If you're already on your tattoo journey and have collected many, including perhaps your old flame's name or a portrait of their face, you could be due a tattoo removal. Regardless of whether it’s a youthful decision that no longer reflects your personality, a design that didn’t turn out as planned, or simply a desire for a clean slate, the question arises: Is it possible to remove a tattoo?
The short answer is yes, tattoos can be removed. But the process is far from simple. It involves time, patience, and in many cases, a financial commitment. In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at how tattoo removal works, the methods available, factors influencing success, and what to expect along the way.
How Does Tattoo Removal Work?
Tattoos are designed to be permanent. The ink particles are embedded deep into the dermis, the skin’s second layer, and are resistant to fading or breaking down naturally. Modern tattoo removal techniques focus on targeting these ink particles to either break them down or remove them altogether.
The body’s immune system plays a crucial role in this process. When the ink particles are broken into smaller fragments—usually by lasers—the immune system identifies them as foreign objects and gradually flushes them out of the body over time. This explains why tattoo removal often requires multiple sessions spaced weeks apart.
Tattoo Removal Methods
There are several tattoo removal methods available today, each with unique advantages and challenges. A couple of them are not so pleasant, shall we say. Here’s a closer look at the most commonly used techniques:
1. Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser removal is widely regarded as the most effective and safest option for tattoo removal. It involves the use of specialised lasers to target the ink particles without damaging the surrounding skin.
How It Works: The laser emits highly concentrated beams of light that penetrate the skin and break the ink into smaller particles. Different wavelengths are used to target specific colours, with darker inks like black and blue being easier to remove than lighter colours like yellow or green.
Number of Sessions: Most tattoos require between 6 and 12 sessions for significant fading or removal. However, larger, multicoloured, or older tattoos may require additional treatments. It's best to get a skin specialist to look at your skin and tattoo so they can give you advice that's tailored to your needs.
Pros: Laser tattoo removal is minimally invasive, highly effective, and less likely to cause scarring.
Cons: It can be painful, costly, and may not completely remove certain colours or very dense tattoos.
2. Surgical Excision
Surgical excision involves physically removing the tattooed skin, ouch. This method is usually reserved for smaller tattoos or situations where other removal methods are not suitable.
How It Works: A surgeon cuts out the tattooed skin and stitches the wound closed.
Best For: Small, localised tattoos. Usually this procedure is required for removals of cancerous lesions or tumours from the surface of the skin, that's how invasive it is.
Pros: The tattoo is completely removed in a single procedure.
Cons: The process leaves a scar, is more invasive, and can be expensive.
3. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion uses an abrasive device to “sand” the tattooed area of skin, yikes. This removes the outer layers of the skin, allowing the tattoo ink to fade or disappear.
How It Works: A high-speed rotary tool is applied to the skin, creating a controlled abrasion. Over time, the treated area heals and regenerates.
Pros: May be effective for certain tattoos.
Cons: Painful, requires significant downtime, and carries a higher risk of scarring compared to lasers.
Factors That Affect Tattoo Removal Success
Not all tattoos are equally easy to remove. Several factors influence the success rate, number of sessions needed, and the final results of tattoo removal.
Ink Colour
Dark colours like black, blue, and dark green are the easiest to remove because they absorb laser wavelengths effectively.
Light colours like yellow, white, and fluorescent shades are more challenging to target and may not fade completely.
Tattoo Size
Small tattoos typically require fewer sessions and are easier to remove.
Larger tattoos may take significantly longer and cost more to treat.
Location on the Body
Tattoos on areas with good blood circulation, such as the chest or upper arms, tend to respond better to laser treatment.
Tattoos on extremities, like hands and feet, may take longer to fade.
Age of the Tattoo
Older tattoos are generally easier to remove as the ink naturally fades over time.
Newer tattoos may require more treatments.
Skin Tone
Lighter skin tones typically have better results with laser removal, as the contrast between the skin and the ink allows for more precise targeting.
For darker skin tones, laser settings must be adjusted carefully to avoid pigmentation changes or burns.
Ink Density and Quality
Professional tattoos tend to use high-quality, deeply embedded ink, which can be harder to remove.
Amateur tattoos often use lower-quality ink, making them easier to fade.
What to Expect During the Tattoo Removal Process
Initial Consultation
Before starting tattoo removal, you’ll need to consult a specialist. They’ll assess your skin, tattoo and explain the process. During the consultation, you can ask about pricing, the number of sessions required, and potential risks. Some clinics offer a free consultation with no obligation.
