How Many Sessions Does Tattoo Removal Take?
Laser tattoo removal is a highly effective method for erasing unwanted ink, but it doesn’t happen overnight. The number of sessions required depends on multiple factors, and one of the most widely used tools to estimate this is the Kirby-Desai Scale.
If you’re considering tattoo removal, understanding this scale can help set realistic expectations for how long the process will take. Let’s explore the key factors that influence tattoo removal time.
Factors That Affect Tattoo Removal Time
The Kirby-Desai Scale assesses six main parameters that determine how many sessions a tattoo will require for full removal:
1. Skin Type (Fitzpatrick Scale)
Your skin type plays a significant role in how efficiently the laser can break down ink particles. The Fitzpatrick Scale classifies skin tones from Type I (very fair, always burns, never tans) to Type VI (very dark, never burns, always tans).
Lighter skin tones (Types I-III) respond more quickly because the laser can focus on the ink with minimal interference.
Darker skin tones (Types IV-VI) require lower laser settings to prevent damage to surrounding skin, meaning more sessions may be needed.
2. Tattoo Location
Where your tattoo is located on your body affects how quickly it fades. Areas with better blood circulation heal faster and eliminate ink particles more efficiently.
Faster fading areas: Face, neck, upper chest, and shoulders.
Slower fading areas: Hands, feet, lower legs, and fingers (due to lower circulation).
Different locations of the tattoo affect the speed of removal
3. Ink Colours and Composition
The type of ink used in your tattoo plays a crucial role in how long removal takes:
Easiest to remove: Black and dark blue (absorbs laser energy best).
Moderate difficulty: Red and warm colours.
Hardest to remove: Green, yellow, and pastel shades (these require specialised laser wavelengths).
4. Ink Density and Tattoo Depth
Amateur tattoos use less ink and are typically easier to remove.
Professional tattoos have deeper ink placement and higher density, requiring more laser treatments.
5. Pre-Existing Scarring or Tissue Damage
If the tattooed area has scar tissue or previous skin damage, it may take longer to remove the ink due to uneven absorption of laser energy.
6. Tattoo Layering (Cover-ups)
Cover-up tattoos contain multiple layers of ink, making them more challenging to remove. These typically require additional sessions compared to single-layer tattoos.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
Based on these factors, most tattoos require between 6-12 laser sessions, spaced 10-12 weeks apart, to allow the body to flush out the ink particles effectively. However, larger or multicoloured tattoos may take 10-20 sessions for complete removal.
Kirby-Desai Scale Estimate:
Light skin, black ink, upper body tattoo: 6-8 sessions
Darker skin, multicoloured, lower leg tattoo: 12-15 sessions
Cover-up tattoo with dense ink layers: 15-20+ sessions
Each person’s response to laser tattoo removal is unique, so consultation with a certified laser specialist is essential to create a customised treatment plan.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Laser Technology
Not all lasers are created equal. At ClearLase Tattoo Removal, we use advanced Q-switched (Nd:YAG and Ruby) and Picosecond lasers to target a broad range of ink colours effectively while minimising discomfort and reducing treatment time.
✅ Faster fading ✅ Lower risk of scarring ✅ Safe for all skin types
Ready to Start Your Tattoo Removal Journey?
At ClearLase Tattoo Removal, we provide professional, safe, and effective laser tattoo removal in Sheffield and Leeds. Book your consultation today and let us create a personalised plan for you!
📅 Book Online Now: clearlase.co.uk/book-online
📍 Locations: Sheffield & Leeds 📞 Call Us: 0114 4000 255 / 0113 873 0448 📧 Email: info@clearlase.co.uk
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Sources:
Kirby W, Desai A. The Kirby-Desai Scale: A Quantitative Model for Predicting Tattoo Removal Treatment Sessions. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2009.
Anderson RR, Parrish JA. Selective Photothermolysis: Precise Microsurgery by Selective Absorption of Pulsed Radiation. Science. 1983.
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