What is Tattoo Removal?
Tattoo removal is a process that allows permanent tattoos to be completely or largely removed from the body using certain methods. Tattoos maintain their permanence for a long time thanks to the pigments processed into the lower layers of the skin, but over time, various methods have been developed for people who want to remove their tattoos. The tattoo removal process can vary depending on the depth of the tattoo, its color, the type of ink used, and the skin structure. Today, the most common and effective tattoo removal method is applications performed with laser technology. In addition, there are alternative methods such as chemical peeling, surgical excision, and dermabrasion. However, the most effective and least scarring methods are generally considered to be procedures performed with laser technology.
How and with what methods is tattoo removal done?
Tattoo removal can be done using several different methods, and the most appropriate method is determined by the characteristics of the tattoo and the person’s skin type. The most commonly used tattoo removal methods are:
Laser Tattoo Removal:
It is the most effective and widely used tattoo removal method. It works with advanced technologies such as Q-switched laser and picosecond laser. Laser beams break down the tattoo ink and allow it to be removed naturally by the body. The procedure is usually applied in several sessions and the skin is allowed to heal between each session.
Tattoo Removal with Chemical Peeling:
This method works on the principle of peeling the upper layers of the skin and is generally used for superficial and small tattoos. By applying strong chemical solutions to the skin, pigments fade over time. However, it does not provide a sufficient solution for deep tattoos and may carry the risk of skin irritation.
Surgical Excision:
In this method, which is applied to small tattoos, the tattoo is completely surgically cut out and stitched. It offers a permanent solution but usually leaves a scar, so it is only preferred for small tattoos.
Tattoo Removal with Dermabrasion:
Dermabrasion, a mechanical peeling process, aims to remove pigments by abrading the skin surface where the tattoo is located. It is usually a painful method and the recovery period is long.
The most effective and safest of these methods is generally laser tattoo removal.
Will There Be Any Scars After Tattoo Removal?
The possibility of scarring after tattoo removal varies depending on the method used, skin structure and the depth of the tattoo. In laser tattoo removal procedures, when the right technology is used, it is usually possible to remove a large part of the tattoo without leaving a permanent mark. However, some people, especially those with dark skin tones or if the tattoo is very deep, may experience slight scars or color changes.
In methods such as surgical excision, there is a high probability of scarring because the tattoo is completely cut out and removed during the procedure and the skin is closed with stitches. In skin peeling methods such as chemical peeling and dermabrasion, there is a risk of irritation and scarring depending on skin sensitivity.
To minimize the risk of scarring, the procedure should be performed by experts, laser sessions should be planned according to the skin type, and post-procedure skin care should be taken care of.
Which Tattoos Cannot Be Removed?
Some tattoos may not be completely removable or may be very difficult to remove due to the type of ink used, its depth and color. The most difficult tattoos to remove are usually:
White and Light Colored Tattoos: Due to their ability to reflect laser light, colors such as white, yellow, light green and orange can be difficult to break down during laser tattoo removal.
Inks Containing Metals: Some tattoo inks contain metal components and such inks may resist laser beams.
Tattoos that are deeply engraved by professional tattooists may not be completely removed because the laser is difficult to reach.
Old and Spread Tattoos: Some tattoo inks that have spread under the skin over time can fade unevenly and be difficult to remove completely.
For these types of tattoos, it may be necessary to increase laser sessions or try alternative methods.
Which Tattoo is Easier to Remove?
Some tattoos are easier to remove, depending on the type of ink used, skin type, and depth of the tattoo. The easiest tattoos to remove are:
Black and Dark Colored Tattoos: Dark colored tattoos such as black, dark blue and brown are the fastest to break down because they are the pigments that absorb laser light the best.
Superficial Tattoos: Tattoos that are embedded in the upper layer of the skin can be removed more quickly before they reach deeper layers.
Old Tattoos: Old tattoos can be more easily removed with a laser, as tattoo ink begins to break down within the skin over time.
Non-Professional Tattoos: Tattoos done by amateur tattoo artists usually contain less pigment and can be removed more quickly with laser treatment.
Can All Color Tattoos Be Removed with Laser?
Laser tattoo removal can successfully break down most tattoo colors and remove them from the skin. However, some colors absorb laser light better, while others may be more resistant to laser treatment. Colors such as black and dark blue are among the fastest and most effective tattoo removal pigments because they absorb laser light best.
Light colored tattoos (white, yellow, orange, light green) tend to reflect laser light and are therefore difficult to remove. Also, some tattoo inks contain metal components and may not be completely removed with a laser. Although today’s advanced picosecond lasers can be effective on more colors by using different wavelengths, more sessions may be needed to completely remove light colored tattoos.
