Laser tattoo removal is carried out over a series of sessions, typically spaced around 6–8 weeks apart to allow your skin to heal and your body time to clear the fragmented ink.

For many tattoos, we generally recommend around 6–8 treatments. However, the total number of sessions varies depending on factors such as the ink colours used, depth of ink, skin type, tattoo location and how old the tattoo is.

Overall treatment time can range from several months to up to two years, depending on your individual response and treatment plan.

If your tattoo is new, you will need to wait at least 12 weeks before booking a consultation and patch test, as the skin must be fully healed before treatment can begin.

During your consultation, we will assess your tattoo and provide a more personalised estimate of the number of sessions likely to be required.

Many tattoos can be removed very successfully with modern laser technology, and in a large number of cases significant fading — or complete removal — is achievable.

Results vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the age of the tattoo, the colours used, the depth of the ink and where it is located on the body. Black ink tends to respond most quickly, while some brighter colours may take a little longer.

During your consultation, we will carefully assess your tattoo and give you a realistic idea of what can be achieved. Our goal is always to achieve the maximum safe clearance possible while protecting the surrounding skin.

With the right treatment plan and proper aftercare, most clients see steady improvement with each session and are pleased with their results.

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most clients find the treatment manageable. During your consultation, we carry out a patch test so you can experience the sensation before committing to a full session.

If you feel you may benefit from additional comfort, we can advise on the use of a topical numbing cream, which should be applied and covered prior to your appointment.

Many clients describe the sensation as similar to a quick flick from an elastic band. While there is some discomfort, treatments are brief and well tolerated by most people.

Laser tattoo removal can be safely performed on a wide range of skin types. However, treatment settings must be carefully adjusted according to your skin tone to minimise the risk of pigmentation changes and protect the surrounding skin.

A patch test is an essential part of the process. During your consultation, we carry out a small test area to assess how your skin responds to the laser. This allows us to determine the most appropriate settings for your treatment and ensures the procedure can be carried out safely.

Following the patch test, we will discuss your personalised treatment plan and answer any questions you may have before proceeding.

After each session, you will be given a personalised aftercare plan tailored to your skin type and the area treated. Following this guidance carefully is important to support healing and achieve the best possible results.

In general, post-treatment care may include:

• Keeping the area clean and dry

   

• Avoiding picking or scratching as the skin heals

   

• Applying a recommended soothing ointment if advised

   

• Avoiding sun exposure and using high-factor SPF on the treated area

   

• Avoiding swimming pools, saunas and excessive heat for a short period

   

It is normal to experience some redness, mild swelling or sensitivity in the treated area for a few days.

If you have any concerns during the healing process, our team is available to provide advice and support.

In general, black ink is the easiest colour to treat with laser technology. Brighter colours such as green, blue and certain lighter shades can take longer to fade and may require additional sessions.

This is because different ink colours absorb light differently, so treatment needs to be carefully adjusted depending on the pigment used.

During your consultation, we will assess the colours in your tattoo and explain what level of fading is realistically achievable. Even colours that are more resistant can usually be significantly lightened with the right treatment approach.

Laser tattoo removal works by delivering controlled pulses of light into the skin. These pulses target the tattoo ink, breaking it into tiny particles.

Once the ink is fragmented, your body’s natural processes gradually clear it away over time. This is why treatment is carried out over a series of sessions, with gaps between appointments to allow your skin to heal and the ink to fade.

At Medical Room London, the process begins with a consultation and patch test to assess your skin type and tattoo. We then create a personalised treatment plan based on the size, colour and location of your tattoo.

With each session, the tattoo typically becomes progressively lighter until the desired level of fading is achieved.

Laser tattoo removal sessions are typically spaced 6–8 weeks apart.

This gap is important for two reasons. Firstly, your skin needs time to fully heal after each treatment. Secondly, your body requires time to naturally clear the fragmented ink particles before the next session.

Treating too frequently does not speed up results and may increase the risk of irritation or unwanted skin reactions. Allowing the proper interval between sessions helps maximise fading while keeping the treatment safe and controlled.

In some cases — particularly for darker skin tones or areas with slower circulation such as the lower legs — we may recommend slightly longer intervals between treatments.

During your consultation, we will advise on the most appropriate spacing based on your skin type, tattoo location and overall treatment response.

Each treatment session is relatively quick. Smaller tattoos can take just 5–15 minutes to treat, while larger pieces may take 20–40 minutes depending on size and detail.

However, complete removal takes place over a series of sessions. Treatments are typically spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow your skin to heal and your body time to clear the fragmented ink.

Most clients require around 6–8 sessions, although this varies depending on factors such as ink colour, depth, tattoo age and location. In total, the process can take several months to over a year for full clearance.

During your consultation, we will provide a more personalised estimate based on your tattoo.