Most tattoos need several, spaced weeks apart to allow the body to clear the ink between visits. Amateur tattoos usually take fewer than professional ones. An estimate is given after your tattoo has been assessed.

Often it fades substantially, though a faint shadow can remain. Complete clearance cannot be promised, and any clinic that promises it is going beyond what the treatment reliably does.

No. Black and dark blue clear most readily. Green, light blue, yellow and some reds are more stubborn, and white or flesh-toned inks can darken. Your tattoo is assessed for this before you begin.

Sessions are brief and most patients describe a sharp snapping sensation. Expect redness and tenderness for a few days, and occasionally blistering, which is explained to you beforehand.

 Where the tattoo already carries scarring from how it was applied, that remains once the ink has gone. Careful settings and proper aftercare keep the risk of new scarring low.