Did you know the age of a tattoo can influence how quickly it can be removed? Is it easier to remove old or new tattoos? Let’s find out.
Laser Tattoo Removal: How It Works
Laser tattoo removal is a highly effective way to get rid of unwanted tattoos. It actually works to get remove your old tattoo. But how many sessions will you need? This depends on eight different variables, including the age of the tattoo.
This depends on 8 different variables, age of tattoo is just one of them.
Old or New – The Body’s natural reaction to the ink
Have you noticed how a 20-year-old tattoo looks significantly more faded than a 6-month-old tattoo? This fading occurs because:
- The body naturally attempts to remove the ink over time. However, tattoo ink particles are too large for the body to fully eliminate.
- This is where laser tattoo removal steps in by targeting the ink with laser light. The ink absorbs the laser energy, shattering into tiny particles. The lymphatic system, the body’s natural cleansing system, then removes these particles.

A tattoo that is 20 years old will look faded. It will most likely have less in than when it was a fresh new tattoo. Thus making it easier to remove.
Why Older Tattoos May Be Easier to Remove
- Natural Fading: A 20-year-old tattoo often has less ink remaining compared to a new tattoo, making it easier to remove.-
- Sun Exposure: Spending time in the sun over the years may result in the tattoo fading naturally as well. Over the years, UV rays from the sun slowly break down ink particles, contributing to the natural fading process. However, we don’t recommend excessive sun exposure as it can damage your skin.
Tattoo Removal Examples
Old Tattoo
This 25-year-old tattoo showed significant fading after only six treatments. One additional session completely removed the remaining ink.

New Tattoo
This 3-year-old tattoo is fading well after eight treatments but will require a few more sessions for complete removal.

Factors That Influence Tattoo Removal
While tattoo age is important, there are many factors we need to look at:
- Tattoo color and ink type
- Skin tone and sensitivity
- Location of the tattoo on the body
- Depth and density of the ink
- Overall health and immune response
It’s important to note, that every individual is different and so is every tattoo. Every single person getting rid of a tattoo will have different results. Half the work is done by the laser breaking the ink down. The rest is done by the body working to break the ink down.
Why Choose Goodbye Tattoos?
At Goodbye Tattoos, we provide comprehensive tattoo removal consultations. Our experts will guide you through:
- The removal process
- Aftercare and healing steps
- Tips to accelerate the tattoo removal process
Start Your Tattoo Removal Journey Today
Get in touch today to start on your laser tattoo removal journey. info@goodbyetattoos.com or call 1300745074