What is Tattoo Removal?
Tattoo removal is the general name for the procedures applied to permanently remove tattoos made on the body. Tattoos are designed to be pigments injected under the skin to be permanent for a long time, so the removal process can take time and may require multiple sessions. Tattoo removal is usually done with laser technology, but there are some alternative methods. The removal process may vary depending on the size of the tattoo, its color, the type of ink used and the skin type. Today, the most effective and safe tattoo removal method is the applications performed with laser technology.
How and with what methods is tattoo removal done?
The most commonly used method for tattoo removal is laser technology. Laser tattoo removal involves high-energy laser beams breaking down the ink under the skin and allowing it to be removed by the body’s natural immune system. The most commonly used laser types include Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser and Pico laser. In addition to laser, methods such as chemical peeling, dermabrasion and surgical excision can also be used in tattoo removal. Chemical peeling tattoo removal is based on the principle of peeling the pigment by applying special chemical solutions to the skin surface. Dermabrasion, on the other hand, aims to remove the ink by abrading the skin surface. Surgical excision is applied to small tattoos by cutting and removing the tattooed area on the skin. However, these methods are not as effective and safe as lasers and have a higher risk of scarring.
Will There Be Any Scars After Tattoo Removal?
Whether or not a scar will remain after the tattoo removal process depends on the method used and the skin structure. Laser tattoo removal usually does not leave a scar when done correctly, but in some cases, slight pigment changes or skin tone differences may occur. Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin color) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin color) may be seen, especially in people with dark skin tones. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and surgical methods, on the other hand, carry a greater risk of scarring because they affect the skin surface. In laser tattoo removal processes, the risk of scarring can be minimized when performed by a specialist and proper skin care is applied.
Which Tattoos Cannot Be Removed?
Some tattoos can be more difficult to remove due to the type of ink used, the depth of the tattoo, and the intensity of the color. Tattoos that contain metal-based or phosphorescent inks in particular cannot be broken down effectively because they reflect laser beams and can be difficult to completely remove. Professional tattoos that are very deep can be more difficult to remove due to the dense placement of the ink under the skin. Tattoos made with older technology and containing very dense black pigments can also require longer and more sessions to remove. In addition, permanent makeup tattoos (such as eyebrows, lips, eyeliner) can sometimes show unexpected color changes and can be more difficult to completely remove.
Which Tattoo is Easier to Remove?
More superficial and light colored tattoos can be removed more easily with lasers. Black and dark blue tattoos in particular absorb laser light better, so they usually break down faster and the removal process can be shorter. Amateur tattoos can be removed in fewer sessions, as the ink is usually closer to the skin surface. Newly made tattoos can react faster because the pigment has not yet fully set. Smaller tattoos can be removed in less time than larger and more complex designs. The removal process of a tattoo is also closely related to how quickly the person’s immune system can break down the ink.
Can All Color Tattoos Be Removed with Laser?
Laser tattoo removal is performed by taking into account the color of the tattoo and the type of laser used. Black and dark colored tattoos are usually the fastest to remove because they absorb laser light the best. However, light colored tattoos such as yellow, green, light blue and white absorb less laser light and the removal process may be longer. Advanced laser technologies such as the Pico laser can break down these types of colored tattoos more effectively. White ink, on the other hand, can be difficult to completely remove because it usually reflects laser light. Before laser tattoo removal, it is very important to choose the appropriate laser wavelength for the color of the tattoo and the procedure should be performed by experts.
Is Tattoo Removal a Painful Procedure?
Tattoo removal can cause mild to moderate pain. The level of pain can vary depending on the person, the area where the tattoo is located, and the person’s pain threshold. During laser tattoo removal, high-intensity laser beams are applied to the skin, which can cause a slight burning or stinging sensation on the skin’s surface. Many people describe this sensation as being likened to a rubber band. However, local anesthetic creams can be used to increase the patient’s comfort during the procedure. Mild redness, swelling, and tenderness may occur after the session, but these effects usually disappear within a few days. With the advancement of laser technologies, the level of pain is lower than before, and the healing process after treatment has accelerated.
