Multiple laser tattoo removal treatments are needed to achieve satisfactory results. Due to variation in tattoo ink depth, density, composition, and techniques used for placement, estimating the number of treatments needed for removal can be challenging. However, some generalizations about the number of treatments can be made based on patient and tattoo characteristics. Professionally placed tattoos have greater ink density and typically require 12–16 and sometimes up to 20 treatments; whereas amateur tattoos typically require 4–8 treatments. Faded, older tattoos on paler skin types in proximal locations tend to be removed with fewer treatments than intense, multicolored tattoos on darker skin types in distal locations. A “cover-up” is a tattoo that has one tattoo placed on top of another, rendering a very high density of ink in the skin and requires more treatments for removal. Prior tattoo removal methods that create scar tissue, such as abrasion and caustic chemical agents, can make laser tattoo removal less successful.