7 Things You May Not Know About Tattoo Removal

Jim Trenholm • May 10, 2018

As the number of adults with tattoos continues to rise so does the percentage of those with tattoo regret. Fortunately, regrettable ink is no longer permanent.

With recent advances in tattoo removal technology, unwanted tattoos of all colours and sizes can be removed. However, some misconceptions based off outdated removal technologies often hold people back from removing their unwanted ink. To alleviate any confusion, our expert technician, Jim [hyperlink: https://unthink.ca/about/], put together a list of seven things you might not know about tattoo removal.

1) It takes less time than you think.

With the revolutionary PicoWay laser by Syneron Candela, complete tattoo clearance takes less time than with other leading technology. Laser pulses with our technology are so quick they are measured in picoseconds (one trillionth of a second). That’s 1000 times faster than other leading technology. With PicoWay’s more efficient pulses and capable wavelengths, our clients require less downtime in between removal sessions which can shave up to 56 weeks off the entire process. Most clients achieve complete clearance in under a year.

2) Your body removes the ink, not the laser.

Contrary to what you may think, the laser does not burn or remove the ink out of the skin. Well then how does it work? The laser pulses shatter the ink pigments into smaller pieces that the body can then absorb and naturally removes through its lymphatic system. Although superior technology can help keep your laser tattoo removal efficiency, it is equally important to keep your body healthy, rested and hydrated throughout your treatments since it does all the work.

3) White frosting may occur.

Do not be alarmed at the sight of white residue on your skin during or immediately after your laser tattoo removal treatments. This is called frosting, a perfectly natural and expected side effect of laser tattoo removal. When frosting occurs, it is a sign that your body’s natural healing process has begun and that the energy emitted from the laser has successfully shattered the ink. Similar in appearance to the frosting you find on baked goods. This chemical reaction may be alarming if you aren’t aware of its occurrence but it’s actually a very positive step in your journey to ink-free skin. Frosting lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes and can be soothed with a cold compress provided by our expert laser technician.

4) The tattoo is not burned off (nor is your skin).

Many clients ask if they will permanently lose their hair after laser tattoo removal treatments. The answer is no, lasers used for tattoo removal differ than those used to laser hair removal. No burning of the skin or hair occurs in tattoo removal. The energy and heat of the pulses are absorbed by the ink which then breaks down and is removed through the body’s natural processes. Our technology is so advanced that it can recognize the difference between pigmented skin and ink pigment making it safe for even darker skin tones. The surrounding skin will not burn however some redness immediately post-treatment is normal. The PicoWay laser used at Unthink Inc. was FDA approved in 2016 and has been used by hundreds of professionals in successful removal across North America since.

5) Tattoo removal is safe for your face.

Facial tattoos are also no longer permanent. As mentioned in the point above, the PicoWay laser is extremely safe. Although facial skin is more sensitive, the PicoWay laser is more efficient and more comfortable than other tattoo removal technologies on the market. Using the Zimmer Cyro Chiller to cool the skin. Jim of Unthink Inc. comfortably removes permanent makeup such as eyebrow tattoos, eyeliner, and semi-permanent microblading.

For more information on permanent makeup removal, click here.

6) All ink colours can be removed.

With past laser tattoo removal technologies, lighter ink colours such as red, yellow or green were too difficult to remove (especially on darker skin tones) and would often result in intense pain for the client. With PicoWay’s three separate laser wavelengths—532nm, 1064nm and the new 785nm—Unthink Inc. can alter, fade or remove any ink despite i’s intricacy or colour.

7) Ink particles are disposed of through your poop.

And no, you won’t notice it the next time you’re in the bathroom. As mentioned before the laser does not do the actual removal of the ink. It instead breaks down the ink particles so they can be absorbed through the body’s immune system. After dispersing into your bloodstream, liver and then kidneys, the ink particles are naturally excreted. Because healthy circulation encourages this process. Regular exercise with cardio and added hydration can help make your tattoo removal process more efficient.


Still feel like you may not know everything about laser tattoo removal? Book your no-obligation consultation with our expert tattoo removal technician, Jim.