Is it possible to remove permanent makeup with a tattoo laser?
Yes, it is possible to remove permanent makeup with a tattoo laser, but this process should be done more carefully and delicately than normal tattoo removal procedures. The structure of the inks used in permanent makeup applications in areas such as eyebrows, lips and eyeliner may be different and some pigments may react unexpectedly to the laser light. For example, some light-toned permanent makeup pigments may darken or change color when in contact with the laser beam. For this reason, the appropriate laser type should be selected when removing permanent makeup and the procedure should be performed by an experienced specialist. In addition, since laser application requires extra care in sensitive areas such as the eye area, special protection measures should be taken during the procedure.
When is the earliest time to remove a tattoo?
Tattoo removal should be started by waiting at least 6-8 weeks for the skin to heal completely after the tattoo is applied. If you try to remove a tattoo immediately after it is applied, the laser beams can damage the skin tissue and cause unexpected side effects because the skin is still healing. Once the skin is completely healed, the tattoo removal process can be started safely. However, it is important to wait for the tattoo to sit on the skin for the best results. The older the tattoo, the easier the removal process can usually be because the pigments naturally fade over time and can be broken down more quickly by the laser.
How Many Sessions Does It Take to Remove a Tattoo?
The number of sessions required for tattoo removal varies depending on the size of the tattoo, its color, ink density, and skin type. On average, laser tattoo removal can be completed in 4 to 10 sessions. Black and dark colored tattoos can usually fade significantly in 4-6 sessions, while colored tattoos such as green, yellow, and light blue are more difficult to remove and can take up to 8-10 sessions. Session intervals are usually between 4-8 weeks, and time should be given for the skin to heal and the body to naturally remove pigments. Larger and professional tattoos may require more sessions due to the deep penetration of the ink. Therefore, it is important to remember that the tattoo removal process requires patience and to create a treatment plan with a specialist doctor.
How to Prepare Before Tattoo Removal?
Before starting the tattoo removal process, some preparations should be made. First of all, the area to be treated should be healthy and irritated. There should be no wounds, infections or active skin diseases on the skin. Sunbathing and tanning beds should be avoided for at least two weeks before the procedure, as tanned skin can absorb more laser light and cause burns and spots. Blood thinners and alcohol consumption should be stopped a few days before the procedure, as these can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding on the skin. Before starting the tattoo removal process, the skin should be clean and no cosmetic products (creams, lotions or makeup) should be applied. It is also important to have a detailed evaluation with your doctor before the procedure to find out whether your skin type and the characteristics of your tattoo are suitable.
How Long Does Tattoo Removal Treatment Take?
Tattoo removal treatment varies depending on the size of the tattoo, the type of ink used, its color and depth. A single laser session usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, but the procedure time may be longer for large tattoos. A full treatment process can be completed in an average of 4 to 10 sessions. The time between sessions is usually determined as 4-8 weeks, because the skin needs time to renew itself and remove pigments from the body after each session. Professional tattoos are usually processed deeper and may require more sessions, while amateur tattoos can usually be removed in fewer sessions. In order for the skin to heal completely after laser treatment, careful care should be taken after each session and sunscreen should be used.
Tattoo Removal Prices 2025
As of 2025, tattoo removal prices may vary depending on the location of the center where the application will be made, the size of the tattoo, the laser technology used, and the number of sessions. On average, the price for a single session for small tattoos ranges between 1,500 TL and 5,000 TL, while the price per session for medium and large tattoos can range from 7,000 TL to 15,000 TL. The total treatment cost for large tattoos that need to be completely removed can exceed 30,000 TL. Since the latest laser technologies can more effectively remove colored tattoos in particular, the cost of such treatments may be higher. When deciding on tattoo removal prices, not only the cost, but also the experience of the specialist who will perform the application and the hygiene standards of the clinic should be taken into consideration.