I thought tattoo removal was simple – a year later, I know better,” says Zoe
I always thought tattoo removal would be easy- book a session, zap the ink a couple of times, walk away with clear skin. But when it came time to say goodbye to the small designs I’d hastily had inked onto my body in my younger years, I realised the process is a lot more layered than I imagined. Walking out of my first session, I swiftly realised that this isn’t a miracle-in-a-minute treatment, but quite a big journey that takes planning, patience and money – and that’s just for my small tattoos.
I’m not the only one having tattoo regrets, either. A study by laser specialist LaserHQ found that half of the young adults in the UK (52%) aged between 20 and 30 admit to living with tattoo regret, meaning many of us are inking before thinking.
That’s why I wanted to share my experience– not to put you off, but to save you from the same surprises. Whether it’s a tiny wrist tattoo like mine or an elaborate sleeve, removing ink is a big commitment either way, and had I known that years ago, I may have been a little more hesitant about wandering into a tattoo parlour.
Here’s exactly what I learned about the removal process now that I’m a year into it (spoiler: I’m still not quite done with my sessions), the technology behind it, and the things I wish I’d known before started…
How does tattoo removal actually work?
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The most common method for getting rid of unwanted tattoos is laser treatment. In simple terms, a laser breaks down the ink particles in your skin so your body can flush them out naturally. Maria Dinopoulos, clinic director and co-founder of Pulse Laser Aesthetic Clinic explains: “Tattoo removal is most commonly achieved using laser technology, which works by breaking down the ink particles in the skin so your body can naturally eliminate them. We use the Alma Harmony XL PRO Q-Switch Laser operating at 1064 nm—this wavelength is super effective for dark inks like black and dark blue. For brighter colours, we’ll switch to 532 nm, which the system supports.”
How many sessions are needed to fully remove a tattoo?
Here’s the part many people underestimate: tattoo removal is a process, not a one-and-done treatment. Most people need between five and ten sessions, sometimes more if the tattoo is larger, layered, or professionally done. “Sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart, which means even a small tattoo could take months to fully remove,” says Maria. “That’s because your skin needs time to heal and your body needs time to clear the broken-down ink particles.”
How far apart should treatments be scheduled?
Maria stresses the importance of spacing: “Sessions are typically spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart to allow skin to heal and your body to flush out the fragmented ink. Doing them too close together can increase the risk of damage and actually slow overall progress.”
Is tattoo removal painful? And what’s the aftercare like?
The honest answer? Yes. From my own personal experience here, I didn’t look forward to the appointments. I have quite a strong pain threshold, and I would say it’s about an 8/10 on the ouch scale. But for small tattoos like mine, it’s over in a minute or two, so it’s bearable. If your tattoo covers more surface area, you’ll need to be brave. Maria does explain, though, that they can minimise the sting for patients: “Clinics can use cooling devices or numbing creams to make it easier, so don’t let pain be a dealbreaker. Treatments are short, and the discomfort stops as soon as the laser does.”
After the session, the skin around the tattoo may look a bit red and puffy. This mostly fades by the following day. It’s important to keep the area clean, covered and dry for the following few days after the laser treatment, so no bacteria can be let into the skin. If the area blisters, you’ll need to avoid picking at it and just lightly coat it in ointment while it heals. After the initial healing, you also want to make sure you’re covering it in SPF50 if you’re going out in the sun.
Do some tattoos fade faster than others?
Yes, and a lot depends on the tattoo’s age, size, colour, placement and even your circulation and immune system. “Older tattoos, amateur work, small designs and dark inks tend to fade quickest. Tattoos that are professional, new, colourful, or on low-circulation areas like ankles take longer, even with a high-quality system like ours,” Maria adds.
Is laser removal safe on all skin tones?
Maria reassures: “Yes- the 1064 nm wavelength is safer for all skin tones, particularly Fitzpatrick IV-VI, because it’s less absorbed by melanin. This lowers the risk of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring. Still, we tailor each treatment plan for safety and optimal results.”
Can I remove a new tattoo right away?
Patience is your friend here. If you’ve just had a tattoo you instantly regret, most experts recommend waiting. “We recommend leaving it alone for at least 6 to 8 weeks. The skin needs to heal fully, inflammation must settle, and the ink needs to embed into the deeper layer. Going in too soon can cause scarring, pigment changes, or further damage,” Maria cautions.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from £110 per session at Pulse Laser Aesthetic Clinic for a small tattoo, and go up to £225 for a large one. They also offer eyebrow tattoo removal (microblading and shading) from £150.
Maria’s final word is about expectations: “Tattoo removal takes time and patience. Most need 5 to 10 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. That means complete removal often takes several months to a year or more. Variables like ink colour, skin tone, tattoo depth, location, and your immune response all influence the timeline. We give honest expectations, not promises, whether your goal is full removal or prepping for a cover-up.”
Speaking from personal experience here, removing ink is more about commitment than convenience. Perhaps I was naive going into the process, but I think many getting tattoos in their teens or twenties have the same mindset of ‘Oh, I’ll just have it removed if I don’t like it in the future’. You can absolutely have it removed, but it’s at a cost to your time and money. Saying that, if you find a great clinic that uses advanced laser tech to reduce the ‘ouch’ of the process, you can wave goodbye for good to those age-old inkings.
