How Many Sessions Does Laser Tattoo Removal Really Take?

Lexington Tattoo Removal • February 23, 2026

If you have a tattoo that you no longer love or that brings more grief than joy, you may want to have it removed swiftly. However, laser tattoo removal is not a one-and-done process. It takes time and precision with high-powered tools from specialists who know what they’re doing. At Lexington Tattoo Removal near Lexington, Kentucky, our trained specialists will sit down with you to explain the process, how you can stay on track, and how long it will take. Continue reading to learn how many sessions you’ll need for tattoo removal.

A timelapse graphic showing how laser tattoo removal works over multiple sessions

How Long Does Tattoo Removal Take?

The somewhat frustrating answer to how long it will take for us to remove your tattoo is, “It depends.” If you have a large tattoo, the laser tattoo removal process could take longer. Lighter colors could take longer, and some can’t be removed at all. Our technicians will look at your tattoo and tell you what to expect, including the number of sessions and whether parts of it can’t be removed.

Even for small tattoos, it takes at least 3 sessions for full removal, so it’s safe to expect at least six. With each session, the laser penetrates deeper into your skin. As technology advances, the number of sessions may decrease further. Each session takes between 2 and 15 minutes, so you’ll be out of the clinic swiftly.

Session Spacing for Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal sessions are spaced to give your skin time to heal. Spacing also gives your immune system time to eliminate the ink. The laser breaks down the ink, shattering it into minuscule pieces so it can enter the bloodstream. Then, your immune system takes over, attacking it like a virus and expelling it from the body, which is when you see progress.

Typically, we schedule sessions six weeks apart. This allows your skin to heal.

Tattoo Removal: Before and After Timeline

The tattoo removal timeline varies from person to person. When you sit down with one of our certified specialists, they’ll be able to tell you what to expect in detail. However, anywhere from 3-12 weeks after your first session, you should be able to see some progress.

Factors that could impact the number of sessions you need include:

  • The age of the tattoo.
  • That tattoo’s location.
  • Your health.
  • Whether you want it fully removed or faded so another tattoo can be put over it.

We take photos after every session, so you can easily track the changes.

Contact Us for Laser Tattoo Removal Near Lexington, KY

When you’ve made the decision to remove a tattoo, doing it right is better than doing it fast. At Lexington Tattoo Removal near Lexington, Kentucky, our specialists are trained to use our Q-Switch and PicoWay laser technology to perfectly meet your tattoo removal needs. During your consultation, they’ll tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your laser tattoo removal sessions. We also offer microblading removal and laser hair removal services.

To schedule a free consultation with a trained specialist, call (859) 785-2189, fill out our online contact form, or visit our clinic. We serve the greater Lexington, KY area and surrounding states, including Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Huntington, WV; and Nashville, TN.

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