Guide · Simulator

How manysessions?

Six questions to understand what influences the length of your tattoo removal. The estimate uses the Kirby-Desai scale, a tool published in dermatology. It does not replace the examination of your tattoo.

01Your skin type

Fitzpatrick classification: how your skin reacts to the sun.

02Tattoo location

The further the area is from the heart, the slower the lymphatic clearance.

03Colours

Black absorbs all wavelengths; some colours resist more.

Black onlyMostly black, a little redBlack, red and a few othersMulticolour

04Amount of ink

An amateur tattoo usually contains less ink, placed less deeply.

AmateurDone by hand or non-professionalMinimalFine lines, letteringModerateClassic motifHeavySolid fills, dense shading

05Scar or relief

Skin that is already marked lets the laser through less easily.

NoneSlightModerateSignificant

06Cover-up

A tattoo placed over another contains two layers of ink.

NoYes, it is a cover-up

The method

The Kirby-Desai scale, explained.

Published in 2009 in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, this scale adds up six factors. The total gives an estimate of the number of sessions, with a margin of about two and a half sessions either way.

Sessions are spaced at least six to eight weeks apart: that is the time the body needs to clear the ink fragments.

For brow microblading or lip dermopigmentation, the scale applies poorly: these pigments are less dense, but some can darken under the laser. Read the dedicated guide.

Points assigned per factor in the Kirby-Desai scale
Factor	Points
Your skin type	Type I: 1 · Type II: 2 · Type III: 3 · Type IV: 4 · Type V: 5 · Type VI: 6
Tattoo location	Head & neck: 1 · Upper torso / back: 2 · Lower torso / abdomen: 3 · Arm, thigh: 4 · Forearm, hand, leg, foot: 5
Colours	Black only: 1 · Mostly black, a little red: 2 · Black, red and a few others: 3 · Multicolour: 4
Amount of ink	Amateur: 1 · Minimal: 2 · Moderate: 3 · Heavy: 4
Scar or relief	None: 0 · Slight: 1 · Moderate: 3 · Significant: 5
Cover-up	No: 0 · Yes, it is a cover-up: 2

Source: Kirby W, Desai A, Desai T, Kartono F, Geeta P. The Kirby-Desai Scale: A Proposed Scale to Assess Tattoo-removal Treatments. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009;2(3):30–37.