inkOUT vs LaserAway
Compare TEPR and PicoSure tattoo removal, including specialist vs chain, pricing, pain, scarring risk, and which provider fits different use cases.
inkOUT and LaserAway represent two fundamentally different approaches to tattoo removal. LaserAway is a large multi-service aesthetics chain. It offers tattoo removal alongside laser hair removal, body contouring, injectables, and other cosmetic procedures. LaserAway uses Cynosure PicoSure, a picosecond laser built around a 755nm alexandrite wavelength. inkOUT is a non-laser brand. It uses TEPR (Trans-Epidermal Pigment Release). TEPR tattoo removal lifts ink out through the skin surface rather than shattering it with light.
The inkOUT vs LaserAway decision sits on two axes. The first is TEPR vs PicoSure: non-laser versus laser, two different mechanisms with different strengths. The laser vs non-laser distinction is the foundation of this comparison. The second is specialist vs chain: a focused tattoo removal brand versus a broad-service aesthetics platform where tattoo removal is one of many offerings. Both axes matter. LaserAway vs inkOUT, inkOUT or LaserAway, and inkout vs laseraway tattoo removal all come back to the same two-layer comparison.
This page does not force a universal winner. It explains the real differences on both axes. Then it maps those differences onto who each provider actually serves best.
inkOUT vs LaserAway at a Glance
The structural comparison between inkOUT and LaserAway spans method, business model, and specialization focus. The table below captures the categorical differences. Quantitative review evidence appears in the cross-city evidence section further down.
 inkOUT | LALaserAway | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | TEPR (Trans-Epidermal Pigment Release) | Cynosure PicoSure (picosecond laser) |
| Modality category | Non-laser | Laser |
| Primary wavelength dependency | None (mechanism is not light-based) | 755nm alexandrite primary; optional 532nm and 1064nm |
| Business model | Tattoo removal specialist | Multi-service aesthetics chain |
| Service focus | Tattoo removal only | Tattoo removal, laser hair removal, body contouring, injectables, skin rejuvenation |
| Footprint | Smaller, focused locations | Large national chain with locations across major metros |
| Pricing model | Per-session and package options | Per-session pricing; varies by location |
| Best fit category | Complete removal, cosmetic tattoos, non-laser preference, difficult cases | Mainstream laser removal, broad aesthetics access, convenience |
| Less ideal for | Users wanting wide geographic access, service bundling, or a large public review base | Edge cases (cosmetic tattoo, dark skin, stubborn ink) where specialist depth matters most |
| Free consultation | Yes | Varies by location |
The structural comparison sets the frame. The specialist-vs-chain section and the use-case section translate these differences into practical guidance.
The Key Difference: TEPR vs PicoSure
TEPR vs PicoSure is the core technology difference underneath the inkOUT vs LaserAway comparison.
PicoSure
PicoSure is a picosecond laser manufactured by Cynosure (now Cynosure Lutronic). It was the first picosecond aesthetic laser to receive FDA clearance, in December 2012. PicoSure's primary wavelength is 755nm (alexandrite). This wavelength is effective on black, blue, and green inks. PicoSure Pro, the current-generation platform, adds optional 532nm and 1064nm wavelengths. These extend coverage to red, orange, yellow, and darker-skin-type treatment. PicoSure uses Cynosure's patented PressureWave technology to deliver ultra-short pulses that shatter ink particles for lymphatic clearance.
TEPR
TEPR (Trans-Epidermal Pigment Release) is not a laser. It does not use light wavelengths. TEPR works by lifting ink upward through the epidermis. The skin then sheds the ink naturally over the weeks following each session. TEPR is not bound by the wavelength-versus-color limitations that affect all laser modalities. It does not interact with melanin the way laser wavelengths do.
Key implications of this difference:
- Color range. PicoSure's 755nm handles blue and green well. Optional 532nm and 1064nm extend to red, orange, yellow, and black. TEPR is not wavelength-bound. Its color range does not depend on laser absorption.
- Skin tone. Laser methods carry a wavelength-versus-melanin interaction. PicoSure's 755nm has a higher melanin absorption ratio than 1064nm. Provider experience with darker skin tones matters. TEPR does not interact with melanin by mechanism.
- Pain profile. PicoSure is typically described as a rubber band snapping against the skin. TEPR is typically described as moderate, similar to a tattoo session.
- Session counts. Peer-reviewed evidence indicates PicoSure achieves greater than 75% clearance in an average of four to five sessions for standard cases. TEPR session counts vary by ink density and tattoo size. Both methods require multiple sessions spaced weeks apart.
Specialist vs Chain: What Type of Provider Fits Your Needs?
