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.

I recommend starting with a treatment or two and seeing how things progress. Also during that time speak to your tattoo artist as to how much and what specifically needs to be lightened to achieve your goal.  Normally tattoo treatments are 6-8 weeks apart and can take 4-10 treatments depending on the type, amount and depth of ink.