Tattoo removal is becoming more popular as people start to realise that unwanted ink does not have to stay on your skin forever.
But with so much information out there on what types of tattoos can be fully removed, you might be asking yourself – what kind of tattoos can’t be removed?
It’s true that not all tattoos are created equal, which means that certain tattoos are more challenging to fade or fully remove than others. But this does not mean they can’t be removed.
Our laser tattoo removal experts reveal why certain tattoo ink is more resistant to removal, what factors may affect your results, and which modern laser technology will give you the best chance of seeing clear skin.
Or, if you are ready to talk to us in-person, book an initial consultation with Zapp Laser Studio today and start your tattoo removal journey.
Are there certain tattoos that can’t be completely removed?
No work of art is ever the same as the next. This also applies to body tattoo art too.
As experts in tattoo removal, we provide effective laser tattoo removal to our clients. But even we know that some tattoos are more difficult to remove than others.
There are several factors that can make tattoos more challenging to remove. Let’s explore them.
Tattoo pigments and ink colour
Modern tattoos have gone from being purely black ink to a myriad of ink colours. Some of which can be stubborn to get rid of during the removal process.
Black ink responds very well to laser treatment. However, green, yellow and red ink, for example, require more effort to remove.
This does not mean we cannot remove these ink colours, but you are likely to need multiple sessions to ensure complete removal.
Amateur tattoos vs. professional tattoos
Amateur tattoos are often easier to remove with laser treatment because the ink is less saturated.
Professional tattoos on the other hand, generally have multiple layers and the ink tends to penetrate the skin deeper. This makes them harder to remove, and the removal procedure takes longer.
Location
Tattoos on areas of the body with better blood circulation are easier to remove. This includes the upper arms and chest.
If you have tattoos in areas that are further away from the heart, including the ankles, feet and hands, this leads to slower healing, and they can take a long time to fade or fully remove.
Tattoo size
This one is more obvious. Large tattoos and more intricate tattoos will require more sessions to completely remove them.
Smaller tattoos can be treated more quickly, but this still depends on the density of the ink.
Skin tone
Advancements in laser technology means that most skin types can see effective tattoo removal, including darker skin tones.
However, lighter skin tones will generally see faster results from laser tattoo removal, while dark skin tones require more sessions and a more considered approach to treatment.
Age – newer tattoos vs older tattoo removal
You may think that newer tattoos should be easier to remove. But this is not the case.
In fact, older tattoos tend to require fewer sessions because the tattoo ink has already started to fade over time.
Immune system and healing
Your health and body play a very important role in the tattoo removal process.
A healthy immune system means that your body can process the broken down ink particles more easily.
Age and certain medical conditions can impact laser removal and mean results are much slower.
Is it guaranteed that tattoos will be completely removed with laser tattoo removal?
For most people, many tattoos can be fully removed.
However, every skin type is different, and how your body responds to laser tattoo removal will differ from person to person. This is why it is important to set realistic expectations.
While laser technology has made it easier for complete tattoo removal, we cannot guarantee that every client will achieve similar results.
There are choices you can make that will improve the chances of effective tattoo removal.
When you are looking at laser tattoo removal, you should consider:
Choosing the right option for laser treatment
There are many tattoos and many types of laser devices that promise tattoo removal. But you need to remember that not all lasers will work on your skin type or on certain tattoos.
At Zapp Laser Studio, we use the PicoSure laser treatment. This is the most advanced laser technology on the market for fading tattoos and complete removal.
It works by using ultra-short bursts of laser energy that target tattoo ink pigments and shatter them into smaller particles. This allows your body to process them through the immune system.
Unlike older laser treatments that rely on heat to break down tattoo ink, PicoSure uses light energy, which minimises heat damage, reduces scarring, and promotes faster healing.
Other reasons to choose PicoSure laser tattoo removal include:
- Treats all ink colours on the spectrum including red, blue, green and yellow
- We can tailor the laser to reach different depths in the skin
- You need fewer laser sessions than other laser removal methods
- Proven results on even the most stubborn tattoos
Does PicoSure work on different skin tones?
PicoSure laser treatment works on most skin types, but is most effective on lighter skin types (1-4 on Fitzpatrick scale).
We always do a patch test first to determine whether your skin is suitable.
At our London studio, we also offer PicoWay laser treatment. This works safely on all skin tones, including dark skin tones.
This is because it uses a 1064nm wavelength that bypasses the melanin in the skin, and only targets the tattoo ink.
As a result, there is much less risk of pigmentation issues or discolouration of dark skin.
Both of these laser devices are the best options for safe and effective laser tattoo removal.
Finding an experienced technician
Laser tattoo removal is a precise procedure that requires knowledge and expertise to get it right.
At Zapp Laser Studio, our laser experts have years of experience and training in effective laser removal treatments.
We understand how to use the correct laser energy, at the right depth for your skin type and tattoo type, so you see the best results.
We focus on getting your tattoo removed in the safest way to ensure you do not see scar formation, hyperpigmentation issues, or heat damage to your skin.
During your consultation, we will assess your skin condition and tattoo to advise on the right course of treatment for you. This includes a bespoke treatment plan designed with your needs in mind.
You will need several laser removal sessions to see complete removal
Most tattoos need several sessions, spaced a few weeks apart to see significant fading and full removal.
On average our clients need:
- 2-6 laser sessions to fade a tattoo
- 6-10 laser removal sessions to completely remove tattoos
Of course, this will depend on the factors we mentioned earlier, such as age, location, ink density and skin health.
The best choice for your tattoo removal
If you are ready to give your skin a fresh start, free of old or unwanted tattoos, laser tattoo removal treatment is often the best course of action.
Our experts at Zapp Laser Studio are not here to convince you to have laser tattoo removal, but rather to guide you on finding the right treatment for your skin type, tattoo type and desired results.
We always provide clear and honest advice on tattoo removal, even the challenging parts of it. This way, you have all the information you need to make a choice that you feel comfortable and confident in.