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Published by Billy DeCola
You’ve found a podcast about laser tattoo removal. Maybe you’re here because you’ve got some ink you’re second guessing, or maybe you’re just curious about how the whole process works. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about tattoo removal. A quick Google search will turn up everything from lemon juice “remedies” (please don’t) to unrealistic promises about timelines and results. I kept seeing the same confusion walk into my studio, people who were told their tattoo would disappear in three sessions or that certain colors couldn’t be removed. That’s why I started Faded. The goal is to cut through the noise and share the real story. We talk about how different skin tones respond to treatment, why some lasers perform better than others, and what’s happening in your body when ink particles are broken down. Your immune system does the heavy lifting while the laser gives it support. But this podcast isn’t only about the science. It’s also about the people. Real clients share their experiences, why they got their tattoos, what made them change their minds, and what the removal journey has been like for them. The emotional side of tattoo removal is just as important as the technical side.
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Why do you have to wear protective glasses during laser tattoo removal? Billy DeCola, founder of Studio Kiku, explains why everyone in the treatment room wears laser safety glasses until the technician says it is safe to take them off, why each lens is made for a particular laser and wavelength and labeled with its optical density (OD), why the glasses have to fit with no gaps at the side, why your own sunglasses will not protect your eyes no matter how dark the lenses are, and why small children and pets stay out of the laser room. This video is not medical advice. 0:00 Protective Eyewear 0:11 Why Do I Have to Wear Those Glasses? 0:45 Are All Laser Glasses the Same? 1:11 The Glasses Have to Fit 1:23 Sunglasses Won't Protect You 1:49 Why No Small Children or Pets? 2:25 Thanks for Watching More from the FADED Podcast and Studio Kiku: https://studiokiku.com/faded #lasertattooremoval #tattooremoval #lasersafety
Should you fade a tattoo for a cover-up, or remove it completely? Billy DeCola, founder of Studio Kiku and a tattoo artist since 2009, explains why a dark tattoo shows through a lighter cover-up over time, why to decide your end goal before the first session, how light a tattoo needs to be before it is covered (it depends on the new design and your artist), why lightening early beats touch-ups, whether a cover-up can be lasered later, and how long to wait before the new tattoo. This video is not medical advice. 0:00 Removal or Cover-Up? 0:53 Why Cover-Ups Show Through 1:22 Decide the End Goal First 1:54 How Light Does It Need to be? 3:57 The Window of Opportunity 4:32 Can a Cover-Up be Lasered Off Later? 5:01 Wait Before the New Tattoo 5:53 Thanks for Watching More from the FADED Podcast and Studio Kiku: https://studiokiku.com/faded #tattoocoverup #lasertattooremoval #tattooremoval
Will microblading fade, and what really happens when you try to remove it with a laser? Billy DeCola, founder of Studio Kiku, explains why semi-permanent makeup is a tattoo, why brows can show red or yellow once the laser lifts the dark pigment, how many sessions brow removal can take, how long to wait after new brows, and why saline removal should be the last resort. This video is not medical advice. 0:00 Microblading Regret 0:48 Will Microblading Fade? 1:24 Why Did My Brows Turn Red? 2:03 What About Yellow Brows? 3:26 Can Laser Turn Lip Blush Black? 4:08 How Many Sessions for Brows? 4:58 Will I Lose My Brow Hair? 5:35 When We Tell You to Stop 6:17 When the Laser Stops Working 6:51 The Risks of Saline Removal 7:20 New Brows You Already Regret 8:46 To the Artists 9:37 Thanks for Watching More from the FADED Podcast and Studio Kiku: https://studiokiku.com/faded #microbladingremoval #eyebrowtattooremoval #lasertattooremoval
Is a picosecond laser really better than a nanosecond laser? What are you really getting with a cheap laser off the internet? Billy DeCola, founder of Studio Kiku, explains what picosecond, nanosecond and Q-switched really mean, how much shorter a picosecond pulse actually is, and what to ask before a first laser tattoo removal session. This video is not medical advice. 0:00 Picosecond vs Nanosecond Lasers 0:39 What Does Q-Switched Mean? 1:13 Picosecond vs Nanosecond 2:07 Can a Picosecond Laser be Q-Switched? 2:50 Why Shorter Pulses Matter 3:24 Is Picosecond Better? 4:16 Pico in 1 or 2 Sessions? 4:43 1 Laser for Every Color? 5:25 Cheap Lasers on Amazon 6:00 Cheap vs Professional Lasers 6:40 What to Ask Before Your First Session 7:11 Thanks for Watching More from the FADED Podcast and Studio Kiku: https://studiokiku.com/faded #lasertattooremoval #picolaser #tattooremoval
