One of the most common questions we hear at Radiant Living Medispa in Parbold is: “How many sessions will it take to remove my tattoo?” The honest answer is: it depends on a few key factors — the laser used, the ink and how it was applied, the location on your body, and your own immune response. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what affects your timeline so you can start with realistic expectations.
Quick answer: Small or amateur tattoos may fade in 2–6 sessions. Most professional tattoos need 6–12 sessions. Sessions are usually spaced 6–8 weeks apart (longer gaps can also work and often suit budgets and healing).
🎥 Watch: What Determines the Number of Sessions?
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1) The Type of Laser Makes a Big Difference
Not all lasers are equal when it comes to removing tattoos.
At Radiant Living Medispa, we use a medical-grade Q-Switched laser — the most widely trusted and proven technology for safe, effective tattoo removal. It breaks the ink into fine particles that your body naturally clears over time, while protecting the surrounding skin.
There are also pico-second lasers (such as PicoSure), which deliver energy in even shorter bursts. In some cases, they can reduce the total number of sessions needed by around 10–20% — but because of the cost of the equipment, treatments with these lasers are often almost double the price per session.
In practice, both Q-Switched and pico-second lasers can achieve excellent tattoo removal results when used correctly. The biggest difference for most clients isn’t just the laser itself, but all the other factors that affect fading and results — which I’ll explain in detail below, so keep reading.
2) Ink & Application: It’s Not Only the Colour
You’ll often read that certain colours always fade faster. In reality, results vary. Red and yellow can sometimes fade quickly; in other cases they can be stubborn. What matters is a combination of:
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Pigment composition: Different brands and formulations respond differently.
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Particle size & density: Heavily packed or layered ink can need more passes.
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How the tattoo was applied:
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Amateur tattoos are usually shallower and more irregular → often fewer sessions.
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Professional tattoos are deeper and denser → typically more sessions.
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Bottom line: colour plays a role, but ink chemistry and density are just as important.
3) Depth of Ink in the Skin
Lasers work by breaking ink into microscopic fragments. Deeply placed pigment requires more energy and more time for your body to clear. Professional work tends to be deeper and more uniform, so expect additional sessions compared with a light, shallow tattoo.
4) Where the Tattoo Is on Your Body
Circulation and lymphatic flow affect how quickly your body can carry away broken ink particles.
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Closer to the heart (upper arm, chest, shoulders): tends to clear faster.
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Further from the heart (hands, fingers, ankles, feet): often clears more slowly and may need extra sessions.
5) Your Immune System Does the Heavy Lifting
The laser breaks the ink; your body clears it. After treatment, your white blood cells carry away fragments through the lymphatic system.
Factors that can speed fading:
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Good hydration, healthy lifestyle, regular light exercise
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Not smoking
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Allowing adequate healing time between sessions
Factors that can slow fading:
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Smoking
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Ongoing illness or a run-down immune system
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Very short gaps between sessions (your body needs time to clear ink)
What a Typical Treatment Plan Looks Like
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Consultation & patch test: We assess your tattoo and skin, discuss goals (full removal vs. fading), and set a realistic plan.
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Session frequency: Every 6–8 weeks is standard. Some clients prefer 10–12 weeks+ for comfort, budget, and clearance time — that’s perfectly fine.
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Session time: From a few minutes (small areas) to 30+ minutes (larger pieces).
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Fading pattern: You’ll usually see the biggest jump in the first few sessions, then steady improvement.
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Expectations: Some tattoos fully disappear. Others become extremely faint (a light haze that’s barely noticeable). We’ll be honest with you from day one about likely outcomes.
Full Removal vs. Fading for a Cover-Up
Not everyone wants total removal. If your goal is a fresh cover-up, we can plan targeted fading so your artist has a cleaner canvas. This typically requires fewer sessions than complete clearance.
Comfort: What Does Each Session Feel Like?
Most clients compare it to a hot elastic band snap sensation. To keep you comfortable we can:
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Use cooling air during treatment
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Advise on topical anaesthetic where appropriate
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Keep sessions efficient and focused
If you managed the tattoo going on, you can manage the removal — and we’ll support you throughout.
Safety & Aftercare
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Expect temporary whitening (“frosting”), light redness, and warmth — this settles quickly.
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Follow aftercare closely (keep the area clean and protected, avoid sun exposure).
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We’ll advise you personally based on area, size, and skin type.
So… How Many Sessions Will You Need?
As a guide:
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Amateur/small tattoos: 2–6 sessions
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Professional tattoos: 6–12 sessions
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Eyebrow / cosmetic tattoos: 2–4 sessions (technique and pigment vary)
Your personal plan depends on laser type, ink, location, and immune response. The most accurate way to know is to see us for a consultation.
Ready to Start?
If you’d like us to assess your tattoo and estimate how many sessions you’ll need, book your consultation at Radiant Living Medispa in Parbold — proudly serving Wigan, Lancashire, and the North West.
Learn more about Laser Tattoo Removal in Wigan at Radiant Living Medispa, and see how we can help you start your own removal journey.
