Patience is a part of the laser tattoo removal process. But one of the most commonly asked questions we get at Venom Ink is how long to wait between sessions. And the answer is different for everybody.
Go too fast, and you’re wasting money. You might also damage your skin. Give it the right amount of time, and each laser tattoo removal session builds on the last. Here’s what you need to know.
How Much Should You Space Out Tattoo Removal Sessions
In most cases, professional laser tattoo removal sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow the skin time to heal. It also allows your body sufficient time to metabolize fragmented ink particles, which is helpful for the next round.
That said, the best spacing for your skin, metabolism, and tattoo may look different. Pushing the timeline to squeeze in a few extra sessions almost always backfires. Talk to your tattoo artist for more information.
Why Waiting Matters
With laser tattoo removal, the laser itself doesn’t remove the ink. What happens is more complex than that. The laser breaks down the ink particles until they’re small enough for your immune system to process. For most people, that system needs adequate time to do its job before the next session will work.
Your immune system kicks into action after each session, helping flush the particles away faster. In the following weeks, your lymphatic system transports the particles into your liver and kidneys for evacuation. So, if you rush the process, your body doesn’t have enough time to clear the debris.
Scheduling sessions too close together usually means disappointing results. It can also mean more inflammation, slower or incomplete healing, and a much higher risk of scarring. Don’t consider the weeks between sessions as downtime. Consider them mandatory parts of the finished product.
Will Waiting Longer Help?
Waiting longer between sessions can actually help laser removal fade your tattoo faster. Pausing between 10 and 12 weeks, instead of 6 to 8 weeks, will not set back your results. In fact, some people find that longer wait times lead to more dramatic fading because the immune system has more time to clear metabolized ink. And this additional wait could decrease the total number of sessions needed.
Factors That Change the Timeline
Tattoo removal is different for everyone. Several things can impact how quickly your skin heals and how quickly your tattoo fades. Your body will also break down ink at different rates between sessions, depending on individual factors. But here are the general elements that determine how long you should wait:
Location
Areas of the body with strong blood circulation often flush out broken-down ink particles more quickly than extremities. Hands, feet, and bony parts of the body process and heal much more slowly, so they benefit greatly from longer gaps between sessions.
Density
Dense, heavily saturated tattoos require more processing time. Lighter designs, old ink, and faded work don’t take as long. Ask an artist to examine your tattoo and estimate how long it might take or how many sessions it might require to remove.
Health
Skin type and health matter. Your immune system is doing the heavy lifting here. So, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and get plenty of rest to help your body flush toxins and ink more efficiently.
NOTE: How your skin heals between sessions is the primary factor. No calendar or budget should override what your skin or immune system is telling you. See a doctor if you experience complications.
What to Do Between Tattoo Removal Sessions
How do you take care of yourself and optimize your waiting time between laser tattoo removal sessions?
- Show up to each session with healthy, moisturized skin.
- Keep the treated area clean at all times.
- Use fragrance-free skin lotion or a tattoo aftercare product like Aquaphor.
- Drink more water than you think you need.
Did you know that extra hydration helps your lymphatic system break down ink particles? Light exercise can help too. The point is to increase circulation and help your body flush shattered ink.
You can also get adequate sleep and eat immune-supportive foods while the area heals. But whatever you do, limit direct sun exposure and use a high-SPF sunscreen each day until the process is complete. UV exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, which could complicate future sessions.
What Not to Do
Here’s what NOT to do after your laser tattoo removal sessions. As always, your artist’s recommendations trump whatever is listed here:
- Don’t pick your scabs, peeled skin, or blisters. LITHA.
- Don’t soak the area in water until it’s fully healed.
- Don’t apply harsh skincare products, acids, or exfoliants to the area.
- Don’t do any strenuous exercise that causes heavy sweating.
- Don’t schedule your next sessions until the last one has healed.
Ready to get started or have questions? Contact the team at Venom Ink Tattoo and Piercing to get what you need.