Alternative tattoo removal methods are often chosen to save money or under the assumption that the removal experience will be less painful (this is often the opposite). However, there is no other method of removal is proven to be as safe and effective as laser tattoo removal. And more specifically laser tattoo removal done with Syneron Candela’s PicoWay laser.

At Unthink Inc. we use the power of this advanced laser to offer better ink clearance on a wider range of ink colours, in more comfortable, efficient treatments with minimized risk. Known as the “ Complete PicoSecond Platform ” PicoWay uses ultra-fast picosecond (one trillionth of a second) pulses to shatter ink pigments into tiny pieces, which can then be easily absorbed through the lymphatic system. Other methods of tattoo removal can cause skin damage that may make it impossible to try tattoo removal with any other method.

We highly recommend staying away from the following methods that can leave permanent scarring (and your tattoo) behind:

Dermabrasion is a deep physical exfoliation of an area. This method is commonly used by skincare professionals on the face to remove dead skin cells and smooth textured skin; however, a more intense treatment is also used to remove tattoos. Dermabrasion is applied using a quick moving brush brush which painfully removes the top layer and the dermis layer of skin, exposing the unwanted ink. After each dermabrasion session (multiple are required), skin is left raw and exposed to infection. Months may pass before the area can properly heal. In the end, you will be left with a noticeable scar that will make you wish you still had your tattoo.

This method is usually performed by tattoo artists, who tattoo a solution of saline (sodium chloride and water) to into the skin around a tattoo to fade the tattoo ink. Although this method is relatively safe, as the components used are natural and cannot harm the body, they’re not very effective in removing tattoos. Ink can be faded, enough to allow a successful tattoo cover up. However, it is much safer and effective to undergo laser tattoo removal for these purposes. Finding a tattoo artist to perform this procedure may be also be difficult, due to its controversial nature.

There are a variety of tattoo removal creams and gels on the market that usually have a low cost that attracts consumers. However, they have the ability to cause the most skin damage compared to every other method on this list. In a recent article published by The Independent , a woman shares her harrowing story of using tattoo removal gel, Rejuvi . Often gels used for tattoo removal contain harmful chemicals (such as bleach and acids) that can cause painful itching and peeling of the skin, as well as permanent scarring and pigmentation issues.

Surgery may seem like one of the safest ways to remove a tattoo, since it would be performed by doctors in a medical space. However, surgeons are often unable to cut deeply enough into skin to remove any ink. Invasive surgery can also leave the skin with an unpleasant scar, that usually forms patches of discolouration and bumps. Another common method of surgical tattoo removal is cryosurgery. Unlike a traditional surgical procedure, cryosurgery uses the power of liquid nitrogen and light therapy to freeze the tattooed area and then encourage peeling of the skin. This is also administered by a doctor and can cause excessive bleeding, blistering, swelling and pain. Both methods can leave to skin discolouration and make the possibility of re-tattooing the area impossible as skin becomes permanently tender.

If you’re looking for a safe, effective and regulated method of tattoo removal, put your trust in PicoWay and Unthink Inc. To book your free tattoo removal consultation, click here.