Frequently Asked Questions

Laser tattoo removal speeds up the fading process your immune system naturally carries out over a lifetime. During a tattoo removal treatment, the tattoo removal laser fires light energy into the skin, where tattoo ink particles selectively absorb the light based upon the chosen wavelength. The light absorption causes the ink particles to shatter into smaller fragments. With these ink fragments having been reduced to a smaller size, your immune system can then naturally remove the fragmented particles, resulting in the fading of your tattoo. This process is repeated over multiple treatments until each layer of tattoo ink is shattered and removed.

Factors Affecting the Number of Sessions to Remove a Tattoo

The number of laser tattoo removal sessions needed varies from patient to patient, as multiple factors influence how quickly and effectively a tattoo fades. While some tattoos can be removed in as few as 5 sessions, others may take 10-15 or more. Understanding these key factors can help set realistic expectations for the removal process and why certain tattoos take longer than others to fully erase.

1. Ink Color and Composition

The color of tattoo ink plays a major role in how quickly it can be removed. Black ink absorbs laser energy most efficiently, making it the easiest color to remove. Lighter colors, such as yellow, green, and blue, reflect more light and require more sessions since they don’t absorb laser energy as well. Some tattoo inks include metallic compounds, which can be more difficult to break down.

2. Depth and Density of the Ink

The deeper and denser the tattoo ink is, the more difficult it is to remove. Professional tattoos are typically applied deep into the dermis, requiring more sessions compared to amateur tattoos, which tend to fade faster since they are placed more superficially in the skin. Cover-up tattoos are often even more challenging, as they have multiple layers of pigment, making it necessary to break down multiple ink deposits over time.

3. Skin Type and Immune System Response

Skin tone and type can also influence the tattoo removal process. Patients with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I–III) generally respond more quickly to laser treatments because the laser can target pigment without interference from surrounding skin melanin. For patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), treatment must be carefully adjusted to avoid affecting natural skin pigment, which may slightly prolong the removal process. Additionally, your immune system plays a critical role, as it is responsible for flushing out the shattered ink particles after each laser session. Patients who are healthy, active, and stay hydrated often clear ink more efficiently, reducing the number of sessions needed.

4. Tattoo Location on the Body

Where the tattoo is located affects how quickly the body clears broken-down ink. Tattoos on the face, neck, and upper torso fade faster due to strong blood flow that removes ink particles. In contrast, tattoos on extremities like the hands, feet, and lower legs typically take longer to clear, as blood flow is weaker in these areas.

5. Provider Expertise and Technique

One of the most overlooked but crucial factors in tattoo removal is who is performing the treatment. Laser tattoo removal is a highly specialized procedure that requires expert knowledge of laser physics, dermatology, and skin healing to ensure optimal results without scarring.

At Regerts Ink Removal, certified cosmetic laser expert Anthony personally oversees all laser treatments to ensure patients receive the safest and most effective care. 

Selecting a tattoo removal expert ensures precise and safe sessions.

Getting a tattoo can take hours in contrast to laser tattoo removal, which is a very speedy procedure. Depending on the size of the tattoo being treated, a single tattoo removal treatment can last as little as one to 15 minutes. Treatment times may take a little longer if multiple tattoos are being treated in a single session.

The overall tattoo removal procedure is very tolerable. Many clients report that tattoo removal feels similar to a rubber band snapping the skin. Others comment it feels like the popping you sometimes get with bacon grease. Regardless of your pain tolerance, Regerts Ink Removal utilizes the Zimmer Cryo 6 cooling device to provide maximum comfort and skin numbing to the skin before, during, and after your treatment. Not only does the Zimmer Cryo alleviate the discomfort, but it also reduces unwanted risks of thermal injury.

Yes, the safest method for removing unwanted tattoos is laser tattoo removal. This non-invasive procedure utilizes advanced FDA-cleared laser technology to ensure the safest, most effective results. In addition, our laser technicians are well-trained and certified in operating Q-switched technology and using customized protocols for each skin type and unique tattoo to ensure the safest application and best results

Our Trinity laser uses innovative technology to specifically target unwanted tattoo ink without harming any surrounding skin tissue. That said, patients may experience temporary redness, itchiness, swelling, scabbing, blistering, or skin discoloration. These side effects are natural reactions to the laser and will heal over the weeks following treatment. In addition, we will provide thorough aftercare instructions to each client to ensure their skin is taken care of outside of our practice.