Whether you're regretting an old tattoo, preparing for a cover-up, or simply ready for a fresh start — laser tattoo removal in Bali is more accessible than most people think. Here's everything you need to know before booking your first session at Samadhi.
The Laser We Use
We work with a professional Q-switched Nd:YAG laser — operating at 1064 nm (black and dark inks) and 532 nm (warm tones), with a 10 ns pulse duration. This is the same technology family often marketed as "pico" or picosecond laser. It's water-cooled, precise, and effective across all skin types.
Black, dark blue, and grey inks — which make up the majority of tattoos removed in Bali — respond best to this wavelength.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
There's no universal answer — but here's what actually affects the number:
- Age of the tattoo — older ink fades faster.
- Ink color — black responds best; colored tattoos take more sessions.
- Ink depth and density — dense, professionally done tattoos require more treatments.
- Your skin and healing — everyone clears ink at a different rate.
| Tattoo type | Sessions | |---|---| | Small tattoos, light shading | 3–5 | | Outline tattoos, medium density | 5–8 | | Large, dense tattoos | 8+ | | Permanent makeup | 2–4 |
Visible fading typically appears after 1–2 sessions. Between sessions, your body's lymphatic system does the work — that's why a minimum 6–8 week break between treatments is necessary. Later stages may require a longer gap to let the skin fully recover.
Most professional tattoos require 6 to 12 treatments in total. The full process can take anywhere from six months to two years.
Does It Hurt? Do You Use Numbing Cream?
Removal is usually more uncomfortable than getting the tattoo. But the session itself is very short — just a few minutes of actual laser work. The rest of the time is spent on preparation.
Before, during, and after each session the skin is actively cooled to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. The sensation feels like light rubber band snaps.
Numbing cream is used only in exceptional cases — for particularly sensitive areas such as the ribs, neck, face, and similar high-sensitivity spots.
What Happens During a Session
- The artist evaluates the tattoo and selects the right laser settings.
- The skin is cooled before the procedure begins.
- Laser pulses are applied — just a few minutes.
- The skin is cooled again after.
- Aftercare instructions are provided.
Aftercare — What to Do
The first 24 hours matter most:
- Keep the area cooled throughout the first day. Insufficient cooling can lead to blistering. Every hour — apply something cold (wrapped in a paper towel) for 10 minutes.
- After 24 hours, start using the recommended healing cream.
- Avoid swimming for 5–7 days, or until the skin is fully closed. Pool chlorine, ocean water, and hot tubs all interfere with healing.
- Shower normally — lukewarm water, no scrubbing the treated area.
Pricing
Sessions are priced by tattoo size:
| Size | Price | |---|---| | 3×3 cm (minimum) | 500K IDR | | 5×5 cm | 800K IDR | | 5×9 cm (credit card size) | 1.2M IDR | | 10×15 cm | 2.2M IDR | | A4 | 4.8M IDR |
Multi-session discounts:
- 3 sessions — −10%
- 5 sessions — −20%
- 8+ sessions — −30%
Planning a cover-up with our artists? You'll get an additional 10% off your laser sessions.
Thinking About a Cover-Up Instead?
We always recommend lightening the tattoo with laser before covering it — this opens up far more design possibilities and results in a cleaner new tattoo. Without lightening, the new design will need to be significantly larger and darker.
Ready to Start?
Send us a photo of your tattoo on WhatsApp for a free estimate — we'll tell you the approximate number of sessions and total cost.
