How Long Does It Take to Remove a Tattoo?
Understanding Tattoo Removal Timelines
Laser tattoo removal is a highly effective method for erasing unwanted ink, but it’s not an instant process. The number of sessions required varies based on multiple factors, and one of the best tools to estimate removal time is the Kirby-Desai Scale
Learn more about the Kirby-Desai Scale.
If you’re considering tattoo removal at Amendermis Laser Clinic, understanding this scale can help set realistic expectations. Let’s break down the key factors that influence tattoo removal time and how we optimize results using advanced picosecond laser technology.
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) tend to respond more quickly because the laser can focus on the ink with minimal interference.
Darker skin tones (Types IV-VI) require adjusted laser settings to prevent damage to surrounding skin, meaning more sessions may be needed for safe and effective removal.
At Amendermis Laser Clinic, we use picosecond technology, which is safer and more effective across all skin types than traditional Q-switched lasers.
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).
Tattoos closer to the heart typically clear faster than those on the extremities.
3. Ink Colours and Composition
The type of ink used in your tattoo significantly impacts removal speed.
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 specialized wavelengths like 532nm and 755nm).
At Amendermis, we use multiple laser wavelengths to effectively treat all ink colours, increasing removal success for stubborn hues.
Read Amendermis's Blog for more detail about tattoo Ink
4. Ink Density and Tattoo Depth
Amateur tattoos use less ink and are generally easier to remove.
Professional tattoos have deeper ink placement and higher density, requiring more laser treatments.
Higher-density ink absorbs more laser energy, which means the body needs more time to flush out broken-down ink particles.
5. Pre-existing scarring or Tissue Damage
If the tattooed area has scar tissue or previous skin damage, tattoo removal may take longer.
Scar tissue can trap ink particles, making it harder for the laser to penetrate and break them down. This uneven absorption of laser energy can slow fading and require additional sessions.
At Amendermis, we carefully adjust laser settings to target ink while minimizing risks. Our advanced picosecond laser technology helps break down stubborn ink trapped in scarred skin, improving overall removal efficiency.
6. Tattoo Layering (Cover-ups)
Cover-up tattoos are created to conceal older tattoos, often using darker or denser ink to mask the original design. Because of this, they typically contain multiple layers of ink, making them harder to remove.
The laser must first break down the top layer of ink before reaching the older tattoo underneath. This process can take longer, requiring more sessions than standard tattoo removal.
Additionally, the pigments used in cover-ups are often selected to contrast with the existing tattoo, which may mean more complex ink compositions. Colors like blues, greens, and darker shades require specialized laser wavelengths for effective removal.
At Amendermis Laser Clinic, we customize laser settings to gradually break down all ink layers while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin. Cover-up tattoos may take more time to remove, but with our advanced picosecond laser technology, we achieve the best possible results. These typically require additional sessions compared to single-layer tattoos. The top layer must fade first before reaching the deeper ink.
Limitations of the Kirby-Desai Scale
While the Kirby-Desai Scale is an excellent tool for estimating tattoo removal time, it does not account for personal biological factors that can impact results, such as:
Immune system efficiency: A stronger immune system helps break down and flush out smaller particles of ink more effectively.
Lymphatic system function: The body’s ability to process and remove ink particles varies from person to person.
Age and overall health: Younger individuals or those in better health often experience faster clearance of ink particles.
Individual response to laser treatment: Some people’s skin reacts better to laser treatment, leading to faster fading of the unwanted tattoo.
This is why an in-person consultation is necessary to develop a treatment plan that considers both the Kirby-Desai Scale and your unique biological factors.
How Many Tattoo Removal Sessions Will You Need?
Based on these factors, most tattoos require between 6-12 laser sessions, spaced 6-10 weeks apart, to allow the body to flush out ink particles effectively. However, larger or multicoloured tattoos may take 10-20 sessions for complete removal.
Estimated Removal Sessions (Kirby-Desai Scale):
Tattoo Type Estimated Sessions
Light skin, black ink, upper body 6-8 sessions
Darker skin, multicoloured, lower leg. 12-15 sessions
Cover-up tattoo with dense ink layer 15-20+ sessions
Each person’s response to laser tattoo removal is unique, which is why a consultation with a certified laser specialist is essential for a customized treatment plan.
Why Amendermis Laser Clinic Offers the Best Tattoo Removal Results
Choosing the right laser technology is crucial for faster fading, fewer sessions, and minimal risk of scarring. At Amendermis Laser Clinic, we use PicoSure picosecond laser technology, which:
✅ Removes ink 30% faster than traditional lasers
✅ Breaks down ink into finer particles for easier removal
✅ Is safe for all skin types, with minimal risk of pigmentation changes
Our expert laser specialists ensure your tattoo removal process is effective, safe, and tailored to your skin and tattoo type.
Start Your Tattoo Removal Journey Today!
If you're interested in tattoo removal and want to explore your options for tattoo removal, book a free consultation with Amendermis Laser Clinic today. Let’s create a customized plan to remove your tattoo efficiently with the latest technology!
📍 Visit us in Victoria, BC on the beautiful Vancouver Island
📞 Call or text [250-886-5278]
💻 Book Online at [amendermis.com]
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