What laser tattoo removal treats
Most tattoos can be lightened, though ink colour, depth and age all change how quickly they fade. Your doctor assesses these at consultation and sets realistic expectations.
- Black and dark blue ink
- Green and blue coloured ink
- Red and other bright colours, often more slowly
- Cosmetic eyebrow and lip-line tattoos
- Amateur and professional tattoos
- Fading a tattoo before a cover-up
After treatment, some people use laser toning to even out surrounding skin tone. If texture changes remain, Potenza may help refine the skin.
How laser tattoo removal works
Tattoo ink sits as particles in the dermis that are too large for the body to clear on its own. A pico laser such as PicoSure delivers pulses lasting trillionths of a second, which break ink into much finer fragments with less heat spread to the surrounding skin than older nanosecond lasers. Immune cells then carry the fragments away over the following weeks.
Because clearance happens between visits, sessions are spaced 4–8 weeks apart. Dark inks absorb the 755 nm wavelength well, while red, orange, yellow and some layered or white-containing inks are often more resistant. The doctor also discusses risks such as temporary lightening or darkening of the skin, texture change and, rarely, scarring, which are more likely with heavy treatment or poor healing.
Your treatment day
- Consultation Your doctor examines ink colours, depth, location and your skin type, and explains the likely number of sessions and risks.
- Numbing Numbing cream is applied in your private room, and eye protection is fitted, especially for eyebrow tattoos.
- Laser treatment The physician treats the tattoo with rapid pulses. The skin often turns briefly white or frosted, and the session takes 10–30 minutes.
- Dressing The area is cooled, a healing ointment and dressing are applied, and you receive written wound-care instructions.
Results timeline
Fading happens between sessions as the body clears the broken-down ink.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal right for you?
Usually a good fit
- Tattoos you no longer want, large or small
- Older eyebrow or lip-line cosmetic tattoos
- Mostly black or dark blue ink
- Patients who can return for sessions over months
Talk to your doctor first
- Tanned skin or recent sun exposure on the tattoo
- History of keloid or poor scar healing
- Pregnancy, or skin infection in the area
- Cosmetic tattoos with white or flesh-tone ink, which can darken
Tattoo removal options compared
Lasers are the main option for most tattoos, but they are not the only route.
| Compare | Pico laser removal | Nanosecond (Q-switched) laser | Surgical excision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Picosecond pulses break ink finely | Longer pulses break ink | Tattooed skin cut out and stitched |
| Best for | Most tattoos, including stubborn ink | Dark inks | Very small tattoos |
| Scar risk | Low with correct settings | Low to moderate | Always leaves a surgical scar |
| Typical course | 5–10 sessions | Often more sessions | One procedure |
Your doctor
At DIORE every treatment is planned and performed by a physician, not delegated. Our five doctors trained at Korea University, Yonsei, Seoul National University Hospital and Dankook.
Chief Director · Medical reviewer
Dr. Lee Gwang-ryeol
- Korea University College of Medicine
- Residency, Korea University Medical Center
- Onda Lifting Key Doctor (DEKA)
- Belotero Revive TTT trainer (Merz) · Rejuran VVIP Club
Honest consultations. Meticulous technique. Results that look like you.
Meet the full medical team.
Aftercare
- Keep the area clean and apply the healing ointment as directed
- Do not pick blisters or crusts; let them heal on their own
- Avoid saunas, hot yoga and heavy workouts for 48 hours
- Avoid swimming pools and baths until the skin has closed
- Protect the area from sun with clothing or sunscreen
- Contact us if you notice spreading redness, pus or fever
For help planning visits around travel, read our guide for international patients.
Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
It feels like rapid snapping, similar to a rubber band against the skin. Numbing cream reduces the discomfort, and each session is short. Areas over bone can feel stronger.
How many sessions does tattoo removal take?
Most tattoos need 5–10 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart. Dense professional tattoos and bright colours usually need more, while thin amateur ink may need fewer. Your doctor gives an estimate after examining the tattoo.
Can my tattoo be removed completely?
Many tattoos fade until they are barely visible, but complete clearance cannot be promised. Some colours, layered ink and cover-up tattoos are harder to remove. A faint shadow or skin texture change can remain.
Can I start tattoo removal on a trip to Seoul?
Yes, you can have a first session and continue later, either here or with a clinic at home. Keep the area out of the sun and away from pools while it heals, and allow at least 4 weeks before the next session.
Can eyebrow tattoos be removed with laser?
Yes, cosmetic eyebrow and lip-line tattoos can be treated with eye protection in place. Some cosmetic inks contain white or flesh tones that can darken when lasered, so the doctor may test a small area first.
What are the side effects?
Redness, swelling, blistering and crusting are common for several days. Less often, the skin can become lighter or darker, or develop texture change or scarring. The doctor discusses these risks before you start.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Cost depends on tattoo size, colours and the number of sessions. Send a photo of your tattoo on WhatsApp at +82 10 6463 5532 for a personalised quote.
