Laser treatments

Laser tattoo removal uses short pulses of light that are absorbed by tattoo pigment. The energy breaks ink particles into smaller fragments so the body can clear them over time through the lymphatic system. Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart so the skin can settle between treatments. Black ink typically responds more readily than some colours; denser professional work, cover-ups and scarring can take longer. The number of sessions varies — use the Kirby–Desai estimate below as a starting guide, then book a conversation at the studio for a proper look at your piece.

The Kirby–Desai scale is a published clinical tool many laser clinics use to estimate how many treatment sessions a tattoo may need. It scores six factors — Fitzpatrick skin type, body location, ink colour, amount of ink, scarring or tissue change, and whether the tattoo is layered (a cover-up). The total score is an approximate session count, not a guarantee. Scores over 15 can be harder to clear and need an in-person assessment. See the original paper on PMC (Kirby et al.).

Alongside laser tattoo removal we offer laser hair removal and laser carbon facials. Enquire to ask which option fits what you want and how a course is usually planned.