So, you’ve got a tattoo that no longer feels like you. Maybe it was a spontaneous decision, maybe it’s faded, or maybe it just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore. Whatever your reason, you’re not alone and the good news is, tattoo removal has come a long way.
Let’s talk through the whole process, the options available, and what you can realistically expect.
Can All Tattoos Be Removed?
Not every tattoo is created equal, and the same goes for removal. The success of tattoo removal depends on several factors:
1. Ink Colour – Black ink tends to respond best to removal. Colours like green, blue, and yellow can be a bit more stubborn.
When it comes to laser tattoo removal, not all ink colours break down in the same way. Black pigment absorbs the widest spectrum of laser wavelengths, making it easier to target and fragment. This is why black tattoos often respond the fastest and with the most consistent results across different skin tones and laser types.
On the other hand, coloured inks tend to reflect rather than absorb certain wavelengths, which makes them more resistant to treatment. Greens and blues, in particular, can be tricky because they require specific lasers to tackle their unique chemical makeup. Yellows, oranges and light tones might fade unevenly or linger long after other shades have vanished.
That said, newer laser technology, such as picosecond lasers, is improving the odds of removing even the most difficult colours. These advanced systems fire laser energy in ultra-short bursts, which helps to break apart tougher pigments more efficiently. However, full removal of coloured tattoos may still require more sessions and a bit more patience.
2. Age of the tattoo – Older tattoos often fade more easily than fresh ones.
Over time, tattoos naturally break down as the body’s immune system slowly removes tiny amounts of pigment. This means an older tattoo may already be partially faded, which gives laser treatment a bit of a head start. The ink particles are likely to be smaller and more dispersed, making it easier for the laser to do its job.
Fresh tattoos, on the other hand, typically have dense, vibrant ink that’s settled more deeply in the skin. This can make them more resistant initially, requiring more energy or more sessions to achieve similar results. The body also hasn’t had much time to start its own natural fading process.
An older tattoo might also show signs of sun damage or natural wear, both of which can influence how well it responds to treatment. While these changes can sometimes help with removal, they can also lead to uneven fading or unexpected patches, depending on how the tattoo was originally applied.
3. Location on the body – Areas with better blood circulation usually heal and fade quicker than places like ankles or hands.
Your body’s ability to remove fragmented ink relies heavily on blood flow. Areas like the chest, upper back, and thighs typically have better circulation, which helps carry away the broken-down ink particles more effectively after a laser session. This means you might see quicker results in these regions compared to others.
Extremities like the hands, feet, and lower legs tend to have slower circulation. As a result, the removal process in these areas can be slower and may require additional sessions. You might also notice more discomfort or swelling during healing in these parts, simply because the blood flow isn’t as efficient at clearing waste and supporting recovery.
Additionally, skin thickness and exposure to movement can impact removal. Tattoos on joints or bony areas may heal differently due to constant stretching or friction. It’s not that removal can’t be done there—it just requires a bit more strategy, experience, and patience.
4. Your skin type – Different skin tones can respond differently, so it’s important to go to someone who understands how to treat your skin safely.
Your skin tone plays a key role in how laser energy interacts with your skin. In darker skin types, there’s more melanin, which can also absorb the laser’s light. This makes it crucial to use the right wavelength and laser settings to avoid affecting the natural pigment while still targeting the tattoo ink.
People with lighter skin usually experience fewer complications with laser settings, as there’s less competition between the ink and the surrounding tissue for light absorption. However, lighter skin isn’t completely risk-free—issues like redness, blistering or sensitivity can still occur, especially with aggressive treatment schedules.
Experienced practitioners will carefully assess your Fitzpatrick skin type and adjust the laser accordingly. This helps to minimise risks like hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots), which can sometimes occur if the skin is treated too harshly. Personalised treatment plans are key for safety and results across all skin tones.
The Main Method: Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser removal is by far the most popular and effective option for getting rid of unwanted tattoos. It works by directing concentrated pulses of light at the tattoo, which penetrate the skin and break the ink into smaller particles. These fragments are then gradually cleared away by your body’s immune system, a process that takes place naturally over time. The laser itself doesn’t physically remove the ink—it simply shatters it into pieces small enough for your body to deal with.
