Several sessions
A tattoo does not disappear in one appointment. There are usually several weeks between sessions so the skin can heal and the body can clear the ink.
Aftercare guide
Tattoo removal or cover-up?
You no longer like a tattoo? There are several ways forward. We compare laser, cover-up and rework and tell you honestly what we do and what we do not.
In short
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Laser removal lightens a tattoo over several sessions or removes most of it. It belongs in medical or specialised hands.
- A cover-up hides the old tattoo under a new design, usually larger and darker.
- A rework refreshes a tattoo, corrects lines or adds to it, without hiding it.
- Laser and cover-up can be combined: lighten first, then tattoo again.
We tattoo, we do not do laser treatments. For laser treatment, please contact a doctor or a specialised laser studio.
Overview
The options compared
A rough guide. What suits your tattoo can only be judged case by case.
| Option | What happens | Suits you if | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser removal | Laser light breaks up the ink particles, and the body clears them gradually. | you no longer want any tattoo in that area. | Several sessions weeks apart, can be painful and costly, the result cannot be predicted with certainty. |
| Cover-up | A new design absorbs the old one and covers it. | you still want a tattoo in that area, just a different one. | The new design is usually larger and darker, and style and size involve compromises. |
| Rework | Lines are redrawn, areas refreshed or the design extended. | you basically like the design, but it has faded or looks messy. | Only possible if the old tattoo offers a solid base. |
| Laser and cover-up | A few laser sessions lighten the tattoo, then the new tattoo follows. | the old tattoo is very dark or you would like a finer new design. | Takes longer overall, two treatments by different specialists. |
Which solution fits depends on your tattoo, your skin and your wishes. Together we work out what is realistic.
Laser
What you should know about laser removal
General information, not medical advice. We do not carry out the treatment ourselves.
Colours behave differently
Black and dark tones often respond well to laser, while some colours are harder to remove. Only a specialist can assess how this applies to your tattoo.
Noticeable, with aftercare
Many people describe the treatment as unpleasant. Afterwards the skin needs care and protection from the sun.
Open outcome
Sometimes a shadow remains, sometimes the skin changes. There is no guarantee of complete removal.
Cost
Because many sessions are often needed, laser removal can end up being more involved than the original tattoo. Ask for a quote beforehand.
Medical advice
Get medical advice first, especially if you have skin conditions, take medication, are pregnant or tend to scar.
Deciding
How to find the right option
What exactly bothers you?
Is it the design itself, the placement, the quality or just that it has faded? This decides whether a rework is enough or a new design is needed.
Do you want a tattoo in that area again?
If so, a cover-up or rework is often the obvious choice. If the skin should become clear, laser is the way to go.
How dark and large is the old tattoo?
Very dark, solid tattoos leave little room for a new design. In that case laser lightening before the cover-up can make sense.
How much time and patience do you have?
Laser treatment usually stretches over many months. A cover-up often needs fewer appointments. Both need good planning.
Get an honest assessment
Send us photos of your tattoo through the request form. We tell you openly whether we think a cover-up or rework makes sense, or whether you should talk to a laser clinic first.
You can see how we design cover-ups under Cover-up. Blackwork and ornamental designs are often a good fit.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about removal and cover-ups
Do you do laser removal?
No. We are a tattoo and piercing studio. For laser removal or lightening, please contact a doctor or a specialised laser studio.
How many laser sessions are needed?
That varies a lot and depends, among other things, on the colours, depth and age of the tattoo and on your skin. Only the specialist carrying out the treatment can give a reliable estimate.
When can I get a cover-up after laser?
Only once the skin has fully healed. How long that takes is best discussed with the laser clinic. After that we look at the area together.
Is a cover-up cheaper than laser?
There is no general answer. A cover-up usually needs fewer appointments, but it is a new, often larger tattoo. What tattoo prices depend on is explained in How much does a tattoo cost?
Can a tattoo be covered with skin coloured ink?
We advise against it. Skin coloured ink rarely looks natural and can change differently over time than your skin.
Consultation
Honest advice from us
A tattoo that no longer suits you can weigh on you. In our studio in Schlanders and our branch in Kaltern we take our time, look at your tattoo and tell you what a cover-up or rework can achieve.
If laser is the better option, we tell you just as openly.
This guide gives general aftercare advice and does not replace medical advice. Your artist’s instructions always come first.