How many tattoo removal sessions will it take to fade my tattoo? (Photos)

Question

I’m trying to fade my tattoo for a cover up

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

As a dermatologist, I counsel patients that fading a tattoo for a cover-up typically requires fewer sessions than complete removal, but it still takes time and consistency.

In most cases, you can expect about 4–6 laser sessions to achieve enough fading for a cover-up, though this can vary. Black and darker inks tend to fade more quickly, while colors like green, yellow, and red are more resistant and may require additional treatments. Professional tattoos often take longer because the ink is placed more deeply and densely compared to amateur tattoos.

Treatments are usually spaced about 6–8 weeks apart to allow your body to gradually clear the fragmented pigment. With newer picosecond lasers, we can often achieve faster and more efficient fading compared to older technologies, but multiple sessions are still the norm.

For a cover-up, the goal is typically 50–75% lightening, not complete removal. That level of fading usually gives your tattoo artist enough flexibility to place a new design cleanly over the old one.

The most important factors are your tattoo’s color, depth, age, and location, as well as your skin type. If you’d like, I can give a more precise estimate if you share details or photos of your tattoo.

How many tattoo removal sessions will it take to fade my tattoo? (Photos)

Answers (1)

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