It’s important to understand that laser tattoo removal doesn’t work overnight. Most people will need several sessions, each one spaced a few weeks apart to give the skin time to heal and the body time to flush out the broken ink. The total number of treatments needed varies depending on a few factors: how large the tattoo is, how many colours are involved, how deep the ink was placed in the skin, and how your individual body responds to the process. In some cases, especially with colourful or older tattoos, a dozen sessions or more might be required.
Not all lasers are the same, and the type used can make a big difference to your results. Q-switched lasers have been around for a while and are effective for many types of ink, particularly black and dark blue. Newer picosecond lasers fire pulses much faster, which can break ink down more efficiently and often with fewer treatments. However, both types of lasers have their strengths, and the best results usually come from a practitioner who knows how to select the right tool for your skin and your tattoo.
A reputable clinic will tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs. This includes choosing the correct wavelength based on the colours in your tattoo, adjusting the energy levels to suit your skin type, and monitoring your skin’s reaction after each session. A good practitioner will also be realistic about what you can expect—whether the tattoo will be completely removed or just significantly faded, and how long the process might take. Being guided by someone experienced makes the journey safer, more comfortable, and ultimately more effective.
Does It Hurt?
Laser tattoo removal does come with some discomfort, but it’s usually short-lived and manageable. Most people liken the feeling to a hot elastic band flicking against the skin, or tiny bursts of heat. The intensity can vary depending on where the tattoo is located, how sensitive that area is, and how large the treatment site is. Areas with thinner skin or close to bone—like the wrist, ribs or ankle—can feel sharper, while fleshier parts tend to be a bit easier to tolerate.
Pain is also influenced by the type of laser used and the settings chosen by the practitioner. Some lasers fire incredibly fast pulses that are over in a fraction of a second, which helps reduce the amount of time you’re exposed to discomfort. Most sessions are quite brief, often lasting only a few minutes, especially for smaller tattoos. While it may not be pleasant, many people find it far more bearable than getting the tattoo in the first place.
Clinics are well aware that pain can be a concern, so most offer ways to make the experience easier. Numbing cream is commonly applied around 30 minutes before treatment, which dulls sensation in the area. Some clinics also use cooling devices or cold air during the procedure to soothe the skin and reduce discomfort. If you’ve sat through the tattooing process, chances are you already have the resilience to handle removal. It’s temporary pain for a longer-term gain.
Aftercare
After each laser tattoo removal session, it’s completely normal for the treated area to feel tender—often compared to mild sunburn. You might notice redness, swelling, or even slight blistering in the first 24 to 48 hours. These are all standard responses as your skin reacts to the laser energy and begins the healing process. It’s important not to pick at any scabs or blisters, as doing so can lead to scarring or prolong recovery. Letting your body go through its natural repair cycle will give you the best chance at smooth, healthy skin once the process is complete.
Keeping the area clean is essential. Gently washing the skin with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap helps reduce the risk of infection. After cleansing, it’s a good idea to apply a thin layer of an appropriate healing ointment or moisturiser as recommended by your practitioner. You may also be advised to keep the area loosely covered with a sterile bandage for the first day or two to protect it from dirt and friction.
Sun exposure is one of the biggest threats to healing skin after laser treatment. UV rays can irritate the sensitive area and increase the risk of pigmentation changes. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight on the treated area altogether, but if you must be outside, covering the skin and applying a high-SPF sunscreen once healing has begun is essential. Avoid hot baths, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first couple of days, as excessive heat or sweating can aggravate the skin further.
Most importantly, patience is key. Tattoo removal is a gradual process that requires your skin to rest and regenerate between sessions. Rushing the timeline or skipping aftercare steps can hinder progress or lead to unwanted side effects. Following your clinic’s guidance closely will not only help the skin recover properly but also improve your long-term results. Giving your body the time it needs to break down ink and heal after each round is just as crucial as the laser treatment itself.
Risks
When done properly by a trained professional, laser tattoo removal is generally very safe. But like any procedure, there are some risks to keep in mind:
Temporary redness and swelling
After a laser session, it’s completely normal for the treated area to appear red and slightly swollen. This is your body’s natural inflammatory response to the heat and energy delivered by the laser. These effects usually show up within the first few hours post-treatment and typically last a day or two. They’re part of the skin’s healing process and a sign that your body is reacting appropriately to the procedure.
