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Home Treatments Tattoo Fading

Fade your old ink to make room for something new!

Tattoo Fading

Planning a tattoo cover up? Lightening and fading your existing tattoo with laser treatment can dramatically improve the outcome of your new design. By fading old ink first, you give your artist a cleaner canvas to work on.

  • Prepares skin for a cleaner, sharper cover up
  • Fewer laser sessions than full tattoo removal
  • Reduces old ink visibility for more colour and design options
  • Safe, expert-led treatment using advanced laser technology

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Speak with our clinical team about the right approach for you.

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Treatment cost

Treatment prices

The cost depends on the size of your tattoo, the treatment selected and the number of sessions recommended.

At your consultation, we will assess the area and explain the available options and costs. Discuss your fading goal before choosing a package so you understand what the course is intended to achieve.

 

Harmony Laser Tattoo RemovalPicosure Pro Tattoo Removal

Small (1-4cm)

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5 sessions · 10% off
Original price was: £350.00.Current price is: £315.00.
Only 63.00 per session9 sessions · 20% off
Original price was: £630.00.Current price is: £504.00.
Only 56.00 per session

From only £56.00 per session

Up to 20% Off

Medium (4-12cm)

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5 sessions · 10% off
Original price was: £565.00.Current price is: £509.00.
Only 101.80 per session9 sessions · 20% off
Original price was: £1,017.00.Current price is: £814.00.
Only 90.44 per session

From only £90.44 per session

Up to 20% Off

Large (12-17cm)

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5 sessions · 10% off
Original price was: £810.00.Current price is: £729.00.
Only 145.80 per session9 sessions · 20% off
Original price was: £1,458.00.Current price is: £1,166.00.
Only 129.56 per session

From only £129.56 per session

Up to 20% Off

X-Large (17-24cm)

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5 sessions · 10% off
Original price was: £1,085.00.Current price is: £977.00.
Only 195.40 per session9 sessions · 20% off
Original price was: £1,953.00.Current price is: £1,562.00.
Only 173.56 per session

From only £173.56 per session

Up to 20% Off

XX-Large (24cm plus)

Free Consultation
£0.00

Price: £0.00

Treatment is subject to suitability. Package terms apply, and purchasing a course does not guarantee a particular level of fading.

Laser Tattoo Fading in London

Lighten unwanted ink with a treatment plan built around your tattoo and your goals. A tattoo can feel different as your style and circumstances change. Whether you want to soften a dark design, reduce its visibility or explore your options before deciding what comes next, laser tattoo fading offers a way to gradually lighten existing ink. At Premier Laser & Skin, we assess your tattoo, skin and treatment goals before recommending a course. Start with a free consultation and patch test to understand what may be achievable.
  • Gradual lightening of unwanted tattoo ink.
  • Treatment tailored to your tattoo and skin.
  • Progress reviewed throughout your course.
  • Advice on preparation, aftercare and next steps.

What Is Laser Tattoo Fading?

Laser tattoo fading uses tattoo removal technology to reduce the visibility of existing ink. The aim is partial lightening, rather than attempting to remove as much of the tattoo as possible. It may suit someone who wants a less prominent tattoo or is considering changes to an existing design. You do not need to have a new tattoo planned to discuss fading. The amount of lightening achievable varies. Different colours and areas of the same tattoo can respond differently, so an exact shade or percentage of fading cannot be promised.

How Does Laser Tattoo Fading Work?

Laser tattoo removal fading uses short, powerful pulses of light to break the ink in your skin into tiny fragments. These are then gradually absorbed and cleared by your body’s natural processes. At Premier Laser & Skin Clinic, we use both Picosure Laser and Q-switched laser systems to tailor treatment based on your tattoo’s colours, age, and depth. Because the goal is to fade, not remove, the tattoo, fewer sessions are usually required. Your practitioner will assess the area and advise on how many treatments are likely to give you the right level of lightening for your new design.

Why Lighten a Tattoo Before a Cover Up?

Covering a tattoo isn’t as simple as layering one design over another. If the original tattoo is very dark or has strong lines, it limits the colour and style options available to your artist. You may end up with a larger, darker piece than you originally wanted just to hide the old one. Laser lightening reduces the depth and visibility of old ink so that the new tattoo doesn’t have to fight with what’s underneath. Even partial fading can significantly improve the final look of your cover up, allowing for brighter colours, finer details, and better overall definition.

