Laser and Cover-ups

Any tattoo artists on the boards or people who've had work laser care to comment on this? I have a fairly large piece on my leg, that I would like to get reworked - traditionally a cover-up will not work as the piece is the entire side of my leg and lasering to lighten will be the only option. Do you laser to the point where it's pretty much completely gone and then rework it, or is lightening it up with a few sessions usually good enough to be covered? I really don't want any limitations in the design idea, so I'm thinking near to full removal may be needed before getting it re-tattooed.

You answered your own question.If you don't want any limitations,your going to have to get it hit a few times to get it real lite.I guess it also depends on how good your tattooer is with cover-ups.I had four tattoos hit like 3 times each,and their not completely gone,but can be easily covered.I wen't to Steve@ www.immortalimagestattoo.com like five years ago.He hit 3 tattoos for $150 Karl@ www.jinxprooftattoos.com hit two tattoos for me for $200 a few years ago.They were medium size tattoos.A portrait,a pin-up,and a cross on my forearm.I've talked with people who have gotten lasered by Jack@ www.rethinkyourink.com and they said he's real reasonable,and he's one of the best out there.Who is going to do the cover-up for you?