Just like getting a tattoo in the first place, removing your unwanted tattoos can also take a few months. We understand that everyone is busy and time is precious, so if you want to know how long a laser tattoo removal session takes, our tattoo removal experts have the answers.
Let’s start by getting into how the laser tattoo removal process works and what you can expect from your treatment. If you want to have a chat in person, please get in touch with our friendly team to book a no-obligation consultation.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
If you want to fade your unwanted tattoos to get a cover-up, or completely remove an old tattoo, you are in the right place. Laser treatments are the safest and most effective method to remove a tattoo.
But as with any laser treatment, you need to find the right laser device to deliver great results. At Zapp Laser Studio, we use PicoSure laser treatment. Not only is this the most advanced laser technology on the market, but it also works on most skin types and removes tattoo ink for even the most challenging and complex tattoos.
It is also more precise than other laser treatments. This is because PicoSure can target ink particles much harder and faster than other devices. How? It uses targeted laser light energy to break down the tattoo ink particles so your body’s immune system can remove them easily. What’s more, it does this without causing damage to the healthy skin that surrounds your tattoo.
The device works by using two different laser wavelengths of laser light energy. This ensures that we can target all colours on the spectrum, including those that are most difficult to remove such as white, green and blue.
What happens during a typical laser tattoo removal treatment session?
The first step in your tattoo removal journey is to have a consultation with one of our laser tattoo removal experts. This is where we can assess the tattoo you want to remove, check your skin type and talk about what you want to achieve from your treatment. From this, we can develop a tailored laser tattoo removal treatment plan.
The laser tattoo removal process works by passing the laser device over the treatment area. This will send ultra-short pulses of light energy at a fast rate into the tattoo ink.
A question we often get is – does laser tattoo removal hurt? The honest answer to this is yes, it does. Sometimes as much as getting the tattoo in the first place. But we do put processes in place to help make your tattoo removal treatment more comfortable.
One thing we do not use is a numbing cream. This is because it can change the texture of your skin and actually slow down the tattoo removal process. Instead, we use a cryo machine during each session. This blows extremely cold air onto the skin, which helps make your treatment more pleasant.
Because your tattoo artist creates your design and uses tattoo ink at different depths in your skin, we need to follow the same method in tattoo removal too.
In your first few sessions, the laser energy will target tattoo ink that sits deeper in the skin. In your last few sessions, we will increase the laser energy, but decrease the depth, so that it can target the ink particles that sit on the skin’s surface.
How long is each session of laser tattoo removal?
This is something that surprises a lot of our clients. They imagine that because each session of getting their tattoo can take a few hours, removing unwanted tattoos will be the same.
The good news is that each session of laser tattoo removal is much quicker than that. In fact, small and simple tattoos can take just a few seconds per session. Larger and more complex tattoos can take around ten minutes per session. But as you can see, you will not be in the treatment room for long.
Every tattoo is different and some may take more time to remove than others. When you meet with one of our laser experts, they will talk to you about how long each session will be, how many laser treatments you will need and laser tattoo removal cost.
Laser tattoo removal results – how many sessions for complete tattoo removal?
Now that you know how quick each laser removal session will be, you will want to know how many sessions you will need for effective tattoo removal.
You may have guessed it, but you will need more than one laser removal treatment to fade or completely remove a tattoo. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, so we cannot say that everyone will need the same amount of sessions to get the same results.
To give you an indication of how many laser treatments you will need, below is how many people need on average:
To fade a tattoo for cover-up – you will need 2-6 treatments
To completely remove a tattoo – you will need around 6-10 treatments (maybe more for larger and more complex tattoos)
Allowing your body time to process the ink particles the laser breaks down and giving your skin time to heal is important. This is why we only allow our clients to have one treatment session every 10 weeks.
This may feel like a long time, but to help you achieve great results and prevent any damage to your skin, including scarring, following this timeline is crucial.
Why not check out what some of our clients have to say about their laser tattoo removal experience.
Ready to get going with laser tattoo removal?
If after reading this, you think you are ready to chat to one of our team about laser tattoo removal, start by getting in touch with us to book an appointment.
This initial consultation is where you can find out more about how PicoSure laser treatment works and ask any questions you have about tattoo removal. We can even set you up with a treatment plan, which will include how many sessions and how much it will cost you, so you can make a decision you feel comfortable with.