When it comes to removing unwanted tattoos, advanced laser technology has completely changed the tattoo removal process.
If you are looking for a professional laser treatment that will completely remove different tattoo types and work on different skin tones, you are in the right place.
At Zapp Laser Studio, we use two of the most effective laser treatments on the market – PicoSure laser and PicoWay laser treatment. Both of these lasers offer safe, incredible results.
One of the most common questions we get from our clients is: How many laser tattoo removal sessions are required to completely remove a tattoo?
To answer this, we need to break down how each of these laser tattoo removal treatments work and what factors can affect how many laser sessions you will need to remove a tattoo.
You can also speak to one of our laser tattoo removal experts in person by contacting us below.
What is laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal uses laser energy to help break down tattoo ink particles in your skin. The action of breaking down the ink pigment into smaller ink particles makes it easier for your body to flush them out naturally through the body’s immune system.
It will take multiple sessions to fade or completely remove a tattoo. The laser energy will target the tattoo ink specifically without causing any harm to the healthy skin that surrounds the tattoo.
We will target the tattoo ink at different depths in the early and later treatment sessions. This will ensure the laser breaks down all of the ink particles to fully remove your unwanted tattoos.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
The laser tattoo removal process is fairly simple. During a laser tattoo removal session, we will use either the PicoSure or PicoWay laser devices to perform your treatment.
The laser device will pass along your tattoo, sending laser energy or light energy directly into the tattoo. This is delivered in ultra-short pulses (pico pulses) that targets the ink with speed and precision.
The laser energy will shatter the tattoo ink particles into much smaller particles. Following your treatment session, and over the next few weeks, these particles will be flushed out through the body’s immune system.
We do not use numbing cream during laser removal sessions. This is because it can change the texture of your skin and result in the tattoo removal process taking much longer.
Instead, we use a cryo machine to blow very cold air onto the treatment area. This helps to keep your skin cool and make the ink removal process more comfortable for you.
Advanced laser treatments: PicoSure and PicoWay
At Zapp Laser Studio, we use two of the most advanced laser treatments for tattoo removal – PicoSure and PicoWay. Both of these target the ink in multi-coloured tattoos with ease and precision.
Let’s break down the benefits of each:
PicoSure laser treatment
- PicoSure is the first picosecond laser of its kind. This laser technology uses ultra-short pulses of light energy to target the ink more directly.
- It works well on all ink colours in the spectrum, including hard to treat ink colours such as green ink, blue ink and yellow ink.
- Provides create results on small tattoos and larger tattoos that are more complex
- Is effective on most skin types, but works best on skin types 1-4
PicoWay laser treatment
- PicoWay is another powerful picosecond laser tattoo removal treatment that works on all skin types, including darker skin tones
- It uses the 1064nm wavelength which bypasses the pigment in the skin and only targets the tattoo ink. This prevents any pigmentation issues in those with darker skin types.
- Uses multiple wavelengths to target different tattoo ink colours – 1064nm for dark colours, 730nm for blue and green ink, and 532nm for red, yellow and orange inks
We only offer PicoWay laser treatment at our London Studio.
How many laser tattoo removal sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required to fade or to remove a tattoo completely will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Tattoo age – older tattoos may require less treatment sessions as they typically fade over the years.
- Tattoo ink colour – yes, we can treat all ink colours, but challenging colours such as green and yellow may still take more time to remove.
- Ink depth – professional tattoos tend to penetrate deeper in the skin than amateur tattoos, so may need more laser treatments
- Location of the tattoo – if your unwanted tattoos are closer to the heart, they will fade faster because of better circulation
- Sun exposure – if your skin has been exposed to the sun you may need to delay treatment. You need to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks before and after your treatment to avoid any issues such as hyperpigmentation.
The average number of sessions you will need for tattoo removal
Not everyone will respond the same to laser treatment, so the number of sessions below are only estimates:
For complete removal: 6-10 treatment sessions
To fade a tattoo: you will need fewer sessions, around 2-6 laser treatments
The healing process is important for effective laser tattoo removal treatment
Most people think about what they need to do before they have laser tattoo removal, but they do not always think about what to do between each session.
After laser removal treatment, you need to give your skin time to heal and for your body to process the ink particles.
Firstly, the longer you leave it between your sessions, the more fading you will see. In your first few laser treatments, we will ask you to wait 10 weeks between each session.
In the later sessions, we will ask you to wait a little longer. This is because any ink on the surface of the skin will take longer for the body to process and remove.
To help your skin heal between tattoo removal sessions, you should avoid sun exposure, or cover up your treatment area if you do go out in the sun. Not doing this can make the laser less effective and it can damage your skin.
Talk to us about whether laser tattoo removal is right for you
At Zapp Laser Studio, we use two of the most advanced laser technologies on the market, which makes removing unwanted tattoos more effective for most people.
Whether you want to fade a tattoo to cover up, or completely remove your tattoo, our expert team can help. We also understand how to treat all skin types safely and effectively, so you can feel confident that you will see great results.
We offer tattoo removal in our London, Bristol and Brighton and Hove studios. Get in touch today to book your initial consultation.