Patch Test
Legally, a tattoo removal establishment in the UK is required to perform a patch test on a client before agreeing to take them on for a full tattoo removal. It's vital that you're aware of this for your own safety. The patch test is performed to make sure you don't have any harmful reactions to the laser. If the establishment does not offer you a patch test, do NOT commit or sign up, they would be breaking the law. Not only will they be breaking the law, they could be putting your health at risk. The price of a patch test may vary from one clinic to another so make sure you ask.
Pain Management
Tattoo removal can be uncomfortable. Many people describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. To reduce discomfort, most clinics offer numbing creams or cooling devices during the procedure. Some people find the pain of tattoo removal more challenging than getting a tattoo, while others feel the opposite. It will depend on the individual so it's best not to scare yourself with stories you've read online. Google will sometimes tell you that a minor headache could be a sign to choose a coffin soon so instead, book a consultation with a skin specialist and eliminate some anxieties and fears surrounding tattoo removal.
Treatment Sessions
Each session lasts around 15–30 minutes, depending on the tattoo’s size and complexity. Sessions are spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and the body to process the broken ink particles. How many weeks will depend on the individual's skin and skin tone, darker complexions tend to heal longer.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the skin heals well and to minimise complications. Tips include:
Keeping the area clean and dry.
Avoiding direct sunlight on the treated skin.
Applying ointments or creams recommended by your provider.
Laser Tattoo Removal Cost
Tattoo removal costs can vary widely based on factors like the equipment used, the tattoo’s size, and the clinic’s location. Here’s a rough estimate:
Small tattoos: 1–2 inches, around £50–£100 per session
Medium tattoos: 3–5 inches, around £100–£200 per session
Large tattoos: 6+ inches, prices are usually bespoke and may need to be treated in sections
Keep in mind that prices will vary so in order to get an accurate price, it's best to book a consultation. This way, a skin specialist can examine your current tattoo and figure out the best course of action.
Risks and Side Effects
While modern tattoo removal techniques are generally safe, they’re not without risks. Common side effects include:
Redness and swelling.
Temporary discoloration or lightening of the skin.
Blistering or peeling.
Rarely, scarring.
Choosing an experienced professional and following aftercare instructions can minimise these risks.
Alternatives to Tattoo Removal
If removing your tattoo isn’t the right choice, there are alternatives to consider:
Cover-Up Tattoos: A skilled tattoo artist can design a new tattoo to mask the old one. It's definitely possible but will depend on the size and complexity of your current tattoo. As a tattoo studio, we have clients asking us to cover up heavily detailed tattoos with fine line simple designs which are impossible to do. If a tattoo is already heavily detailed, you will have to go darker to cover it up. Remember, you're trying to hide the current tattoo underneath the new one. The best thing to do is to book a consultation with your tattoo artist so you can discuss what is a possible result for you or give you alternative options.
Tattoo Modifications: Altering the existing design can breathe new life into an old tattoo. Maybe your current tattoo just needs a little correction or a top-up, which would be an easier task and a cheaper one too. Again, consult with your tattoo artist so you can discuss options and see what's achievable for you.
How To Find The A Reputable Tattoo Removal Clinic
Removing a tattoo takes careful planning and this includes finding a safe establishment to perform the procedure. So how do you go about it? Follow the steps below:
Go to Google and type in 'laser tattoo removal near me', or you can also search for 'tattoo removal' via Instagram.
Look for an establishment with skin specialists or dermatologists, they're medically qualified to give you advice.
Make sure you look at reviews on Trustpilot and on their Google Business Profile.
Remember, they should offer you a 'Patch Test' for your safety and as a legal requirement.
Final Thoughts
Tattoos are no longer as permanent as they once seemed, thanks to advancements in technology and removal techniques. While the process requires time, patience, and financial investment, it offers a chance to part ways with unwanted ink and start fresh.
If you’re considering tattoo removal, consult with a qualified professional to explore your options and set realistic expectations. Whether you’re looking to erase a tattoo completely or simply fade it for a cover-up, there’s a solution to fit your needs.
We don't offer a tattoo removal service here at KTREW Tattoo but we can help talk you out of getting a portrait of your partner's face tattooed on you. If you're looking for new ink in Birmingham, head over to our website.