PicoSure vs Harmony Q-Switched Laser: What’s the Difference?

Choosing a laser starts with understanding your tattoo. Its colours, ink density, previous treatment and your skin all help determine the most suitable approach.

At Premier Laser & Skin, we offer PicoSure and Harmony Q-switched laser treatments for tattoo removal and fading. Both break tattoo pigment into smaller particles that your body gradually clears, but they deliver energy differently.

PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal and Fading

PicoSure uses picosecond technology, delivering exceptionally short pulses of laser energy to break down tattoo ink.

Its 755nm wavelength can target black, blue and green pigments, making it an option worth considering for tattoos containing these colours. It may also be considered for remaining ink that has responded poorly to previous treatment.

Your practitioner will assess whether PicoSure is appropriate for your skin and tattoo. Results depend on more than the device alone, so the number of sessions and degree of fading will vary.

Explore PicoSure tattoo removal.

Harmony Q-Switched Laser Tattoo Removal and Fading

Harmony uses Q-switched Nd technology, delivering short pulses measured in nanoseconds to break down tattoo pigment.

Its 1064nm wavelength is used for dark inks, including black and dark blue. A 532nm option can target colours such as red and orange, depending on the available handpiece and your suitability.

Harmony can be considered for gradual tattoo fading or a course aimed at more extensive removal. Your practitioner selects the wavelength and settings according to the ink and your skin.

What to Expect From Treatment

Your Consultation and Patch Test

We review your tattoo, skin, medical history and any medication before discussing treatment. Tell your practitioner about previous laser sessions, reactions to tattoo ink or any history of raised scars.

Your consultation and patch test help us assess suitability and explain the likely benefits, limitations and risks.

Your Laser Appointment

You will wear protective eyewear while your practitioner treats the agreed area. Treatment can feel like a hot snapping sensation against the skin; sensitivity varies depending on the person and tattoo location.

Appointment length depends on the area being treated.

Healing and Aftercare

Redness, swelling, tenderness, blistering or scabbing can occur after treatment. Possible complications include infection, changes in skin colour and scarring.

Follow your practitioner’s instructions on cleaning, dressings, sun protection and when to resume activities. Avoid picking or scratching the treated area, and contact the clinic if you have concerns about healing.

Further appointments are planned around your skin’s recovery and the tattoo’s response.

A Plan That Can Develop With Your Progress

Your starting point might be a clear fading goal—or simply wanting to understand your options.

We review the tattoo’s response as treatment progresses. If your goal changes towards more extensive removal, discuss this with your practitioner before continuing.

If you are considering new tattoo work, your artist can advise on the level of lightening their design requires. Allow the skin to heal fully and seek advice from both your practitioner and artist before arranging further tattooing.

Supporting Your Tattoo Artist

We regularly work with clients who are planning their next tattoo and want to give their artist more flexibility. Laser fading allows you to avoid having to go too dark or large with your new design, and ensures the old lines and shapes don’t interfere with your cover up. If you already have an artist in mind, we’re happy to coordinate your fading plan based on the style or level of lightening they recommend.

Ready for a Fresh Start?

If you’re planning a tattoo cover up, fading your existing ink first can make all the difference. You’ll have more choice, better colour payoff, and a design that looks new, not layered. Book your consultation today at Premier Laser & Skin Clinic and give your next tattoo the best possible start.

Reviews

What our clients say

 
 
 
 
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Farah is a skilled, kind and diligent practitioner and made me feel relaxed throughout our sessions!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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★★★★★ I had such a great experience at Premier Laser Liverpool Street! I had CoolSculpting on my arms last week and went back today for my abdomen treatment. Alex was absolutely fantastic, she's attentive, caring and professional. She will checking in to make sure I was comfortable and genuinely made me feel well looked after. The clinic is also very clean and welcoming. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results! Highly recommend Alex if you’re considering CoolSculpting.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Fantastic staff friendly and helpful. Only first session and have already seen improvement
  
 
  
 
 
 
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As usual lovely experience of micro needling with Lenka
  
 
  
 
 
 
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I had my cosmelan treatment at premier Laser & skin with Alex and I’m very happy with my experience. Alex was professional knowledgeable and explained the treatment and aftercare clearly. I’m pleased with the results so far and would definitely recommend Alex.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Farah is very helpful and consistently checks how I’m feeling throughout the appointment. She is also very informative and answers all my questions. If you are still ensure about where to get laser hair removal, Laser & Skin would be a great choice.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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I have had a few laser hair removal sessions with Farah and she has been great. She’s made each session comfortable and is very approachable and professional.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Absolutely great professional polite and friendly 1st class.

