How Many Tattoo Removal Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions varies according to tattoo colour, size, depth, ink density and individual response. Many tattoos require multiple sessions performed over several months. In general, around 6-10 sessions are required.

Can All Tattoo Colours Be Removed?

Many tattoo colours can be treated, although different colours respond differently. Black and dark blue pigments generally respond more readily than lighter colours such as yellow, red and some green pigments. White tattoos cannot be removed as it reflects laser light energy rather than absorbs it.

Why Are Multiple Tattoo Removal Sessions Required?

Only a portion of the tattoo pigment is fragmented and cleared during each treatment session. Multiple treatments allow progressive breakdown and removal of additional pigment.

Does Tattoo Removal Leave A Scar?

Laser tattoo removal is designed to target pigment while minimising injury to surrounding tissues. However, all procedures carry risks, including pigmentary changes and scarring.

Is Tattoo Removal Painful?

Most individuals describe treatment as a series of brief snapping sensations. Cooling methods and topical numbing cream may be used to improve comfort.

How Long Should I Wait Between Treatments?

Treatment intervals are typically spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and permit the body's immune system time to clear fragmented pigment.

Can Cosmetic Tattoos Be Removed?

Many cosmetic tattoos, including eyebrow tattoos, may be suitable for laser removal. However, cosmetic pigments can behave differently from decorative tattoo inks and require careful assessment.

Can I Remove Part Of A Tattoo?

Yes. Selected areas of a tattoo may be treated when partial removal or modification is desired.

Why Is My Tattoo Darker After Treatment?

Temporary darkening can occasionally occur during the healing process or due to chemical changes within certain pigments. This is assessed during follow-up visits.

Can Tattoo Removal Be Combined With Tattoo Cover-Ups?

Yes. Tattoo fading is commonly performed prior to a cover-up tattoo to reduce the amount of existing pigment and provide more flexibility for future tattoo design.

Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal at Wabi Medical Aesthetics uses laser technology to target unwanted tattoo pigment within the skin. By delivering short pulses of light that are selectively absorbed by tattoo ink, the laser breaks larger pigment particles into smaller fragments that can gradually be cleared by the body's natural processes.

Begin My Journey

The Wabi Clinic Instagram

The Essentials

Best For

Unwanted cosmetic and decorative tattoos

Procedure Duration

15 – 45 minutes

Recommended Sessions

6 – 10 sessions

Treatment Interval

Every 6 – 8 weeks

Downtime

3 – 7 days of redness, swelling or crusting

The Science Behind Tattoo Removal

How Do Tattoos Stay In The Skin?

Tattoo ink is deposited into the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin beneath the epidermis. Although some pigment is removed by the body's immune system after tattoo placement, a significant proportion remains trapped within specialised immune cells called macrophages. This is why tattoos can remain visible for many years.

Laser tattoo removal works by targeting these pigment particles while minimising injury to the surrounding skin.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

An illustration of the process of laser tattoo removal and how it works.

Why Are Different Wavelengths Needed For
Different Tattoo Colours?

Different tattoo colours absorb different wavelengths of light.

A graphic that shows the appropriate wavelengths for the respective tattoo colour.

What Influences Tattoo Removal Outcomes?

Several factors influence how a tattoo responds to treatment:

Tattoo Colour

Black and dark blue pigments generally respond more readily than lighter colours.

Tattoo Age

Older tattoos may have already undergone partial fading and can sometimes respond quicker from newer tattoos.

Ink Density

Professional tattoos often contain greater concentrations of pigment than amateur tattoos and take longer to remove.

Tattoo Depth

Pigment located deeper within the skin may require additional treatment sessions.

Skin Type

Darker skin types will limit the amount of laser energy which can be used safely.

Immune Function

The body's immune system plays an important role in clearing fragmented pigment after treatment.

Areas That Can Be Treated

Face

Eyebrows

Arms

Hands

Chest

Abdomen

Back

Legs

Ankles

Treatment suitability depends on the tattoo location, colour composition

and individual assessment.

Can Tattoo Removal Be Combined
With Other Treatments?

Tattoo removal is often performed as part of a broader skin health programme.

Synergistic Combinations:

LED Therapy

LED Therapy may be used following treatment to support recovery and reduce post-treatment inflammation.

A consultation helps determine which therapies would best address your aesthetic concerns. We recommend consulting a medical professional for a tailored treatment plan.

What Is The Downtime For Laser Tattoo Removal?

Downtime varies according to the size of the tattoo, treatment settings and individual healing response.

Common Side Effects:

Redness

Temporary redness is common immediately after treatment.

Swelling

Mild swelling may occur and generally settles within several days.

Whitening (Frosting)

A temporary white appearance of the tattoo immediately after treatment is a normal treatment endpoint.

Crusting

Small crusts or scabs may develop during healing.

Tenderness

The treated area may feel similar to a mild sunburn for several days.

These effects generally improve gradually during the healing process.

What Is The Aftercare Required After Tattoo Removal?

Proper aftercare is important to support healing

and minimise complications.

Keep The Area Clean

Gently cleanse the treated area according to your doctor's instructions.

Avoid Picking

Do not pick at crusts or scabs, as this may increase the risk of pigmentary changes or scarring.

Sun Protection

Protect the area from excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen once the skin has healed.

Avoid Friction

Avoid excessive rubbing, scratching or trauma to the treated area during recovery.

Follow Wound Care Instructions

Specific aftercare recommendations may vary depending on the treatment intensity and location.

What to Expect During Your Journey

02 The Treatment

Protective eyewear is provided before treatment begins. Laser pulses are delivered across the tattooed area to target the pigment particles.

Most individuals describe the sensation as similar to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.

04 The Clearance Phase

Over the following weeks, the body's immune system gradually clears fragmented pigment particles from the skin.

01 The Consultation

03 Post-Treatment

05 Progressive Fading

A detailed assessment is performed to evaluate the tattoo size, colours, age, location and treatment goals. An individualised treatment plan is developed based on these factors.

Temporary whitening, redness and swelling may occur immediately after treatment and are expected treatment responses.

As additional treatment sessions are performed, progressive fading of the tattoo may occur. The degree of fading varies depending on tattoo characteristics and individual biological factors.

Tattoo Removal FAQs

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. We recommend a clinical consultation for a plan tailored to your unique anatomy.*