What does laser tattoo removal really look like before and after, and can a tattoo be removed completely? Billy DeCola, founder of Studio Kiku, walks through real before and after photos from the studio: what a tattoo looks like after one session, in the middle of the process and towards the end. This video is not medical advice. 0:00 Before and After Photos 0:34 After One or Two Sessions 2:32 The Middle 3:42 Completely Gone 4:32 A Faint Shadow 6:10 Color 7:01 Your Skin 9:08 See Real Results More from the FADED Podcast and Studio Kiku: https://studiokiku.com/faded #lasertattooremoval #tattooremoval #beforeandafter
How many laser tattoo removal sessions does it take to remove a tattoo completely, and why does it take so long? Billy DeCola, founder of Studio Kiku, walks through laser tattoo removal session by session: how many sessions to expect, how far apart they are, and what makes one tattoo fade faster than another. A tattoo could come off in one session with the laser turned all the way up, but it would leave a scar in the exact same shape as the tattoo. For a dark, saturated tattoo, the honest answer is somewhere between 9 and 12 sessions for complete removal, spaced at least two months apart. That is a year and a half to two years, and sometimes longer. Some tattoos need fewer than nine sessions and some need more. The laser is fast, but the body is slow. The laser finds the pigment in the skin and shatters it into tiny particles, and the lymphatic system picks those particles up slowly. Studio Kiku waits a minimum of two months between sessions to give the body that time, so coming in more often does not make a tattoo fade quicker. A new tattoo needs at least 12 weeks before removal starts. After an assessment, the first three or four sessions are two months apart. Somewhere between sessions three and six the pigment really starts to break up, and tattoos normally do not fade evenly: light shading goes first, and deep, saturated lines take longer. Once the pigment is breaking down, Studio Kiku recommends waiting at least three to four months between sessions. Lightening a tattoo for a cover-up normally takes fewer sessions, and the new design and the artist decide how many. What makes removal faster or slower: how saturated the tattoo is, how deep the pigment sits, where it is on the body, scar tissue, the pigment itself and the age of the tattoo. A small tattoo does not always mean fewer sessions. Probably the most important factor is health. Once the pigment is broken up, it is up to the body to remove it, and a healthy, active person will most likely see better results. Staying hydrated, eating healthy, exercising and getting good sleep all help. For a quote, send a photo at https://studiokiku.com/faded for honest feedback. Anyone not near a Studio Kiku location can take these questions to their consultation: how far apart the sessions are spaced, and whether they start gently and work up as the pigment fades. This video is not medical advice. 0:00 Can a Tattoo Come Off in One Session? 0:25 How Many Sessions Does It Take? 0:54 The Laser Is Fast, Your Body Is Slow 1:34 Session by Session 2:50 What Makes It Faster or Slower 5:30 Your Health 6:15 Get a Real Number for Your Tattoo More from the FADED Podcast and Studio Kiku: https://studiokiku.com/faded #lasertattooremoval #tattooremoval #tattooremovaljourney
Does numbing cream help with laser tattoo removal, and can the wrong one affect your results? Billy DeCola, founder of Studio Kiku, answers the three questions clients ask all the time about numbing cream: which one to use, how to apply it, and whether it affects how well the laser works. Studio Kiku recommends Zensa, a 5% topical lidocaine cream sold over the counter. It numbs the area locally and takes the edge off, though it will not take the pain away completely. Billy recommends avoiding imported creams from countries with no regulations around them, and strong pharmacy compounds such as BLT (benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine). Timing matters. Put the cream on generously about 30 minutes before the appointment: 15 minutes is not enough, and an hour and a half is too long. On a large tattoo, be careful with how much cream goes on the skin. A plain topical numbing cream has no impact on the laser, which still reaches the pigment and shatters it. Creams with a vasoconstrictor such as epinephrine are different. They reduce blood flow and can interfere with the inflammatory response after a session. This video is not medical advice. Check with your doctor before using any numbing cream. 0:00 Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt? 0:56 Three Questions About Numbing Cream 1:10 Which Numbing Cream to Use 1:42 Numbing Creams to Avoid 2:52 How to Apply Numbing Cream 3:35 Eyebrows and How Much to Use 4:00 Large Tattoos and a Disclaimer 4:29 Does Numbing Cream Affect Your Results? 6:21 Final Thoughts More from the FADED Podcast and Studio Kiku: https://studiokiku.com/faded #lasertattooremoval #numbingcream #tattooremoval
You ever wonder why some tattoos take so long to fade during laser tattoo removal? A lot of people want to know how to speed up the process. During this episode of the Faded Podcast, we'll dive into exactly what makes some tattoos fade slower than others. We'll also talk about some things that you can do in between sessions that will help speed up the process and get that tattoo faded quicker. studiokiku.com/faded #lasertattooremoval #picowaylaser #tattooremoval
