In brief
- With a cover-up, old lines and colours can show through, especially with black or large-area tattoos.
- Laser lightening with the PICOPLUS laser fades the old design and gives the tattoo artist more room to work with.
- Several laser sessions with a few weeks between them are usually needed so that the skin can recover.
- After treatment, cooling and avoiding direct sun help to protect the skin.
Do you have a tattoo that no longer fits your life? Perhaps it once had a special meaning for you, but now it is time for something new? A cover-up tattoo offers the perfect opportunity to cover old designs and make room for fresh, creative ones. But before you decide on a new tattoo, there is one important step that has a major influence on the result: tattoo lightening.
Why is tattoo lightening important?
Completely tattooing over an old tattoo can be a challenge – especially if the tattoo is black or covers a large area. The old lines and colours often show through, which can impair the result of the new tattoo. This is where laser lightening comes in.
At Dermacare Vienna, we use state-of-the-art PICOPLUS laser technology to lighten the old colours in a targeted way. This fades the original tattoo, giving your tattoo artist more room to create the new design clearly and vividly. The result? A fresh design that looks as if the old tattoo was never there.
How does cover-up tattoo preparation work at Dermacare Vienna?
The path to your new cover-up begins at Dermacare Vienna with a detailed consultation. Our specialists and doctors take the time to understand your wishes and to discuss the desired end result together with you.
Creating an individual treatment plan
In the first step, we analyse your existing tattoo: Which colours were used? How deep does the ink sit in the skin? And how large is the area to be covered? These details help us create a tailor-made treatment plan. In most cases, several laser sessions are required to lighten the tattoo sufficiently.
Lightening with the PICOPLUS laser
For the lightening itself, we use the PICOPLUS laser – one of the most advanced technologies for tattoo removal. This laser works with ultra-short pulses that break the colour pigments in the skin down into tiny particles. The body then gradually removes them via the lymphatic system. The gentle process ensures effective lightening without stressing the surrounding tissue.
After each session, the skin needs a recovery period. There should be a few weeks between treatments so that the loosened colour pigments can be broken down and the skin can regenerate. After just a few sessions, the old tattoo becomes noticeably paler, creating the ideal basis for the new cover-up design. A carefully prepared base is crucial for the new colours to look strong and the design sharp and clear – without the distracting show-through of the old tattoo.
Aftercare for an optimal result
Good aftercare is essential during the lightening phase. Cool the treated area of skin, avoid direct sun exposure and give the skin enough time to heal fully before turning to the next step, your new tattoo.
Your cover-up tattoo within reach
Are you ready to close the old chapter and make room for a new, creative tattoo? At Dermacare Vienna, we support you with our experience and state-of-the-art laser technology to prepare your old tattoo optimally for a cover-up. With the right preparation and lightening, we lay the perfect foundation so that your new design comes across vividly and clearly.
Call us or arrange an appointment for a detailed consultation on cover-up tattoo preparation – your cover-up tattoo is within reach!
Frequently asked questions
The treatment can feel uncomfortable, similar to a brief, intense stinging sensation. However, many patients find it easy to bear. On request, a numbing cream can be used to make the treatment more comfortable.
The number of sessions depends on several factors, including the colour, depth, size and age of the tattoo. The aim is not always complete removal, but sufficient lightening. Often just a few sessions are enough to create an ideal basis for the cover-up tattoo.
Yes, pain can also occur during tattoo removal, depending on the sensitivity of the person and the area. The feeling is roughly comparable to that during tattooing.
