What Results Will I See After Laser Tattoo Removal?
Results will vary from one person and one tattoo to another. The laser’s ability to break up the pigments depends on several factors. Old tattoos, for example, have usually migrated closer to the surface of the skin as time passes, while new tattoos will be deeper in the dermis.
Color also plays an important role in tattoo removal. The tattoo pigment has to absorb the energy of the laser for the laser to break it apart. Dark ink colors like black and blue will remove more easily than bright colors since bright colors do not absorb as much laser energy.
You may see anything from the complete disappearance of the tattoo to a faded but still visible result. Each tattoo is different. Some may require as few as two to three sessions, while some require six to eight, or more. The Enlighten™ works up to 40% faster than other lasers, so you can finish your tattoo removal in fewer treatments, which saves time and money.
Factors Affecting Treatment Success
Several factors influence how well laser tattoo removal works and how many sessions you might need.
Ink Color
Darker colors like black and blue absorb laser energy better and are easier to remove. Lighter colors, such as yellow and green, are more challenging and require specialized lasers.
Skin Type
People with lighter skin often see faster results because the contrast between the skin and ink allows for more effective laser targeting. The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale is commonly used to assess skin type and predict outcomes.
Tattoo Age
Older tattoos are usually easier to remove because the body has already started breaking down the ink over time. Newer tattoos might require more sessions since the ink is deeper in the skin.
Tattoo Depth
Professional tattoos are often deeper in the skin and require more sessions than amateur tattoos, which are usually closer to the surface.
Health and Lifestyle
A healthy immune system helps clear ink particles more effectively. Smoking or poor health can slow down this process, leading to more sessions.
These factors combined determine how many sessions are needed and how successful the removal will be.
Is There Any Downtime After Laser Tattoo Removal?
You may notice redness or minor blistering on the skin, but you should have little to no downtime and can return to all your regular activities. Protect the treated area from the sun while it heals. This method of tattoo removal is the safest and most effective around.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?
Most people with an unwanted tattoo are good candidates for tattoo removal. People who take blood thinners or are pregnant should not have this treatment. The Enlighten™ makes laser tattoo removal faster and more comfortable, making it the laser of choice for this treatment.
Number of Sessions and Timeline Expectations
The number of sessions required for laser tattoo removal varies based on several factors.
Tattoo Size
Larger tattoos naturally require more time and sessions to fully remove, as more ink needs to be broken down.
Tattoo Color
Dark colors like black and blue might need fewer sessions, while colors like green or yellow could take more time due to their resistance to laser energy.
Ink Depth
Professional tattoos, which are deeper, often need more sessions compared to amateur tattoos that are closer to the skin’s surface.
Tattoo Age
Older tattoos may require fewer sessions since the body has already begun to break down the ink over time.
On average, most people need between 6 to 12 sessions, spaced about 6 to 8 weeks apart. This time allows the body to clear away ink particles between treatments, ensuring the best results.
Each session lightens the tattoo progressively, but complete removal can take several months, or even a year, depending on the tattoo’s characteristics.