Most tattoos require 6–10 sessions depending on size, ink type, and skin tone.

Darker colors like black and navy respond best. Yellow, red, and green may need more sessions.

Minor scabbing, redness, or swelling is common but temporary. Scarring is rare with proper care.

Most tattoos can be removed 90–100% with consistent treatment, especially dark inks.

The number varies based on tattoo size, ink density, colours, and placement. Professional tattoos with saturated ink typically require 8 to 12 sessions, while amateur tattoos with less ink often clear in 4 to 6 sessions. Sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow the immune system to process fragmented ink between treatments.

When performed correctly with calibrated medical-grade lasers, the risk of scarring is low — under 5 percent in published studies. Most scarring associated with tattoo removal stems from overly aggressive treatment settings, non-medical devices, or poor aftercare. At Claire Derma, our conservative escalation approach — starting at lower energy and increasing based on skin tolerance — minimises thermal damage.

Black and dark blue are the most responsive colours and can be cleared almost completely in most patients. Red responds well to 532 nm wavelength treatment. Greens, light blues, and yellows are more resistant but respond to specific wavelengths — 694 nm or 755 nm for blues and greens, and picosecond technology for stubborn lighter colours.

Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin — uncomfortable but tolerable, especially with the topical anaesthetic we apply beforehand. After treatment, the area may blister, swell, and feel sunburned for three to seven days. Scabbing is normal and should not be picked.