Black lines can be removed much more quickly than solid, multi-colored tattoos. Cosmetic tattoos such as lip-liner or eyebrow tattoos also tend to respond well. Nevertheless, there are some colors that can never be removed completely, in spite of numerous laser treatments. Professional tattoos can take 4-10 or more treatments to clear. Amateur tattoos are easier to remove, taking only 2-4 treatments.
Results are best on untanned and light-colored skin.
Dark and tanned skin absorbs the laser light in the same manner as the tattoo, creating less ideal results. Tattoos on the upper part of the body tend to respond better to laser removal than tattoos below the knees. Other types of accidental tattoos that show good results from laser are those from gunshots, pencil leads, paint, and severe nicotine stains on the fingers. Sunspots respond very well to the tattoo lasers also. It is important to note that lasers do not cause cancer.