Laser tattoo removal: sessions, pain and cost Let it go, properly

It meant something once. Now it is the first thing you cover up. Whether you want it gone completely or light enough for a new design, here is what tattoo removal really involves, with no sales gloss.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

The laser sends very short pulses of light into the skin. The ink absorbs the light and shatters into tiny particles, which your immune system then carries away over the following weeks. That is why the tattoo fades between sessions, not on the day, and why sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.

How many sessions will I need?

Usually 6 to 12, sometimes more. The number depends on:

• Colour. Black and dark blue usually fade best. Light green, yellow and some reds can be slower or may not fully clear.
• How deep and dense the ink is. Professional tattoos often hold more ink than amateur ones.
• Age. Older tattoos have already faded a little.
• Your goal. Lightening for a cover-up often takes fewer sessions than full removal.

At your patch test we look at the ink and the size and give you an honest estimate.

How long does the whole process take?

With 6 to 8 weeks between sessions, a course of 6 takes around 7 to 9 months, and a course of 10 well over a year. Treating more often does not speed it up: it raises the risk of scarring and gives your body less time to clear the ink.

Does tattoo removal hurt?

Most clients compare it to hot snaps of an elastic band. It is quick: most sessions take only a few minutes of laser time, and about 30 minutes in the clinic for most tattoos. You wear protective glasses throughout.

Straight after, the tattoo may turn white for a few minutes. That is normal. Then it turns red and swollen, and a dressing goes on.

How much does tattoo removal cost in Dublin?

Clinics in Dublin usually price per session by size, from extra small up to extra large. At Mirabell:

Every price is shown live on our laser tattoo removal page. Because most tattoos need 6 or more sessions, plan for the whole journey, and at your patch test we give you an honest estimate of how many sessions yours may need.

When you compare clinics, compare the cost of the whole course, not one session, and ask whether the patch test is included.

Can every tattoo be removed completely?

Not always. Many tattoos fade until they are hard to see, but some colours and very dense ink may leave a faint shadow. We are honest about this at your patch test, before you pay for a course.

Will it leave a scar?

Scarring is uncommon when the skin is treated with care and given time to heal. Picking scabs, popping blisters or treating too often raises the risk. Tell us at your patch test if you form keloid or raised scars easily.

What is the aftercare?

• Keep the dressing on for the time we advise, then keep the area clean and dry.
• Apply the aftercare balm we give you.
• Blisters can happen. Do not pop them, and never pick scabs.
• No hot baths, saunas, swimming or hard workouts until healed.
• No sun, sunbeds or fake tan on the area between sessions. SPF 50 once healed.
• Any signs of infection, such as spreading redness, heat or pus: call us on +353 85 186 5581.

Who should wait?

Not right now if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if the area is sunburnt, tanned or has fake tan, an infection or broken skin, if the tattoo is less than about 6 to 8 weeks old, or if you have taken isotretinoin in the last 6 months or take medication that makes skin sensitive to light.

What about old brow or lip tattoo?

Old semi-permanent makeup, including microblading from another studio, can be lightened with laser too. That has its own treatment and patch test: see PMU correction and removal.

Ready to start? Book your tattoo removal patch test, or see all body and hair treatments.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person.