While the area in question may appear to be fully healed externally within 2 weeks, the healing process is actually much longer, at about six weeks. During that time, the body’s lymphatic system is doing its job of removing the ink that has been broken up by the laser.
Your final result from each session will not be apparent until around the six-week mark. Therefore, six weeks is the recommended time between sessions. Going back under the laser sooner than this can result in over-treating the area, which can mean damage to the skin, not to mention unnecessary discomfort and expense.
Return to laser tattoo removal frequently asked questions.
Sources:
Interview with Will Kirby, DO, FACOS - Los Angeles, CA - conducted on November 19, 2008
Laser Treatment of Tattoos; Eric F. Bernstein; Clinics in Dermatology, Volume 24, Issue 1, January-February 2006, Pages 43-55