How many laser tattoo removal sessions will you need, and can a tattoo ever be removed completely? Billy DeCola, owner of Studio Kiku, explains why there is no single answer. Treatment time depends on factors such as pigment saturation, depth and color, scar tissue, skin tone, how the tattoo was applied, and your overall health. A deep, dark tattoo may require approximately 9 to 12 sessions, but proper spacing is essential. Giving your body enough time to clear the broken-down pigment can mean fewer treatments, less trauma to the skin, and better results. You will also learn why no reputable practitioner should guarantee 100% removal, and how hydration, exercise, nutrition, sleep, and a healthy lymphatic system can support the process. studiokiku.com/faded #lasertattooremoval #picowaylaser #tattooremoval
In this episode of the Faded Podcast, we're diving deep into saline tattoo removal - who it's for, how it works, and most importantly, when it actually makes sense to use it. Whether you're dealing with stubborn yellow pigment in your brows, white pigment in lip blush, or you've been told laser isn't an option for you, this episode covers it all. We talk about why saline should be your last resort (not your first step), what to expect during healing, and how long it really takes to see results. If you're on the fence about saline vs. laser, watch this before you book anything. Drop your questions or experience in the comments - we'd love to hear from you! CHAPTER MARKERS: Introduction & Overview - 0:16 How Saline Removal Works - 0:50 When to Choose Saline Over Laser - 3:28 What to Expect from Treatment - 7:17 Realistic Timelines for Results - 9:13 Saline as a Last Resort - 10:30 LINKS: Studio Kiku Website: https://studiokiku.com/ Studio Kiku Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.kiku Studio Kiku Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio.kiku/ Billy DeCola Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billydecola Billy DeCola Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billydecola/ #lasertattooremoval #picowaylaser #tattooremoval
Yellow Eyebrows After Laser Removal: Why It Happens + What You Can Do Ever wonder why eyebrows appear yellow after laser tattoo removal? Or why yellow pigment is often resistant to laser treatment? Dark PMU pigment is typically removed first with a 1064 wavelength, revealing undertones like red, yellow, or white; red is usually easier to lift with a 532 wavelength, but skin irritation can temporarily mask remaining yellow until it settles. Treating yellow too aggressively can oxidize and turn pigment dark, so it’s approached gently but still may not fade. In this episode I discuss options like; living with the yellow and covering it with makeup, redoing brows in the same shape to avoid yellow peeking through, or trying saline removal, which can have mixed results and risks if done improperly. What's your experience with PMU laser removal? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Yellow Brows Explained 00:34 Why Yellow Appears 01:59 Red Lifts Then Yellow 03:01 Why Laser Struggles 03:51 Option One Makeup 04:07 Option Two Retattoo 04:41 Option Three Saline 05:19 Saline Risks Tips 06:20 Recap And Outro studiokiku.com/faded #lasertattooremoval #picowaylaser #tattooremoval
In this episode, I sit down with Arezoo Ateffi from The Sculpt Room to talk about lymphatic drainage massage and how it directly impacts your tattoo removal results. We break down: How lymphatic massage differs from regular massage Why your lymph nodes are the body's cleanup crew (hint: 30% are in your face) What happens to the pigment particles your laser breaks down Post-treatment care that actually speeds up fading The difference between medical and wellness-focused lymphatic work If you're getting tattoos removed, this is the complementary treatment most people don't know about. Your body's ability to flush out those broken-down pigment particles is everything. Arezoo explains how to optimize it. Connect with The Sculpt Room: Website: thescultproom.ca Instagram: @thescultroom
Most people think tattoo removal is all about the laser sessions — but the biggest and most costly mistakes happen before you even start. In this episode of The Faded Podcast, we break down the 5 mistakes that cost people more time, more money, and worse results. Whether you're just thinking about removal or already in the process, this is a must-watch.
In this episode of the Faded podcast, Billy breaks down the so called “semi permanent makeup” myth and questions why so many clients are still being told their facial tattoos will fade in a few years when real world results show the opposite. Drawing on years of tattooing and laser removal experience, he explains how pigment depth, technique, and misinformation all play a role in long lasting results that often require laser to correct. The conversation focuses on accountability in the industry, the emotional impact on clients who feel misled, and the importance of giving people clear, honest information before they make permanent decisions about their faces.
