Many people who decide to get a tattoo removed wonder how many laser sessions it will take to completely erase their tattoo. To help you estimate the number of tattoo removal sessions through a simple self-diagnosis before visiting a dermatology clinic, today we will delve into how to self-diagnose the number of tattoo removal sessions.
Why is the number of sessions important for tattoo removal?
The number of tattoo removal sessions can vary greatly depending on the tattoo's characteristics and the individual's skin condition. By scoring each item and summing them up, then applying the total to the estimated sessions graph, you can predict the approximate number of treatment sessions. A higher score generally indicates a more difficult tattoo to remove.
How does my skin color affect tattoo removal?
When removing a tattoo, your skin color is as important as the ink color. Darker skin tones have more melanin particles that can interfere with laser penetration, potentially leading to a slightly less effective removal compared to those with lighter skin. Be aware that tanning or strong UV exposure during treatment can make tattoo removal even more challenging.
Scoring with Fitzpatrick Skin Type
The method of classifying skin types by score is called the Fitzpatrick Skin Type. Northern European Caucasians are considered 1 point, African Americans 6 points, and Koreans are generally judged to be around 3 to 5 points.
- Fair skin: 3 points
- Very dark skin: 5 points
Tattoo removal difficulty based on location
The location of the tattoo also affects the number of removal sessions. Tattoo ink destroyed by the laser is expelled from the body through the lymphatic vessels. The face and upper body have more developed blood and lymphatic vessels, making removal relatively easier.
Score by tattoo location
- Face, neck: 1 point
- Upper body above the navel: 2 points
- Torso area below the navel: 3 points
- Arms, legs: 4 points
- Lower parts of arms and legs: 5 points
How to judge the amount of tattoo ink?
While it's difficult to precisely determine the amount of ink injected into the dermal layer of the skin, you can roughly estimate it by observing the amount of ink in the visible epidermal layer.
- If the ink amount appears small: 1 point
- If the design is dark and densely inked: 2 to 5 points
- If a cover-up tattoo has been applied: Add 2 points
What if there are scars in the tattooed area?
Scars can sometimes form during the tattooing process, or tattoos may be used to cover existing scars. Areas with scars tend to be more difficult for tattoo removal as laser penetration is hindered.
- No scars: 0 points
- With scars: 1 to 5 points, depending on the extent of the scar and skin texture
Tattoo color, an important factor determining removal difficulty
Various colors may be used depending on the tattoo design. Generally, black ink absorbs laser wavelengths well, making removal relatively easy. However, tattoos with multiple colors, especially yellow, white, or flesh tones, are difficult for lasers to penetrate, making removal very challenging.
- Mainly black tattoo: 1 point
- Color tattoo with many different colors: 4 points (the more types of colors, the harder it is to remove)
Summing up your self-diagnosis score and checking the estimated number of sessions
Add up the scores for each item explained so far and refer to the estimated number of sessions below. This indicator is not an absolute standard, and there are many variables depending on individual skin condition and tattoo characteristics, so please use it as a reference.
- Total score 7 points: Estimated tattoo removal sessions up to about 9 times
- Total score 8-10 points: Estimated tattoo removal sessions up to 14 times or less
- Total score 11-12 points: Estimated tattoo removal sessions up to 17 times or less
- Total score 13-15 points: Estimated tattoo removal sessions up to about 20 times