more time to remove the tattoo. 

Past Touchups

If your tattoo has been touched up several times, it will take more time to remove the tattoo. This is because there is more ink has been used for the touch-up or cover-up. The design and the color of the ink too play a vital role. 

Age Of Tattoo

The age of a tattoo is the most critical factor in determining how many sessions will be required to remove it altogether. Older tattoos will typically require fewer sessions than newer ones, as the tattoo ink starts fading and dispersing into the surrounding tissue.

On the other hand, more unique tattoos will often require more sessions as the ink is still highly concentrated and difficult to break down.

Professional laser tattoo removal services can take time and money. So, you can try to fade out the tattoo by yourself. 

How To Prepare For The Tattoo Removal Session?

Here are the steps to follow to prepare before a tattoo removal session:

• Before the session eat a meal and drink at least 4 glasses of water. 
• To manage the pain take Tylenol beforehand.
• Avoid too much sun exposure before your session and make sure to apply sunscreen every time you go out. 

Product name	Feature
Mad Rabbit Defend Tattoo Sunscreen	Moisturizing and anti-aging formula Tattoo fade protection
Blue Lizard Active Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion	Mineral-based Dermatologist recommended Paraben and fragrance-free

• Ensure that your tattoo is well-shaved and free of cream or makeup. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Which Method Is The Best For Tattoo Removal?

Laser removal is the most effective method for tattoo removal. It works by breaking up the ink pigment into small pieces that are then absorbed by the body. This method is usually done in a series of treatments; each medium-sized session takes about 15 minutes.

Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Yes, tattoo removal can hurt. Many people report discomfort during laser removal treatments. The level of discomfort depends on several factors, including the size and location of the Tattoo, the type of laser used, and the person’s pain tolerance. Some people report feeling a snapping sensation during treatments, while others feel a burning or tingling sensation.

Are Old Tattoos Easier To Remove?

Tattoos can be entirely removed, but it can depend on several factors. For instance, the age of the Tattoo, the Ink used, and how many times it’s been touched up can all affect how difficult it is to remove.

Closing Words 

Coming to the question- ‘How many tattoo removal sessions are required?’

To remove a tattoo around 6-12 sessions are required. The number of sessions varies depending on the person’s health, the quality of the ink, the person’s skin tone, and the number of touchups they did.