How Long Do I Have to Wait Before Having my Second Laser Tattoo Removal?

Question

Last week i had my first laser tattoo removal session and a friend of mine went to a different place for her first session aswell. Our tattoos are quite similar, however he booked me in for my second session two weeks later were as she was told she had to wait at least a month before her second session. Is there a time gap you have to wait between sessions?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi London7700, thanks for your question. There are many different types of lasers that do tattoo removal. Different lasers will have different protocols. I prefer the Cutera Enlighten Laser because it allows me to quickly switch between picosecond and nanosecond technology. It breaks up the pigment using light and sound instead of heat and can be used on all skin types.   For the Cutera Enlighten Laser, the recommended wait time between sessions is 8 weeks. This is because you will still see clearance in the ink up to eight weeks later. If someone is in a hurry to get their tattoo removed, it is possible to repeat the treatment as soon as 4 weeks later, assuming any side effects from the previous treatment have been resolved. I wish you the best of luck !

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Although there may be prolonged healing if a recently laser-treated area is treated too soon, some physicians might consider treating at two weeks, but the standard time interval between two laser tattoo removal treatments is four to six weeks. This allows the shattered granules from the explosive laser energy which was absorbed by the tattoo pigment, to be engulfed by the macrophage immune cells and then be carried away through the lymphatic system. The pigment will then be less dense and ready for another treatment. Theoretically (not proven) treating too soon might make the granules explode out of the macrophages creating an inefficient scenario in which the granules would need to be engulfed again.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. This time period will vary depending on the device being used, but in general, with any device, the longer you wait between treatments, usually fewer treatments will be necessary.  It takes time for the body to absorb the ink that is broken down into particles.  With the latest technology in laser tattoo removal, the Pico technology, it is suggested that you wait at least 8 weeks between treatments.  The older devices (Q-switch) was determined that re-treating each 4 weeks was safe.  That being said, patience is on your side.

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello, Great Question! The laser's job is to break the ink up into little pieces and then those pieces just sit in the same spot until your immune system sends in little cells to gobble it up and take it away. The more time you give to let your body eat up the broken up ink the less treatments you will most likely do. Also, if you are using a picosecond laser, like the PicoWay, you will want to spread your treatments out to 8-12 weeks in between because they break up so much more ink you need to give it the time to clear. Another thing to consider is where it is on your body. The further away from your heart your tattoo is then waiting longer is essential. For example, a tattoo on the chest will clear faster than one on the ankle. One last thing, true skin healing takes 8-12 weeks, so if you continue to do too many treatments prior to letting your skin heal you will cause scar tissue and will most likely trap in remaining ink.

Joseph A. Russo, MD · Answer

We suggest 6-8 weeks between treatments to heal completely. You cannot have any skin irritation, open wounds, etc. The skin must be completely healed and not sensitive.

Rada Shakov, MD · Answer

Using our laser (state of the art Enlighten 3) we advise waiting 8-10 weeks between the first and second session. This gives time for the tattoo area to heal along with allowing the process of pigment degradation to take effect.

Steven Costalas, DO · Answer

We recommend 4-6 weeks in between. This allows appropriate reabsorbtion of pigment and healing of any skin changes that occurred. This may be device dependent but we follow the Alma guidelines.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

I usually have my patients wait 4-6 weeks between treatments. This is because the pigment has to be absorb by the body. Getting your next treatment any sooner can result in scarring and pigment change.

David L. Robbins, MD, FACS · Answer

A minimum of 4 weeks is
required between tattoo removal treatments. However, some patients choose to
wait longer. We usually see patients every 4-8 weeks for tattoo removal
treatments.

David S. Rosenberg, MD · Answer

6-8 weeks is the standard time between treatments.  Lighter skin tones can go shorter intervals.  The skin needs to recover before a subsequent treatment is done

How Long Do I Have to Wait Before Having my Second Laser Tattoo Removal?

Answers (16)