How many sessions to lighten this tattoo to do a portrait cover up? (Photo)

It is very hard to predict how long it will take to remove a laser.  In certain situations, a plateau will be reached with one device and another must be used to achieve further progress.  I always tell my patients to expect at least 5-8 treatments spaced 4-6 wks apart.  Best of luck!

The amount of sessions needed will vary but this will likely need at least 6-10 regardless of the laser type. Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert.  Best, Dr. Emer

Great idea for a tattoo, it should look awesome. Lightening your existing tattoo for a cover up is possible but the number of treatments will be difficult to say. First of all you should find a tattoo artist and a reputable tattoo removal clinic and work together with both of them. It could be that after 3-4 treatments you could be ready for a cover, but it may take longer.