Is Tattoo Removal a Painful Procedure?
There may be mild to moderate pain during the tattoo removal process. The level of pain can vary depending on a person’s pain threshold, the size of the tattoo, the area where it is located, and the laser settings. Laser tattoo removal is usually quicker than getting a tattoo, although some people may experience a slight burning or stinging sensation during the procedure.
Local anesthetic creams may be applied before the procedure to reduce pain. In addition, some laser centers use special devices to cool the skin, which can minimize pain. A slight burning and tenderness may be felt on the skin for a few hours after the procedure, but relief usually occurs within a short time.
Is it possible to remove permanent makeup with a tattoo laser?
Permanent makeup can also be removed with tattoo removal lasers, but this process should be done with a more delicate approach than regular tattoo removal. Since permanent makeup is usually applied to the face area (eyebrows, lips, eyeliner), the skin in these areas is thinner and more sensitive. Therefore, the laser used during the procedure should be at a low energy level and should be applied carefully.
However, because permanent makeup pigments often contain different chemical components, how they absorb laser light can vary. Red and orange tones in particular may be more resistant to laser removal. Some permanent makeup pigments may darken or exhibit unexpected color changes when exposed to laser light. Therefore, a professional assessment and careful management of the process should be performed before permanent makeup removal is attempted.
When is the earliest time to remove a tattoo?
The best time to start a tattoo removal process is after the tattoo has completely healed. A freshly made tattoo should be waited at least 6-8 weeks as the skin is still healing . This time allows the skin to fully settle into the tattoo ink and reduces the risk of any irritation or infection.
Tattoo removal procedures performed earlier may cause more side effects due to the sensitivity of the skin and may prolong the healing process. While dark colored tattoos in particular begin to disappear faster, special laser techniques should be used after the waiting period is completed for light colored tattoos.
How Many Sessions Does It Take to Remove a Tattoo?
Tattoo removal is usually completed in 4 to 10 sessions. However, factors such as the color of the tattoo, the density of the ink, the structure of the skin and the depth of the tattoo are important factors that determine the number of sessions.
Black and dark colored tattoos: Can be completely removed within 4-6 sessions.
Light colored tattoos: It may take 6-10 sessions and some colors may not disappear completely.
Amateur tattoos: They can usually be removed more quickly, within 2-4 sessions, because they contain less concentrated ink.
Professional tattoos: can take between 6-10 sessions because the ink is embedded into the deeper layers of the skin.
How to Prepare Before Tattoo Removal?
Before tattoo removal, the skin must be healthy and ready for the procedure. First, it is important that the area to be treated is free of any infection, open wounds or irritation. If the skin is sensitive or irritated, the procedure should be postponed.
It is important to avoid sun exposure for at least one week before the procedure. Tanned skin can absorb laser light differently and increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds before the procedure.
Blood thinners (aspirin, etc.), alcohol and smoking should be limited before the procedure, as they can increase skin sensitivity and prolong the healing process. In addition, drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet will be beneficial for the skin to respond better to the laser beams.
Before tattoo removal, the application area must be clean and dry. Make-up, lotion or any oil-based products should not be applied to the area to be treated.
If there are concerns about pain during the procedure, a local anesthetic cream can be applied upon doctor’s recommendation. However, some experts recommend leaving the skin in its natural state before the procedure to prevent the skin from being affected by the anesthetic cream.
How Long Does Tattoo Removal Treatment Take?
The duration of a tattoo removal treatment can vary depending on the size of the tattoo, its color, skin type and the laser method used. A session takes between 10 and 30 minutes on average. Small tattoos are processed in a few minutes, while larger tattoos may take a little longer.
Tattoo removal is usually not completed in a single session. Most tattoos can be completely removed in 4 to 10 sessions. However, some stubborn colors or deeply etched tattoos may require additional sessions.
A waiting period of 4 to 8 weeks is allowed between sessions to allow the skin to heal and the laser-broken ink to be naturally eliminated from the body. This means that the tattoo removal process can take months or even up to a year in some cases.
Slight fading may be seen on the tattoo from the first session, but patience must be exercised and all sessions must be completed for it to be completely removed.
Tattoo Removal Prices 2025
Tattoo removal prices in 2025 may vary depending on the size of the tattoo, the technology used, the city where the center is located, and the experience of the specialist. On average:
- Small tattoos (2-5 cm) → 1,500 TL – 3,500 TL
- Medium size tattoos (5-10 cm) → 3,500 TL – 7,000 TL
- Large tattoos (10 cm and above) → 7,000 TL – 15,000 TL
- Coloured tattoos or hard to remove inks → 10,000 TL – 20,000 TL