Lightening a tattoo for a cover-up is not the same as removing it. Your new artist needs the old design faded enough to work over — not erased. That usually means two to four Q-switched laser sessions rather than the eight to twelve a full removal can take. At DWL Islington, tattoo removal courses are from £750 for up to 10 appointments; a lightening plan is quoted in writing after assessment.
Most people ask for the wrong thing
A cover-up artist works with the ghost of the old design, not bare skin. Full removal chases the last stubborn fragments; cover-up prep stops well before that point, skipping the slow, expensive tail. Lightening uses the same treatment as laser tattoo removal, stopped earlier.
How partial fading works
Each session clears the densest, most superficial ink first, then the rate slows. Most cover-ups need the old design reduced by 50-70%, not 100%, typically reached in two to four sessions. See tattoo removal before and after for session-by-session progress. For older work, our guide to removing old faded tattoos explains why fewer sessions are often needed.
What changes the number of sessions
Ink colour — black and dark blue respond fastest; yellows, whites and cosmetic pinks barely shift. Ink density and age — older, faded tattoos may need only one or two passes. Where the cover-up sits — a large, dark new design hides more than a subtle one.
Why we coordinate with your tattoo artist
The right number of sessions is defined by what the new design needs to see, which only the artist can specify. Bring a reference or put us in touch with your tattooist.
Timing
A minimum of six to eight weeks between the last laser session and the new tattoo. Realistic total prep timeline: around four to seven months.
What it costs
Tattoo removal is from £750 per course of up to 10 appointments. Because cover-up prep needs fewer sessions than full removal, the total is usually lower than a full removal course, and your plan is quoted in writing after assessment; see tattoo removal cost in London. Free patch test included with your first consultation. 0% APR finance over 12 months via Tabeo is available, subject to status.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions before a cover-up? Usually two to four, versus eight to twelve for full removal.
Do I need the old tattoo completely removed? No — asking for full removal when you want a cover-up wastes money.
How long after the last session can I get the cover-up? At least six to eight weeks.
Can you lighten coloured tattoos? Black and dark blue lighten fastest; yellows and whites may barely respond. See coloured tattoo removal.
Is it cheaper than full removal? Almost always, since fewer sessions are needed.
Book a cover-up prep consultation
Dental & Wellness London, 222 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3AP. Call 020 8127 4567 or WhatsApp +44 7974 910222.
Reviewed by the DWL laser team under Dr Vishal Patel · BDS, MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry · GDC 103127. Last reviewed 5 June 2026.