11 Apr, 2024
Discover the advantages of PicoWay laser tattoo removal for effectively fading and removing unwanted tattoos. Learn how this advanced laser technology can minimize scarring and provide faster, more efficient results.
04 Mar, 2024
Are you tired of your tattoos? Here's how tattoo removal can help you get a fresh start in 2024.
06 Feb, 2024
Are you considering eyebrow tattoo removal? Here's what you can expect during the procedure, including pain levels and aftercare tips.
04 Jan, 2024
Argyria is a condition that results in the skin turning blue. Here we explore the science behind argyria treatment options, including topical treatments, lasers, and systemic treatments.
04 Dec, 2023
If you're considering getting a tattoo removed, it's important to be aware of the psychological implications that come with it. Here's what you need to know.
06 Nov, 2023
Are you considering eyebrow tattoo removal? Here's what you need to know about the risks and how to minimize them.
25 Oct, 2023
Hair Removal for Men Now that you have decided you want to be smooth and hair free, stop shaving a few times a week. Laser hair removal with the Gentle Max Pro is a quick comfortable solution to be smooth for months or even years. Laser is a quick comfortable, alternative to painful waxing and frequent shaving of your back, chest, arms anywhere you have hair even your face. Think how much time and money you will save if you didn’t have to shave the back of your neck between haircuts. You can stop bothering your partner to shave your back because you can’t reach it. Just be done with manscaping. No more complaints of rough stubble, anywhere. Over 25% of clients at Unthink Hair are men. You work hard for your gym body. If you are already shaving to show off those muscles, think how convenient it will be to not have to shave anymore. Here are some common questions and answers we hear during consultations. Is it permanent? Laser hair removal will lessen your hair 25-40% even after one treatment, depending on the body surface. After just 1 treatment even the hair that grows will be sparse, lighter and finer. Since we remove the hair in the Antigen growth phase, multiple treatments are needed to catch all the hair in that phase. Think of picking only red raspberries as they appear weeks apart. Does everyone get the same results? Fantastic results are more common with clients of all ages, skin types and hair color. The laser induces energy into the shaved hair shaft. The more melanin or the darker the hair the better. Even blonde and gray hair benefit from laser hair removal with the Gentle Max Pro. The darker your hair, the longer lasting results are seen. How many treatments will I need? Most clients require 5-6 treatments depending on the body part. Unthink Hair offers an affordable group of treatments called a, Membership. When you prepay for 5 treatments you get unlimited treatments if required for 1 year! If you choose to treat your chest and require 7 treatments and a spot touch up, it’s the same price. How much does it cost? Size matters. The surface area to be treated determines the price per session. Convenient packages are available for common groups of your body at a discounted price. See our MEN’S PRICELIST here . Does it hurt? The Gentle Max Pro Plus is the newest most technologically advanced hair removal laser from Candela medical. The added burst of cooling Cryogen with every pulse makes the laser very comfortable on most areas of your body. Cold compresses are available if needed. In some cases, freezing cream is optional. No gel is used during our treatments. Cooling aloe is applied after your session. What’s a Manzilian? Women get a Brazilian and men opt for a Manzilian. We need a little help here. You assist by moving your joystick while the technician works the laser. If you rise to the occasion, that makes our job easier. An erection is a completely normal physiological response to stimulation and some warmth causing vasodilation. We can remove as much or as little hair down there as you want. Does the GMPP Yag laser do anything else for Men? This laser is excellent at resolving flat moles, sunspots, age spots, cherry angiomas and spider veins including small superficial veins on your nose and face. If you have any questions or want to book an appointment at Unthink Hair just click here to speak to a nurse.
25 Oct, 2023
Hair Removal for Women Done with waxing? Ouch! Sick of the smell of the creams? Think of all the time you could have back, not shaving your legs, under arms and under there. Hair Removal is not new. The Gentle Max Pro Plus from Candela is the newest laser from the industry leader in Dual wavelength Nd-Yag lasers. At Unthink Hair we want you to have the best results and smoother skin where ever you want it. Whether you have light hair or dark hair laser hair removal is possible. The Gentle Max works by pushing laser light into the shaved hair. The heat moves down the shaft to the follicle and disables the root and stops it from growing. Since only the growth stage is responsive, a few treatments are required to treat all your hair in that particular stage. Think of picking only red rasberries every few weeks. Here are some common questions we hear during consultations. Does it really work? Our Laser Hair removal system targets the pigment melanin, which is what gives hair its color. Dark hair has more melanin and therefore responds best to laser treatments. The lighter the hair, the more difficult the hair is to remove. Bleach blonde and white hair is impossible to remove. Grey hair ‘may’ sometimes have enough melanin in the root to still be treated effectively. As the laser penetrates deep into the hair shaft, it heats up the follicle long enough to stop it from functioning and prevents regrowth. There are 3 phases of hair growth and permanent hair loss is only truly successful in the first phase. Because only a percentage of hair at any given time is in the first phase of hair growth, multiple treatments are required. The beauty of laser hair removal is even though it is a process, the remaining hairs after each treatment become finer, softer and grow much slower. It is not uncommon that you may hardly need to shave in between your treatments. Laser Hair Removal permanently reduces on average between 70% up to 95%. The remaining % are dormant hairs that may begin to grow with hormonal changes, stress, changes in diet, weather and emotional disorders. Are you cheaper than everyone else? Do you really want the cheapest laser hair removal around? How about the best laser, most comfortable, most efficient and operated by skilled estheticians and nurses. If you have tried hair removal in the past and was not impressed by the results you weren’t using the Gentle Max Pro Plus. Come see us at Unthink Hair and be pleasantly surprised how easy, affordable and effective laser hair removal can be. Is all the hair gone forever? Laser Hair Removal permanently reduces on average between 70% up to 95% for hair growth for a significant period of time. The remaining % are dormant hairs that may begin to grow with hormonal changes, stress, changes in diet, weather and emotional disorders. Clients have reported results of laser treatments lasting many months and even years. If you need a touch up in the future just let us know, we have discounted rates for you down the road. What’s in it for me? Why is the Gentle Max Pro Plus so special? The GMPP laser is very comfortable to use. Most clients benefit from the burst of cold air before every pulse? It’s not messy because there is no gel required for this treatment. Anaesthetic cream is available and we always have cold compresses ready to go for sensitive areas. The Gentle Max treats light hair, fine hair and the darkest thick hair. It’s safe for all skin types and our packages make hair removal very affordable. So throw away those razors, say good bye to waxing, no more plucking and breath easy with no smelly creams. Our larger spot sizes will have to in and out and hair free in no time at all.
04 Oct, 2023
If you're looking to remove a tattoo, you may be wondering about the role of cosmetic surgery. Here's what you need to know.
05 Sep, 2023
If you're considering scalp micropigmentation, this guide will answer some of the most common questions people have about the procedure.
More Posts
Share by: