Fortunately, Unthink Inc. has broken it all down. In an effort to ensure all potential clients understand what they can expect, we have put together the top ten things to know before undergoing laser tattoo removal.

Although our tattoo removal technology, Syneron Candela’s advanced PicoWay laser, offers the most comfortable treatments on the market, there is still some discomfort. Depending on where your tattoo is, treatments can be more painful than others (such as knees, elbows, fingers and feet). At Unthink Inc. we offer external numbing measures—Zensa numbing cream and the Cryo Chiller—to help ease any possible discomfort. To learn more about how we make our treatments as comfortable as possible, click here.

The size of a tattoo does not dictate the number of sessions necessary to remove it. Small, medium and large tattoos all need at least six sessions to be fully cleared of unwanted ink. Larger tattoos may need to be broken up into different sections and worked on in intervals. To learn more about how our expert technician Jim Trenholm treats larger tattoos, click here.

There is a common misconception that unwanted ink is removed by drawing ink up and out of the skin through laser technology. In reality, the laser’s job is to simply break up ink particles—the body’s lymphatic system is what absorbs and removes the pigment. Superior technology, like PicoWay, helps ensure a safe and efficient process, however keeping the body healthy, hydrated and rested throughout treatments is key to proper removal. To learn more about what you can do to help the tattoo removal process along, click here.

Since the body removes the ink, where the tattoo is placed makes a difference in how quickly ink disappears. The lymphatic system is directly tied to the heart, and areas closer to the heart have stronger blood circulation. Therefore, tattoos that are closer to the heart are usually removed with fewer sessions. Areas farther from the heart such as the phalanges, may need extra sessions.

How a tattoo is applied will dictate how easy it will be to remove. Tattoos applied by an experienced professional tattoo artist have more even ink distribution, which makes them easier to treat. However, this can also make the tattoo ultra saturated and require more work to remove. Amateur tattoos are often applied unevenly, which can make removal difficult. However, ink is normally not embedded very deeply and removal can be quicker.

During the tattoo removal process there may be white residue that appears on the skin, known as frosting. This is a completely normal bodily reaction, and is a sign that the laser has successfully shattered ink pigments. Although it can be alarming to see white, chalky residue on the skin, it’s the body’s way of showing that the natural healing process has begun. Immediately after treatment our expert technician, Jim, will apply a cold compress to the area to ensure frosting calms down. This normally lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.

The technology used to remove the tattoo is important, as is the meticulous preparation done by the laser technician. However, it is during the important aftercare process that the ink is absorbed and removed. Therefore neglectful aftercare will result in poor ink removal. If skin does not fully heal within the allotted eight week interval, the next appointment must be pushed back—lengthening the overall process. Keeping the area cool and dry, staying hydrated and avoid direct sunlight are a few key aftercare steps. For our full aftercare process, click here.  

For those looking to cover a regrettable tattoo with more desirable ink, complete removal is not necessary. At Unthink Inc. we offer altering and fading of tattoo ink to make way for newer, more desirable designs. In this case fewer sessions would be necessary, making the experience even faster than normal. Click here for more information on tattoo altering and here to learn how we can aid in your tattoo cover-up.  

Tattoo removal lasers differ significantly from one to the next. For example, PicoWay offers advanced technology and features that other lasers simply cannot. Traditional tattoo removal systems, also known as Q-switched lasers, break up ink particles at a rate measured in nanoseconds, which is one billionth of a second. PicoWay works with nanosecond (one trillionth of a second) pulses, making the pulses over 1000 times faster than these other technologies. What this means for you is less excess laser energy deposited into your body therefore less excess heat deposited in your body.

Picoway also features three separate wavelengths, making it the first tattoo removal laser to remove the most ink colours in the shortest amount of time. With PicoWay, all skin tones can safely undergo tattoo removal with minimal discomfort and minimized risk of injury. To learn more about the difference PicoWay can make, click here.

Too often we hear from our clients of the many unsuccessful, expensive sessions they’ve had with older technology. We strongly advise you look into not only what technology is being used but who it is being used by. Make sure the certified operator is the one performing all the treatments for continuity, not just performing the consultation. Only those who have been properly trained will know the necessary steps that must be taken in order to avoid unnecessary injury (such as scarring or hyperpigmentation). With over 27 years of experience as an RN and extensive laser operation training, our owner and tattoo removal technician Jim Trenholm is a tattoo removal expert. Approachable and knowledgeable, Jim ensures all his clients are completely at ease and understanding of the process during each tattoo removal treatment. He provides support seven days a week and is always available to answer client questions.

Now that you are well versed in all aspects of tattoo removal, it’s time to take the next steps to begin your ink-free journey. To book your free consultation with the experts at Unthink Inc., click here.