How Many Sessions Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

So, you’ve decided to part ways with your tattoo. Maybe it’s outgrown your vibe, maybe it’s blocking new ink, or maybe it just never looked how you wanted. You’ve read up on the process, and now you’re asking the big one: how many sessions does laser tattoo removal take?

At Area and Studio51 in Basingstoke, we believe in giving real answers without the runaround. Laser tattoo removal is a journey—not a one-zap miracle—and how long it takes depends on several things. This blog breaks it all down so you can set proper expectations, and plan your path to clean skin (or a fresh tattoo).

The Short Answer

Most tattoos take between 6 and 12 sessions to fully remove. But here’s the catch: no two tattoos are alike. Your removal timeline will depend on factors like ink colour, tattoo depth, your immune system, and even where it’s located on your body.

Sessions are usually spaced 6–8 weeks apart to give your skin time to heal and your body time to clear away the ink particles.

So, yes—removal takes time. But with each session, you’ll see more fading and progress.

Factors That Affect Tattoo Removal Session Count

1.Ink Colour
Not all colours are created equal.

Black ink: Easiest to remove. Absorbs all laser wavelengths.
Red, orange, yellow: Medium difficulty. Require specific lasers.
Blue, green, light pastels: Most stubborn. May take extra sessions.

If your tattoo is multi-coloured, we’ll adjust laser wavelengths to target each shade individually.

2.Tattoo Age and Quality
Older tattoos often fade more easily because the ink has already started breaking down.

Old tattoo? Likely needs fewer sessions.
New or professionally done tattoo? Expect a bit more time—it’s deeper and denser.

3.Skin Tone and Type
Your skin tone and how it reacts to laser treatment play a role. We adjust our laser settings carefully to ensure safe, effective treatment for all skin types. Darker skin tones may require more gentle settings, possibly increasing the number of sessions.

4.Tattoo Placement
Believe it or not, where the tattoo is on your body matters. Areas with better blood circulation (like the upper body) heal and clear pigment faster. Extremities (hands, ankles, feet) can take longer to respond.

5.Immune System Function
Laser removal works with your body, not against it. Once the laser breaks down the ink, your lymphatic system clears it away. If you’re healthy, active, and drink plenty of water, you may see faster results.

What to Expect Over the Course of Sessions

First Session

You might not notice dramatic changes yet.
The skin will react—redness, swelling, maybe a few blisters (all normal).
The tattoo may frost (whiten) temporarily—this is a good sign!

Sessions 2–4

Ink starts breaking up more visibly.
You’ll notice patchy fading—some areas lighten faster than others.
Skin heals better each time as your body adjusts.

Sessions 5–8

Major fading for most tattoos begins here.
Lines start disappearing, colours dull down.
You might consider whether to continue full removal or switch to a cover-up.

Sessions 9–12+

Final clean-up of stubborn ink particles.
Some tattoos, especially professional or colourful ones, may need touch-ups or extended sessions.

You and your artist can assess when you’ve reached your goal.

Can I Remove My Tattoo Faster?

We get it—nobody wants to drag this out. But, spacing sessions too closely can:

Increase risk of skin damage.
Lead to incomplete healing.
Result in less effective pigment clearance.

Trust the process. Your body needs time to process the pigment, and rushing it won’t speed things up.

What Can Help?

Stay hydrated.
Avoid smoking (which slows healing).
Eat healthily and exercise.
Follow aftercare religiously.

Think of it like a marathon, not a sprint. We’ll help pace you properly.

Tattoo Removal for Cover-Up Preparation

If your goal isn’t full removal but rather fading for a new tattoo. Good news—you probably won’t need the lots and lots of sessions.

Most cover-up prep can be achieved in just 2–5 sessions, depending on the density and colour of the original ink. Your Studio 51 artist can work with our laser techs to plan the best timeline.

Bonus: We’ll help design your new ink with the removal in mind.

FAQs About Tattoo Removal Sessions

How long is each laser session?
Sessions typically last 10–30 minutes, depending on tattoo size and detail.

How much time between sessions?
6–8 weeks between each treatment gives your skin time to heal and your body time to clear pigment.

Will the tattoo fade evenly?
Not always. Some colours and areas respond faster than others—but we’ll work on balancing it out across sessions.

Can I just get one session and see what happens?
You can—but one session rarely removes a tattoo. It’s best viewed as the first step of a longer journey.

Is there a limit to how many sessions I can have?
Not really—but we always reassess after each session to make sure further treatment is necessary and safe.

Final Thoughts

Laser tattoo removal isn’t instant—but it is effective when done right. At Studio51, we give every client a tailored treatment plan based on the tattoo, skin, and desired outcome.

Whether you’re fading for a new design or saying goodbye to an old one, we’ll help you navigate the process step-by-step.

Ready to start your removal journey? Book a free consultation today. Let’s make a plan that works for you.