Tattoo Removal Sessions Calculator

Work out tattoo removal sessions instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Tattoo Removal Sessions Calculator

Applies the Kirby-Desai scale, in which the summed points across skin type, ink colour, ink quantity, layering, location and scarring estimate the number of laser sessions needed.

Formula

Kirby-Desai scale

Sessions approximately equal the sum of points for Fitzpatrick type, ink colour, ink amount, scarring, layering and location; sessions are spaced about 6 weeks apart

Worked example

With the default values below, Tattoo Removal Sessions Calculator returns Estimated laser sessions of 12. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Fitzpatrick skin type points (1-6)accepts 1–6: 3
Ink colour points (1-5)accepts 1–5: 2
Amount of ink points (1-5)accepts 1–5: 3
Location, layering and scarring pointsaccepts 3–12: 4

Results

Estimated laser sessions: 12
Estimated treatment span at 6-week intervals: 72 weeks
Treatment span: 16.6 months
Difficulty band: Moderate difficulty

Step by step

1Values used
2Kirby-Desai scale
3Estimated laser sessions= 12
4Estimated treatment span at 6-week intervals= 72 weeks
5Treatment span= 16.6 months
6Difficulty band= Moderate difficulty

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 1 decimal place, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.
This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which colours are hardest?

Green, blue and yellow inks respond least well; black and dark blue clear most readily.

Why wait six weeks between sessions?

Fragmented pigment is cleared by the lymphatic system, and the skin needs time to recover before the next pass.