How does laser tattoo removal work?
A tattoo sits in the dermis as ink particles that are too large for the body to remove on its own. Tattoo removal lasers deliver energy in pulses measured in nanoseconds or picoseconds. Because the pulse is so short, the ink heats and fragments faster than the surrounding skin, and the smaller particles are then cleared by the immune system over the next weeks.
This is why removal is gradual. Each session breaks up part of the ink; the skin then needs time to clear it and recover before the next session. Picosecond lasers such as PicoSure are commonly used for this work because their very short pulses are well suited to fragmenting pigment.
People usually come to us to remove or lighten:
- Old or uneven eyebrow tattoos and microblading that has turned grey, red or blue
- Eyeliner or lip-line cosmetic tattoos (assessed case by case)
- Small to medium body tattoos they no longer want
- A tattoo they want lightened before a cover-up design
What affects how fast a tattoo fades
Two tattoos of the same size can behave very differently. Before treatment, the doctor looks at the factors below and explains what is realistic for your tattoo.
| Factor | Usually easier | Usually harder |
|---|---|---|
| Ink colour | Black, dark blue | Green, light blue, yellow, white |
| Ink density | Amateur or thin lines | Professional, densely packed colour |
| Age of tattoo | Older, already faded | Recent, saturated |
| Location | Face, neck, upper body | Hands, ankles, feet |
| Skin type | Lighter skin | Darker skin (more conservative settings) |
A note on cosmetic tattoos
Some cosmetic inks, especially red, flesh-toned and white pigments used in lips and brows, can contain metal oxides that may darken when hit by a laser. The doctor may test a small spot first and wait to see how it responds before treating the whole area.
Prices
Our price list includes Eyebrow Tattoo Removal at ₩59,000 as a first-visit price. Body tattoos vary so much in size and colour that the price is confirmed after consultation. Related pico laser services on our list include Pico Toning ₩150,000 and Pico Fractional ₩200,000.
Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026. See the laser toning price page.
What changes over a course
Fading is gradual: each session lightens the ink a little more, and the biggest change is often seen several weeks after a session rather than straight away. Some colours may leave a faint shadow. Once the ink is gone, any leftover uneven tone can sometimes be evened out with gentle laser toning.
How a tattoo removal visit works
- Doctor assessment We check ink colours, depth, scarring and skin type, and agree on realistic goals.
- Numbing Numbing cream for about 30 minutes; eye protection for everyone in the room.
- Laser pulses Usually 10–30 minutes. The ink often turns briefly white (“frosting”) as it fragments.
- Dressing & aftercare Cooling, a healing ointment and a dressing if needed, plus written aftercare.
If you are visiting Seoul, one session is still a useful start: you will see how the ink responds, and you can continue the course at home with your own doctor. Try to have treatment early in your trip so redness and crusting have time to settle before you fly. If a raised scar sits under the tattoo, we may discuss laser resurfacing later for texture.
Downtime, side effects and aftercare
Tattoo removal uses strong, short laser pulses, so the skin needs real aftercare. What to expect:
- Common: redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, a whitish frosting for minutes, and crusting or small blisters that heal over about 5–10 days.
- Less common: temporary darker or lighter patches of skin, and darkening of some cosmetic inks.
- Rare: scarring, infection, lasting pigment change, or an allergic reaction as ink particles are released.
Tell the doctor first if you
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take blood thinners, isotretinoin or photosensitising medication
- Have had an allergic reaction to the tattoo, a recent tan, or a history of keloids
- Have cold sores (for lip-area tattoos) or an active skin infection
Aftercare
Keep the area clean and covered with ointment until it heals, do not pick crusts, avoid swimming pools, saunas and hard exercise for a few days, and use sunscreen once the skin has closed. Send a photo on WhatsApp if anything worries you — a doctor will review it.
Dr. Jimin Kang, Medical Director
Every tattoo removal plan at Bailor starts with a face-to-face skin assessment by a doctor — not a sales counsellor. Dr. Kang's approach is "tailored, not templated": she chooses the product, dose and depth for your skin, and treats you herself or works alongside the other doctors on our in-house medical team.
Tattoo removal FAQ
How much does laser tattoo removal cost in Gangnam?
At Bailor Clinic in Sinsa, eyebrow tattoo removal is ₩59,000 as a first-visit price, VAT excluded. Body tattoo prices are confirmed after consultation because size and colour vary. See the laser price list.
How many sessions will I need?
Eyebrow tattoos often need several sessions; body tattoos frequently need 5–10 or more, spaced about 6–8 weeks apart. The doctor gives an estimate after looking at the ink.
Can every tattoo be removed completely?
Not always. Black and dark blue ink usually respond well, while green, light blue, yellow and some cosmetic inks are harder and may leave a faint mark. The goal is significant fading; complete clearance cannot be promised.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
Most people compare it to a rubber band snapping on the skin. Numbing cream and cooling make it more comfortable, and sessions are short.
Can I fly after tattoo removal?
Usually yes, but the area may be crusted or blistered for about a week. Keep it covered and clean while travelling, and avoid sun exposure on the treated skin.
Can you remove microblading?
Often yes. Microblading pigment is usually shallower than body tattoos, but colours can shift during removal, so the doctor may start with a test area.