The level of redness and swelling can vary depending on the tattoo’s size and location, as well as your skin’s individual sensitivity. Areas with thinner skin or close to bone may be more reactive. Applying a cold compress shortly after treatment can help soothe the skin and reduce puffiness. Most clinics will also recommend a healing cream to speed up recovery and protect the skin from irritation.
Although temporary, it’s important not to aggravate the area while it’s inflamed. Avoid touching, rubbing, or applying harsh products until the skin has settled. If the redness or swelling persists longer than expected or seems to worsen over time, it’s a good idea to check in with your practitioner to rule out infection or an allergic reaction.
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
Pigmentation changes are a recognised risk of laser tattoo removal, especially in people with medium to darker skin tones. Hyperpigmentation is when the treated skin becomes darker than the surrounding area, while hypopigmentation results in light or pale patches. These effects occur when the laser unintentionally affects the melanin in the skin, either stimulating it or reducing it too much.
These pigmentation changes are usually temporary and tend to fade gradually over time as the skin regenerates. However, they can take several months to fully resolve. The risk is higher when the laser settings aren’t adjusted appropriately for your skin tone, which is why working with an experienced technician who understands the nuances of laser interaction with melanin is so crucial.
In some cases, temporary pigmentation issues can be managed with topical treatments recommended by your clinic. Patients are also advised to avoid sun exposure, which can worsen discolouration or make it longer-lasting. With proper care and professional handling, most pigmentation changes can be minimised or avoided altogether.
• Scarring – rare, but possible, especially if aftercare isn’t followed
Scarring is one of the less common risks, but it can happen—especially if the skin is not properly cared for after each session. The laser itself isn’t designed to cause injury that leads to scarring; however, if the skin becomes infected, is picked at, or is repeatedly irritated, scarring can occur as a result of secondary damage rather than the laser itself.
Scars may appear as raised, shiny patches or as depressions in the skin, depending on how the wound heals. The risk of this happening increases if a person has a history of keloid scarring or if they are prone to sensitive skin reactions. That’s why practitioners always emphasise gentle care, protection from friction, and avoiding harsh or fragranced skincare products on the treated area.
To reduce the risk of scarring, it’s essential to stick closely to aftercare instructions and report anything unusual to your practitioner. Early signs of infection or overreaction—such as pus, severe blistering, or intense pain—should never be ignored. In most cases, though, when the skin is treated kindly and professionally, it recovers beautifully without any lasting marks.
Other Options
If laser’s not for you, there are other options, though none are quite as effective or safe:
- Surgical removal – Works best for small tattoos. The inked skin is cut out and stitched up. This guarantees removal, but it also guarantees a scar.
- Dermabrasion – Involves sanding the top layers of skin. It’s not widely used anymore because it can be quite harsh and unpredictable.
- Tattoo removal creams – These are mostly a waste of money. At best, they slightly fade the ink; at worst, they can irritate your skin without much effect.
Can a Tattoo Be Completely Removed?
In many cases, yes—but not always. Some tattoos may leave a faint shadow, especially if the ink was very deep or the colours are particularly resistant. However, many people see dramatic fading, and in some cases, the tattoo becomes virtually invisible.
Another route people take is fading a tattoo for a cover-up. If your goal is to replace the old design with a new one, a few sessions of laser treatment can lighten the area enough to allow for a cleaner, more vibrant cover-up.
Final Thoughts
Tattoo removal isn’t a quick fix, but it’s achievable with the right expectations and the right practitioner. Whether you want to erase a past choice completely or just make space for something new, modern laser technology gives you more control over your skin than ever before.
Considering Tattoo Removal? We’re Here to Help
If you’re thinking about removing a tattoo, the best first step is speaking to someone who truly understands both the skin and the science behind the procedure. At the London Dermatology Centre, we offer expert-led laser tattoo removal using advanced, medical-grade lasers operated by highly experienced dermatologists.
Our team specialises in treating a wide range of tattoos with tailored treatment plans designed around your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for complete removal or simply fading for a cover-up, we’ll guide you through the process safely and professionally, from consultation to aftercare.
To find out more or to book a consultation, simply get in touch with us. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you take the next step towards your goals.
