12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Tattoo Removal
Thinking about removing a tattoo? You're not alone. Many people choose to remove old ink, whether they find it faded, done on a whim, or no longer reflecting who they are.
The tattoo removal process is much better today than it used to be. Understanding how tattoo removal works can help you feel more prepared. Things like tattoo fading, healing time, and the number of sessions for tattoo removal all play a role.
Here are 12 things I wish I had known before starting.
1. Not All Lasers Are Created Equal
Not every laser works the same for tattoo removal. Some clinics still use older machines called Q-switch lasers. These can be slower and less effective, especially on certain ink colours like green, blue, or red. You might need more sessions to see good results with this kind of laser.
Newer technology, like picosecond lasers (such as PicoSure), breaks ink into smaller pieces much faster. This means fewer sessions, better results, and less stress on your skin. Picosecond lasers are also more gentle, which helps your skin heal better between treatments.
If you're starting the tattoo removal process, always ask what kind of laser the clinic uses. It can make a significant difference in how fast your tattoo fades and how your skin looks afterward.
2. It Takes Multiple Sessions
Tattoo removal isn’t a one-time fix. You won’t see your tattoo disappear after just one treatment. Most people need somewhere between 4 to 10 sessions to get the results they want. We usually space these sessions 6 to 8 weeks apart to give your skin time to heal and your body time to flush out the ink.
The number of sessions you need depends on a few factors. These include the size of your tattoo, how deep the ink is, the colours used, and where it is on your body. Your overall health and how well your body heals also play a role.
Understanding the number of sessions for tattoo removal helps you plan ahead and stay realistic. The results build over time, and it’s normal for tattoos to fade slowly with each visit.
3. Colour Ink Is Harder to Remove
Not all ink colours fade the same way. Black ink is the easiest for lasers to break down, which means it usually fades faster. But if your tattoo has coloured ink—like red, orange, yellow, blue, or green—it can take more time and more sessions.
Blues and greens are especially stubborn. That’s why it’s important to go to a clinic that uses a picosecond laser like PicoSure. This type of laser has the energy and speed to target tough colours better. It breaks the ink into tiny pieces that your body can remove.
To get sunset colours like red, yellow, and orange, the laser needs a different setting. It usually uses a 532nm wavelength to create those tones correctly. Not all clinics have this option, so make sure you ask.
If your tattoo is full of colour, the type of laser matters even more. A multi-wavelength picosecond laser gives you the best chance at seeing real fading across all ink colours.
learn more about tattoo inks with our blog linked here
4. It Hurts—But It’s Quick
Let’s be honest—laser tattoo removal does sting. Most people compare the feeling to a rubber band snapping on your skin or tiny sparks hitting the tattooed area.
The good news? Treatments are fast. A typical tattoo removal session for a small tattoo can take less than five minutes.
The pain is short-lived, and the healing process begins right after the session. Some clinics offer numbing cream or cold air during treatment to help you stay comfortable.
Everyone has a different pain tolerance. The treatment can also depend on the skin layers you treat or how sensitive the area is. Areas with thinner skin might feel a bit sharper than others.
The laser only targets the top layers of skin. This means the discomfort is brief. It is worth it to safely and effectively remove an unwanted tattoo.
5. Fading Happens Between Sessions
You might not notice a significant change right after your first treatment—and that’s normal. In General, Laser tattoo removal works by breaking the ink particles into smaller particles using focused laser technology. Once the ink shatters, your body’s immune system clears it out.
This means the real progress happens in the weeks between treatments. Your body is doing the work behind the scenes, flushing out the broken-down ink through your lymphatic system. This is why tattoos fade faster with time, not right away.
This is also why sticking to your treatment plan and giving your skin time to heal is so important. Every session helps push the process forward, even if the results feel slow at first.
6. Aftercare Matters More Than You Think
What you do after each tattoo removal session is just as important as the treatment itself. Proper aftercare helps your skin heal, prevents infection, and lowers the risk of scarring or changes to skin coloration.
Right after treatment, your tattooed skin might be red, swollen, or feel like a mild sunburn. That’s normal. Keep the area clean, avoid sun exposure, and don’t pick at any scabs or blisters. This helps your body go through the healing process properly.
Good aftercare also helps the tattoo fade more smoothly. When your skin stays healthy between treatments, the laser can work safely and effectively during each session. Following aftercare instructions is key to getting the best possible results.
7. Your Skin Type Plays a Role
Not all skin types react the same to laser tattoo removal. Your skin tone, how you heal, and where the tattoo area is all affect how well the ink fades.
Modern laser technology, like picosecond lasers, can be adjusted to treat different skin tones safely and effectively. A good clinic will also consider the layers of your skin and how deep the ink goes when creating your treatment plan.
Review this Fitzpatrick scale to see where your skin type lands
8. It’s Not Cheap—But It’s Worth It
Laser tattoo removal is a medical-grade treatment that uses powerful laser technology. While cheaper options may seem like a deal, they often come with risks, like poor results, skin damage, or needing more sessions.
A clinic with the right equipment and experience can remove your tattoo more safely and effectively. In the long run, it saves time, protects your skin, and gives you better results after each tattoo removal session.
9. Some Tattoos Fade Easier Than Others
Every tattoo is different. Older tattoo ink tends to fade faster because it’s already breaking down. Lighter shading and amateur tattoos also respond well to removal.
Professional work with dense lines and layered ink particles may take more time. But with the right laser, you can clear even bold ink, just with a bit more patience.
10. Laser Can Help With Cover-Ups
If you’re not looking to erase everything, laser can still help. Many people just want to lighten an unwanted tattoo enough for a better cover-up.
A few sessions can create space for your tattoo artist to work with more freedom. Inform your provider about your plan—your treatment plan can be customized to fade, not fully remove, the ink.
11. Scarring Is Rare With the Right Laser
Worried about scars? With the right laser and proper care, most tattooed skin heals smoothly. Patients rarely get scars, especially if they space out treatments and follow aftercare instructions. Clinics that know about different skin types and use advanced lasers can safely support the healing process from start to finish.
12. Confidence Grows With Every Session
Removing a tattoo isn’t just about your skin—it’s about feeling like yourself again. The tattoo removal process takes time, but with each session, your confidence builds.
As your tattoo fades, your natural skin tone starts to show through again. Whether making room for new ink or just ready for a clean slate, a clear treatment plan helps you move forward with confidence, one session at a time.
Final Thoughts
Tattoo removal has come a long way. Today’s laser technology makes it safer, faster, and more effective than ever. But just like getting a tattoo, removing one is a process, and every step counts.
If you want to remove an unwanted tattoo, pick a clinic with the right tools and clear advice. They should also have a plan that suits your skin and goals.
Book a free consultation at Amendermis Laser Clinic in Victoria, BC. Let’s begin your journey to clear, healthy skin.