Some people experience a metallic taste during laser tattoo removal and assume it’s ink or metal traveling through the body. That isn’t what’s happening. In Episode 17 of the Faded Podcast, Billy breaks down the real reason behind this sensation, how the nervous system reacts to laser stimulation, and why the taste is only a perception, not something physically entering your mouth. He also explains why it happens more with certain tattoos, why sensitivity varies from person to person, and how Studio Kiku prepares clients so there are no surprises during treatment.
Host:
Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku
Presented by Studio Kiku:
Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.
Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.
Billy DeCola, Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku, breaks down everything you need to know before your first laser tattoo removal session. From avoiding sun exposure and active skincare ingredients to choosing the right clothing and understanding aftercare, this guide helps you prepare properly and get the best results possible. Learn what to expect during the session, how to support healing, and the simple steps that make the process safer and more effective.
Host:
Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku
Presented by Studio Kiku:
Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.
Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.
Billy DeCola, Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku, is joined by Sara of IrishWolf Artistry for an in-depth conversation on laser treatment aftercare. In Faded Episode 15, they break down how to evaluate your skin after a laser session, how to approach touch-ups, and what you can do to achieve the best possible results.Whether you’re preparing for your first laser appointment or looking to improve your aftercare routine, this episode shares practical insights directly from the professionals. Tune in to learn how to care for your skin and get the most out of your laser treatments.
Host:
Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku
Guest:
Sara - Irish Wolf Artistry
Presented by Studio Kiku:
Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.
Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.
Billy breaks down how permanent eyebrow makeup removal should be done. From choosing the right equipment to using proper technique and avoiding hair damage, he shares what really matters in a safe and effective PMU removal process. If you’re looking to remove old or unwanted PMU, this episode gives you a clear, honest overview of what to expect and what to look for in a studio.
Host:
Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku
Presented by Studio Kiku:
Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.
Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.
In this episode of the Faded podcast, we sit down with a guest who made a major change in her life and decided it was time for her tattoos to go. She opens up about why she chose to remove the tattoos on her face and neck, what inspired her lifestyle shift, and what the process has been like so far.We talk through the emotions, the stigma, the healing, and the reality of laser tattoo removal. You will see parts of the actual treatment and hear her perspective on what it feels like, how she prepared, and what she hopes for as she moves forward.If you are thinking about removing a tattoo or you are just interested in honest stories about personal growth, this episode is worth watching. Feel free to leave questions in the comments and check out the full Faded podcast lineup for more real conversations about tattoo removal.
Host:
Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku
Presented by Studio Kiku:
Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.
Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.
Curious about how laser tattoo removal actually works? This episode covers the step-by-step process, from the first session to the last, and explains why each stage matters for your skin’s recovery. Find out how factors like tattoo saturation, body location, and your own health can affect the timeline.Studio Kiku founder Billy DeCola breaks down common mistakes, what to avoid, and how to set realistic expectations for your results. Whether you’re planning to start removal or just want to understand the process, this video gives you clear, no-nonsense answers.
Host:
Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku
Presented by Studio Kiku:
Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.
Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.
Thinking about laser tattoo removal? Not so fast. In this episode of The Faded Podcast, Studio Kiku founder Billy DeCola breaks down the types of tattoos you should think twice about lasering - especially those with white, red, or hybrid pigments. Billy also explains the real risks involved for darker skin tones and what actually happens during the removal process.From pigment science to unexpected allergic reactions, this episode gives you the facts before you book your next session. Tune in for expert advice, real stories, and tips to keep your skin safe.Host:
Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku
Presented by Studio Kiku:
Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.
Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.
In this episode of the Faded Podcast, we welcome Yani Sordo, a Langley, BC–based permanent makeup and tattoo artist, to share both personal and professional experience with PMU and its removal. She walks through a botched lip-blush that left dark, patchy pigment and breaks down the realities, risks, and results of laser and saline removal.
We dig into test spots, oxidation, and why she now favors truly semi-permanent, laser-friendly techniques for safer, more predictable outcomes. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone dealing with PMU complications or considering removal.
Host: Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku
Guest: Yani Sordo - Luxe Lips By Yani
Presented by Studio Kiku:
Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.
Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.
Some tattoos just won't budge. You've had multiple laser sessions, spent hundreds of dollars, and that stubborn pigment is still sitting there, mocking you.
After 15 years in tattoo removal at Studio Kiku, I've seen plenty of cases where laser technology reaches its limit. That's when we need to talk about the last resort alternatives.
Today I’m talking about saline removal, the technique we turn to when laser removal is no longer effective.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
If you've ever watched a laser tattoo removal video online, you've probably seen it - the moment the laser hits the tattoo, a white, cloudy layer appears on the skin. It looks dramatic, almost like snow settling on the tattoo.
This is called "frosting," and it freaks people out the first time they see it.
