Tattoo Removal Progress: What Results to Expect

What to Expect: Everyone’s Tattoo Removal Progress is Unique

Good things come to those who wait. While the number of sessions required to remove a tattoo varies based on many factors, most pieces take about 10-12 visits before you see full removal. These treatments must be six to eight weeks apart to give your skin time to heal. 

The good news is that the tattoo removal process is cumulative. Each treatment will leave your tattoo more faded than it was before. 

The science behind laser tattoo removal involves lasers breaking ink down into increasingly smaller particles. Various factors affect the time it takes to break down these particles successfully.

Factors to consider in tattoo removal include: 

• Size
• Ink
• Color
• Tattoo location
• The chemical makeup of ink

Want more info about the science behind Removery’s laser tattoo removal process? Learn more here!

Some providers promise quick tattoo removal in as little as one treatment. There are also at-home “tattoo removal kits” that assure you quick results at a cheap price. But if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Effective removal takes time. 

Removery’s tattoo removal specialists believe in being honest with you from the beginning. We’ll let you know during your initial consultation the estimated number of sessions you’ll need to have your tattoo removed. We’ll also discuss your tattoo removal goals. 

For example, if you plan to fade your current piece to cover it up with new artwork, the Removery specialist might suggest fewer sessions. On the other hand, if you’re hoping for complete removal, they might determine that you need many sessions spread out over a few years. 

As you can see by these examples, the time it will take to achieve your tattoo removal goals varies. But all legit tattoo removal processes have one thing in common: you won’t see a miraculously complete removal after one session.

Laser Tattoo Removal Progress 

The tattoo removal process is cumulative, which means you’ll notice progress after each session. But what does that mean in real terms? Below we explain generally what to expect during the laser tattoo removal process. 

Laser Tattoo Removal After 1 Session

Your initial tattoo removal session will most likely consist of reviewing your removal process plan with your Removery specialist. They’ll then detail what you can expect from the experience, including pain and removal aftercare information. Once you feel comfortable and ask any questions you still have, they’ll begin the removal process. 

After the first session, most people can expect some significant fading, especially outlines. It’s also important to note that differences in your tattoo will affect how the fading appears. You might see substantial fading in one portion of your tattoo and less in others. This variation is normal. Removery specialists understand tattoo makeup and chemistry to ensure the eventual fading of all kinds of ink. 

After this first session, many clients feel a sense of relief, especially if they have a tattoo that brings up difficult memories or traumatic experiences. For others, it’s a sense of excitement. If the tattoo looks this faded after the first removal session, they can only imagine how it will look after completing the entire removal plan. 

Laser Tattoo Removal After 2 Sessions

The Removery specialist will begin your second session by discussing how things went after the first — if your aftercare went well if you have any further questions or concerns, and how the initial plan you made together is proceeding. They’ll make sure to check your tattoo to see where it is in the fading process and let you know if you should revise your removal schedule. Then, they’ll get to removing. 

Many clients feel less anxious at their second treatment. They know what to expect. They remember that removal is fast. As Removery client Qcknd said, “Tattoo removal happens so fast, it’s like 90 seconds…I get so scared that I build it up, and it ends up not hurting as much.” 

Laser Tattoo Removal After 3 Sessions

If you’re looking to simply fade a tattoo to cover it up, congratulations! Your removal journey might be complete after three sessions. If you’re looking for a full removal experience, you are well on your way through the process. After Session 3, you will probably see significant fading on your tattoo. Some elements might be on their way to being “fully” faded. 

This appointment will begin like the second. Your specialist will check on your tattoo removal progress and ensure the plan you developed together is working effectively. They’ll answer any questions you have, address your concerns, and proceed with the removal procedure. 

Many clients feel more comfortable with the process after this appointment. We arm clients with the knowledge they need to understand the scientific method of their tattoo removal and what they can expect after each session. Clients can feel confident that their tattoo removal journey is on track with this knowledge. 

Laser Tattoo Removal, 4 Sessions and Beyond

For some tattoo removal clients, four sessions is all it takes to achieve a wholly faded piece. After a months-long journey, you could see your final results a few weeks after session four. 

As we’ve said, the number of removal treatments depends totally on your tattoo and removal goals. You’ll see more progress with each session and get closer to your full removal objectives. 

Laser Tattoo Removal Final Results

Nothing says success like a “before” and “after” photo. The most exciting moment of their tattoo removal journey for some clients is comparing their before piece to their new skin, side by side, and seeing how far they’ve come. 

Interested in seeing before and afters similar to your tattoo’s location, color, or skin tone? Removery offers a full tattoo removal before and after photo gallery that you can filter by interest. 

Below, you can see some tattoo removal before and after pictures from real Removery clients.

Lower Back Tattoo Before and After

Upper Arm Full Color Tattoo Before and After

Neck Tattoo Before and After

Tattoo Removal Healing

You have an essential role to play in your tattoo removal process. While your Removery specialist does the actual laser removal, it’s up to you to ensure proper aftercare after your sessions. 

Immediately after treatment, the site will be red and swollen. It might feel itchy and a bit painful. The initial, more intense reaction should fade quickly. 

In the week or two after the session, your skin will have some irritation. Redness, swelling, slight blistering, raised areas, and a bit of itching are all common. Occasionally, blisters might occur but are no cause for alarm. 

Even if your skin feels better almost immediately, you need to continue appropriate aftercare.

The aftercare process includes: 

• Keeping the tattoo removal area clean and dry for three days
• Use an ointment as recommended by your specialist to help with inflammation and itching
• Discussing blister care with your Removery specialist, and if blisters develop, ensure you use appropriate care

Learn more about the healing process.