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Frequently asked

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to cover up tattoos?

The best option to cover up a tattoo is usually another well-designed tattoo, ideally supported by laser fading beforehand. Lightening the original ink gives your tattoo artist more flexibility with the new design, allowing for better colour, detail, and placement. The most effective cover-ups are often custom designs that incorporate or disguise the original work in a creative way.

Do tattoo cover-ups really work?

Yes, when done properly, cover-up tattoos can be extremely effective. Fading the existing tattoo first with laser treatment makes a big difference, helping to reduce the old lines and dark ink so they don’t show through. A skilled tattoo artist can then apply a new design that looks fresh, clean, and well-integrated.

What is the best idea for a cover-up tattoo?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the best cover-up depends on the shape, colour, and depth of your original tattoo. Popular options include florals, animals, mandalas, or abstract designs that work with your existing ink. Speak to your tattoo artist after laser fading for guidance on what design will give the best results.

Is it cheaper to get a tattoo removed or covered up?

It depends on the size and complexity of the tattoo. A cover-up may cost less than full laser removal, but if your original tattoo is very dark or detailed, it may need several laser sessions before a good cover-up is possible. In many cases, combining light laser fading with a new tattoo gives the best outcome and value.

How painful is a cover-up tattoo?

Cover-up tattoos feel similar to any standard tattoo, but the experience can vary depending on the location, your pain tolerance, and the extent of the design. If you’ve had laser fading beforehand, the area may be slightly more sensitive, but this usually settles with time.

Can I fade a tattoo without removing it completely?

Yes. Laser treatment can be planned with partial fading as the goal. However, the response is not completely predictable, and different parts of the tattoo may lighten at different rates.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed number. It depends on your tattoo, skin, desired level of fading and response to treatment. Your practitioner will give an initial recommendation and review progress before advising on further sessions.

How long does tattoo fading take?

Fading is gradual and continues between appointments. A course may take several months because your skin needs time to recover and your body needs time to clear fragmented ink.

Can you fade coloured tattoos?

Some coloured inks can be treated, but their response varies. Different pigments may require different laser wavelengths, and some colours can be difficult to lighten. Your tattoo will be assessed before treatment is recommended.

Is laser tattoo fading painful?

Treatment can be uncomfortable, often described as a hot snapping sensation. Your practitioner will explain what to expect and discuss appropriate ways to manage discomfort.

Is tattoo fading suitable for darker skin?

Suitability needs individual assessment. Skin tone affects treatment choice and the risk of pigment changes, so your practitioner will assess your skin and tattoo before advising whether treatment is appropriate.

How is fading different from full tattoo removal?

Fading aims to make a tattoo lighter. A removal course aims to reduce as much of the visible ink as possible, although complete clearance is not always achievable. Both use laser technology, with the treatment plan guided by your goal and response.

Can I have a consultation before committing to treatment?

Yes. Book a free consultation and patch test to discuss your tattoo, understand the available options and ask about costs before choosing a course.

Start with a conversation about your tattoo

Tell us what you would like to change. We will help you understand the possibilities, the practical commitment and whether laser tattoo fading is suitable for you.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation

Speak with one of our clinicians at any of our London clinics. We'll assess your skin, recommend the right approach, and give you a clear cost for your course.

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Clapham Clinic

14 The Pavement, Clapham SW4 0HY

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0207 498 0188 WhatsApp

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1/3 College Hill, London EC4R 2RA

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3-5 Vanston Place, London SW6 1AY

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Kingston Clinic

4 Eden Street, Kingston KT1 1BB

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Liverpool Street Clinic

4 Spital Square, London E1 6DU

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177 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WX

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