After many years of zapping tattoos, I've seen plenty of confused faces when that white layer appears. In this episode, I break down what is actually happening when frosting occurs.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
You're scrolling through before-and-after photos of permanent makeup removal, and suddenly you see it - someone's eyebrows that have turned bright red or yellow mid-removal. Now you're wondering: is that going to happen to me?
At Studio Kiku, this is hands down our most asked question. People email, call, and slide into our DMs asking the same thing. In this episode, I’m going through why this happens and what you need to know.
If you're prepared for the possibility of seeing some interesting colors during the process, and you understand that complete removal isn't guaranteed, then you can make an informed decision.
Just don't expect it to be simple, quick, or predictable. Your eyebrows have been keeping secrets, and laser removal is about to reveal them all.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
Hair loss is tough enough without having to deal with a botched scalp micropigmentation job on top of it.
SMP is supposed to give you back your confidence. When done well, it helps to create the illusion of a hairline or stubble, and it can be life-changing. When it's done poorly? It can be devastating.
I've seen what bad SMP can do to people. I've also seen how proper laser removal can get their lives back on track.
In this episode, I take you through what you really need to know if you’re thinking about getting scalp micro-pigmentation or the associated laser removal of a botched SMP.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
Walk into any tattoo removal clinic these days and they'll tell you they use a "pico laser." Sounds impressive, right? The problem is, not all pico lasers are created equal and some aren't even truly pico at all.
In this episode, I take a look at what you actually need to know about pico technology and why the speed makes such a difference.
What to ask before you book
Don't just accept "we use a pico laser" as an answer. Ask specific questions:
If they can't answer the first question with a specific number, that's a red flag.
Why this matters for your results
Faster lasers don't just sound cooler, they deliver better results. You'll likely need fewer sessions, experience less downtime, and have a lower risk of complications.
The difference between a 750 picosecond laser and a 300 picosecond laser might not sound like much, but in practice, it can mean the difference between 8 sessions and 12 sessions for the same tattoo.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
People walk into Studio Kiku with the same questions every day. After 15 years of zapping tattoos, I've heard them all. When you're considering tattoo laser removal, you want to know what you're signing up for, and I totally get that.
In this episode, I’m going to give you answers to the five most frequently asked questions that we get here at Studio Kiku.
If you're considering removal, find someone who'll be straight with you about what to expect. Ask questions, understand the process, and make sure you're prepared for the journey.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
Permanent makeup seemed like such a good idea at the time.
Wake up with perfect brows, skip the daily routine, never worry about smudging again. But now? Maybe your brows look outdated, or the shape isn't working for you anymore, or perhaps they've faded to an unflattering color.
The good news is that permanent makeup can be removed. The reality is that it's often more complicated than removing regular tattoos, and the results may not be as clean.
In this episode, I answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from clients here at Studio Kiku.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
Your skin has just been hit with intense laser energy. It's going to look angry, feel tender, and probably have you questioning whether this was a good idea. This is completely normal.
The next few hours and days are crucial for how well your skin heals and how effective your treatment will be. Get the aftercare wrong, and you could end up with complications, slower healing, or less effective results.
At Studio Kiku, we’ve seen every possible reaction and aftercare mistake you can imagine. In this episode, I’m going to break down the steps you need to take to properly heal.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
Have you ever found yourself staring at an old tattoo, wondering what possessed you to get that particular design? Maybe it's that ex's name, or perhaps that design that seemed like a brilliant idea at 2 AM.
You're not alone.
Many of us look back on our choices and wish we could hit an undo button. Luckily, laser tattoo removal offers just that. An eraser for past decisions inked on our skin. But how exactly does this process work, and what can you do to ensure you get the best results? In this article, I’m going to walk you through how we do it here at Studio Kiku, and what you can expect.
Links:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola
So you've stumbled across a podcast about laser tattoo removal. Maybe you're here because you've got some ink you're reconsidering, or perhaps you're just curious about how the whole thing actually works.
There's a lot of rubbish information floating around out there about the process of laser tattoo removal. People Google "tattoo removal" and end up with everything from home remedies involving lemon juice (please don't) to wildly inaccurate timelines and expectations.
I kept seeing the same confused faces in my studio, people who'd been told their tattoo would be gone in three sessions, or that certain colors were impossible to remove. The misinformation was everywhere.
So Faded exists to cut through all that noise and give you the real story.
We dig into how different skin tones respond to treatment, why some lasers work better than others, and what's actually happening inside your body when those ink particles get broken down. Your immune system is doing most of the heavy lifting - the laser just gives it a helping hand.
But here's what makes this podcast different: I also focus on the people behind the tattoos. Real clients share their stories. Why they got inked in the first place, what changed their minds, and what the removal journey was actually like for them. Because the emotional side of this process is just as important as the technical stuff.
LINKS:
Instagram - Studio Kiku
Instagram - Billy DeCola