How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Laser tattoo removal works because ink particles absorb the wavelengths of laser energy. With older, less efficient lasers, some pigments were much easier to treat than others, and bright colors often resisted all efforts. The FDA-cleared PicoSure® laser, a medical laser that uses three different laser wavelengths, can target more colors on ALL skin types. Even pigments that were not removed by other lasers can usually be removed with the PicoSure® laser. 

How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

Because each tattoo is unique, your tattoo removal will take more or less time, depending on many factors. In general, you can expect to see 20% to 25% removal with each session, but this will vary widely. 

The Size of Your Tattoo

Larger tattoos may require more treatments, especially if they are too large for the entire tattoo to be treated in one sitting. However, some large tattoos can be removed very quickly, so other factors play a major role. 

The Style of Your Tattoo

A tattoo done in intense colors often has a heavy application of ink that can require more sessions to get rid of. Intense, bright colors can be removed with the PicoSure® laser, but it may take longer than a less-pigmented tattoo. 

The Colors in Your Tattoo

With three wavelengths, PicoSure® can target every color in your tattoo. However, some colors require more treatments to break up and remove, even for this advanced laser. Your Premier Vein & Body laser expert will discuss which colors you can expect to take the longest. 

The Age of Your Tattoo

If you have had your tattoo for years, you may have noticed that the colors become less vibrant. Over time, some pigments in your tattoo move toward the surface and are shed with outer layers of skin. Since older tattoos are often closer to the surface, they are usually easier to remove. 

The Way Your Tattoo Was Done

Was your tattoo done by an amateur or a professional? If a professional performs the tattoo with proper equipment, it will take longer to remove than an amateur tattoo, which is usually not as deep in the skin. However, amateur tattoos can be more difficult to predict.