Kirby-Desai Estimator

Answer six questions to estimate how many laser sessions a tattoo is likely to need. The score is a guide, not a guarantee.

Step 1 of 6Skin type

How your skin usually reacts to the sun (the Fitzpatrick scale).

Always burns, never tansBurns easily, tans minimallySometimes burns, tans graduallyBurns minimally, usually tansRarely burns, tans wellNever burns, deeply pigmented

Step 2 of 6Tattoo location

Areas with better circulation tend to clear ink more quickly.

Head, neck or faceUpper trunk or shoulderLower trunk or upper legLower arm or legWrist, hand, ankle or foot

Step 3 of 6Amount of ink

Roughly how much ink the tattoo contains.

AmateurMinimalModerateSignificant

Step 4 of 6Ink layering

Has this area been tattooed more than once, e.g. a cover-up?

No, a single layerYes, multiple layers

Step 5 of 6Scarring & tissue changes

Any existing scarring or skin damage in the tattooed area.

No scarringMinimal scarringModerate scarringSignificant scarring

Step 6 of 6Colours

The colours present in the tattoo. Black responds best to laser.

Black onlyMostly black with some redMostly black & red with other coloursMultiple colours

Your estimate

Answer all six to see your estimate

0 of 6 answered

This estimator is for general guidance only and is not medical advice. Many factors affect how a tattoo responds, and the only way to get a reliable assessment is an in-person consultation.

Based on: Kirby W, Desai A, Desai T, Kartono F, Geeta P. The Kirby-Desai Scale: A Proposed Scale to Assess Tattoo-removal Treatments. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2009;2(3):32–37.

Estimator by The Blackbird Wing, laser tattoo removal in Lymington · About the Kirby-Desai scale