Laser tattoo removal is very effective these days, but many people wonder: how long does it take to remove a tattoowith a laser? The time it takes to remove a tattoo depends on its size, the ink, the colors, the location, and your skin type.
On this page, we’ll clearly explain how many laser treatments are needed to remove a tattoo, how much time should elapse between treatments, and how long each laser treatment lasts.
What do you find out?
- 1 At a Glance: How Long Does It Take to Remove a Tattoo with a Laser?
- 2 On average, how many laser treatments are needed to remove a tattoo?
- 3 How much time is there between laser treatments?
- 4 How long does a laser treatment take?
- 5 How long does it take in total to remove a tattoo?
- 6 Results of Tattoo Removal by Laser
- 7 Free Initial Consultation & Personalized Treatment Plan
At a Glance: How Long Does It Take to Remove a Tattoo with a Laser?
- Average number of laser tattoo removal treatments: 4–10 sessions on average
- Time between laser treatments: 8–12 weeks
- Duration of a single laser treatment: Fairly short, depending on the size. For small tattoos, sometimes just a few minutes
- Total duration of tattoo removal: on average, 6–24 months
- More sessions are needed for: old ink, colorful tattoos, deep layers of pigment, large tattoos, and areas with reduced blood flow.
Are you curious about the cost of tattoo removal? View our price list by treatment here, or get a cost estimate right away.
On average, how many laser treatments are needed to remove a tattoo?
The number of laser treatments needed to remove a tattoo varies from person to person and from tattoo to tattoo. On average, it takes 4 to 10 laser treatments. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee this, as every tattoo is, of course, unique.
The reason multiple sessions are needed is that the body needs time between sessions to eliminate the broken-down ink particles.
Factors that may influence the number of treatments include:
- Depth of the tattoo
- Location of the tattoo
- Colors of the tattoo
- Age of the tattoo
- Skin Type and the Immune System
- Laser Technology
Depth of the tattoo
The depth of a tattoo plays an important role in tattoo removal. The deeper the tattoo is placed in the skin the more difficult it is to remove. Tattoos that are professionally done usually have a greater density of pigment and are deeper in the skin.
Location of the tattoo
When you have a tattoo removed with a laser, the pigment is broken down and carried away by the body. It eventually enters the bloodstream and is eliminated by the immune system. Blood is pumped throughout the body by the heart, so tattoos located closer to the heart (neck, shoulders, back) will fade more quickly. Tattoos on areas such as the hands, feet, and lower legs will take longer to fade.
Colors of the tattoo
In general, tattoos with color are more difficult to remove than black and white tattoos. Usually the color black is the easiest to remove, followed by red, then blue and green. Purple and yellow are the most difficult to remove.
Age of the tattoo
Older tattoos are generally easier to remove than relatively new ones. First, a tattoo may have faded somewhat over the past few years, making it easier to remove. In addition, the quality of pigments used in the past is much lower than it is today.
Your Skin Type and Immune System
Your skin type and immune system also determine how quickly a tattoo can be broken down. Darker skin types contain more melanin, which often requires a more cautious approach during laser treatment and may necessitate additional sessions. In addition, your immune system plays a major role: the more active it is, the faster it can remove the broken-down ink particles. People with a strong immune system therefore typically see results more quickly between treatments.
Laser Technology
The laser technology used also affects the number of treatments required. Some lasers are more powerful than others, which means the tattoo breaks down more quickly. At New Skin Laserclinic, we use the most advanced laser equipment: FracTAT® technology and the Nd:YAG laser.
This laser is one of the fastest, safest, and most effective lasers for tattoo removal. It completely removes your tattoo, and you’ll see results starting with the very first treatment. In our other article, we’ll tell you everything about FracTAT® technology and the Nd:YAG laser so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
How much time is there between laser treatments?
In addition to how many treatments are needed to remove a tattoo, you’ll naturally also want to know: how much time should elapse between laser treatments?
At New Skin Laserclinic, we always schedule 8 to 12 weeks between sessions
But why is this important?
After laser treatment, the immune system breaks down the ink particles. That process takes time; undergoing another laser treatment too soon actually delays the results and increases the risk of scarring.
Why 8–12 weeks is ideal:
- Your skin will heal completely
- Your immune system removes as much pigment as possible
- You'll see results faster
- It prevents the skin from becoming overburdened
Short intervals (e.g., 4 weeks) may seem faster, but they are counterproductive.
How long does a laser treatment take?
The last question you're probably wondering about is: exactly how long does a laser treatment take? The laser treatment itself usually takes quite a short time.
A session typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes on average. How long a tattoo laser treatment takes depends, of course, on the size of your tattoo. For a smaller tattoo, the procedure may take only a few minutes.
How long does it take in total to remove a tattoo?
When we take all factors into account: The total duration of tattoo removal is, on average, 6–24 months.
This is because you:
- You usually need 4–10 sessions
- You should take an 8–12-week break between each session
Completely removing a tattoo takes time, but with the right laser, it’s very effective. At New Skin Laserclinic, we’ll give you an estimate of how many treatments you’ll likely need during a free initial consultation.
Would you like to learn more about tattoo removal—how it works, possible side effects, aftercare, and what you need to keep in mind? In our other article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about laser tattoo removal.
Tattoo laser away result
Are you curious about the results of tattoo removal at New Skin Laserclinic and the number of treatments required?
Want to see more before-and-after photos? Check out even more results here or read the customer stories.
Free Intake Consultation & Personalized Treatment Plan
Would you like to know how many laser treatments your tattoo will require and how long it will take to remove it? During a free consultation, we’ll determine approximately how many treatments you’ll need and how long it will take to remove your tattoo. Our experienced and certified skin therapists will create a personalized treatment plan for you so you know exactly what to expect. Schedule a free consultation, and together we’ll figure out how quickly you can get rid of your tattoo.