Billy explains why some black and gray tattoos are easy to remove while others are nearly impossible. He breaks down the tattooing process, the difference between wash (black + water) and opaque gray (black + white), and why opaque grays containing white pigment cannot be effectively removed with laser treatment.Key Topics CoveredWhy black is the easiest tattoo color to remove (absorbs all laser wavelengths)How black and gray tattoos are createdWash technique: Black ink diluted with water (easy to remove)Opaque gray: Black mixed with white pigment (extremely difficult/impossible to remove)The oxidation problem when lasering white-containing pigmentsWhy saline removal isn't an effective solutionProfessional advice: Avoid lasering tattoos with opaque gray or white pigment 0:00 - Introduction: The gray tattoo removal problem 0:25 - Why black is easiest to remove 1:47 - How tattoo artists create gray (wash technique) 3:00 - Opaque gray vs wash 4:49 - The white pigment problem 6:30 - Saline removal limitations 7:42 - When to avoid laser removal 8:44 - Recap and final advice 9:37 - Call to actionLINKS:Studio Kiku Website: https://studiokiku.com/ Studio Kiku Instagram: / studio.kiku Studio Kiku Facebook: / studio.kiku Billy DeCola Instagram: / billydecola Billy DeCola Facebook: / billydecola
Everyone wants to know if they can completely remove their tattoo without a trace.In this episode of the Faded podcast, I break down laser tattoo removal, scar tissue, and what realistic expectations look like.If you are thinking about removing a tattoo, understand what you’re working with first. That alone changes expectations.If you have questions, put them in the comments.Please like the video if it helped.Subscribe if you want real education on tattoo removal.Share it with someone who’s thinking about starting the process.CHAPTER MARKERS0:00 Introduction0:29 Scar Tissue from Tattoo Application1:25 Assessing Your Skin1:53 Laser Treatment Approach2:49 Managing Expectations3:41 Final ThoughtsLINKS:Studio Kiku Website: https://studiokiku.com/Studio Kiku Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.kikuStudio Kiku Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio.kiku/Billy DeCola Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billydecolaBilly DeCola Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billydecola/
Thinking about getting laser tattoo removal? In this video, I break down exactly what happens after your very first session—from immediate aftercare to long-term results. No more anxiety about pain, blistering, or scarring! 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:✓ Ice the area on day 1-2, but don't overdo it✓ Keep the area clean and dry - no ointments for the first couple days✓ Avoid extreme workouts, saunas, and sun exposure✓ Don't expect instant results - it's a marathon, not a sprint✓ Average removal takes 9-12 sessions for dark tattoos✓ Space sessions 6-8 weeks apart initially, then longer✓ Boost your immune system for better results⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDERS:• No sun exposure on treated area for 2+ weeks• Blistering or open skin is NOT normal—see your doctor• Results appear gradually over 3-4+ sessions• Stay hydrated, eat healthy, and get rest between sessionsGot questions about laser tattoo removal? Drop them in the comments below!👍 Like this video if you found it helpful🔔 Subscribe for more tattoo removal tips📤 Share with anyone considering tattoo removalLINKS:Studio Kiku Website: https://studiokiku.com/Studio Kiku Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.kikuStudio Kiku Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio.kiku/Billy DeCola Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billydecolaBilly DeCola Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billydecola/
Tattoo removal not working? In this episode of the FADED Podcast, Billy DeCola breaks down five common reasons laser tattoo removal can stall or deliver slow results, and explains what actually helps improve laser tattoo removal outcomes.
In this episode of the Faded Podcast, SMP artist Alex Corona shares his journey from being a botched SMP client to becoming a professional in the industry. He discusses the challenges he faced, including poor initial treatments, scalp micropigmentation laser removal, inadequate training, and how these experiences shaped his approach to SMP. Alex emphasizes the importance of transparency, quality work, and continuous learning in the SMP field.
In this episode of FADED, Billy DeCola and David Santiago discuss the evolution of the tattoo and scalp micropigmentation industry over the past eight years, focusing on the shift in knowledge sharing, the challenges of tattoo removal, and the importance of educating clients. They also delve into their personal journeys in podcasting, the dynamics of client interactions, and the future of tattoo removal techniques. The discussion highlights the need for transparency and responsibility in the industry, especially regarding the use of pigments and the implications of tattoo removal. Chapters: 00:00 The Evolution of the Industry 03:06 Gatekeeping and Knowledge Sharing 06:00 The Shift in Business Mindset 08:57 Challenges in Tattoo Removal 12:00 The Importance of Education 14:57 The Podcast Journey 17:59 Navigating Client Interactions 20:58 The Art of Conversation 23:57 The Future of Tattoo Removal 27:01 The Role of Color in Tattooing 29:56 Final Thoughts and Future Plans This episode is brought to you by: LearnSMP.com
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