The specialist-vs-chain axis is unique to the inkOUT vs LaserAway comparison. It does not appear in the inkOUT vs Removery comparison because Removery is also a specialist. LaserAway is explicitly a chain where tattoo removal is one offering among many.
What specialist focus means for tattoo removal
inkOUT's entire clinical focus is tattoo removal. The brand's staff, training, and protocol development revolve around one procedure. Specialization typically means deeper expertise in edge cases. This includes cosmetic tattoo removal, stubborn inks, darker skin types, and scarring-sensitive users. When tattoo removal is the only thing a provider does, the provider accumulates more treatment-specific reps per clinician.
What chain breadth means for tattoo removal
LaserAway operates a national aesthetics platform. Tattoo removal is one service among laser hair removal, CoolSculpting, injectables, skin rejuvenation, and other cosmetic procedures. This breadth means wide geographic access and brand familiarity. It also means that tattoo removal volume per clinician is diluted across multiple service lines. The best LaserAway clinicians may have deep tattoo removal experience. The average LaserAway clinician has split focus.
When specialist matters most
Specialist focus matters most on cases at the difficulty edges. These include cosmetic tattoos with iron-oxide pigments, multi-color tattoos, darker Fitzpatrick skin types, and scarring-sensitive users. These cases benefit from the additional reps and narrower protocol focus that a specialist brings.
When chain breadth matters most
Chain breadth matters most for users prioritizing convenience, access, and familiarity. If you live near a LaserAway location and have a standard body tattoo with dark ink, a chain with mainstream protocols may serve you well. Chain access also matters if you want to bundle tattoo removal with other aesthetic treatments at the same provider.
What each side gives up
Specialist providers like inkOUT trade geographic reach and brand recognition for protocol depth. Fewer locations means fewer users can access the provider without travel. Chain providers like LaserAway trade per-clinician tattoo removal depth for breadth of service and access. More locations means wider access but more variable clinician experience on tattoo removal specifically.
inkOUT vs LaserAway: Pricing and Cost Comparison
inkOUT vs LaserAway cost decisions depend on pricing model and per-session cost.
LaserAway pricing
LaserAway uses per-session pricing. LaserAway tattoo removal cost varies by location, tattoo size, and treatment complexity. LaserAway does not publish pricing online. Users get a quote at consultation. LaserAway does not offer a formal unlimited-sessions package model like Removery. Financing options are typically available through third-party providers.
inkOUT pricing
inkOUT uses a per-session pricing model with package options. Per-session pricing is set at consultation. inkOUT positions packages around expected complete-removal session counts.
Cost comparison framing:
- Per-session price. Both brands set pricing at consultation. Direct comparison requires quotes at both.
- Total cost visibility. Neither brand publishes pricing online. Both require a consultation.
- Session efficiency. Fewer sessions to completion means lower total cost. Session counts depend on the tattoo, not the brand name.
- Consultation cost. inkOUT offers free consultations. LaserAway consultation policy varies by location. Confirm whether the consultation is free before booking.
For national pricing context across all methods and sizes, see the cost guide.
inkOUT vs LaserAway: Results, Scarring, and Pain
Results
Both brands target tattoo clearance. PicoSure has peer-reviewed evidence showing strong clearance rates on multicolor tattoos. TEPR targets complete removal as the primary outcome. Neither brand controls ink composition, depth, or skin response. Results are case-specific.
Scarring risk
Scarring depends on treatment intensity, provider skill, and skin type. PicoSure's picosecond pulse width reduces thermal damage compared to nanosecond Q-switched lasers, placing it on the lower-risk side of the laser spectrum. TEPR is not light-based, so it avoids laser-specific melanin interaction, but it has its own wound-healing and aftercare risks. Ask both providers about scarring rates and protocols at consultation.
Pain
PicoSure sessions are typically described as a rubber band snapping against the skin. Sessions are short. TEPR is typically described as moderate, similar to the sensation of getting a tattoo. Pain tolerance is personal. Neither method is painless.
For deeper context on scarring, see tattoo removal scarring.
inkOUT vs LaserAway: Best for Dark Skin, Color Ink, and Complete Removal
Three high-stakes use cases shape most inkout vs laseraway decisions.
Dark skin
PicoSure's primary 755nm alexandrite wavelength has a higher melanin absorption ratio than 1064nm. This means aggressive settings on darker Fitzpatrick skin types carry elevated risk. PicoSure Pro's optional 1064nm handpiece is generally safer for darker skin. Not every LaserAway location may stock all handpieces. TEPR (inkOUT) does not use light energy, so it avoids laser-specific melanin interaction, while still requiring careful technique and aftercare.
Color ink
PicoSure's 755nm wavelength handles blue and green ink well. The optional 532nm covers red, orange, and yellow. This gives PicoSure strong color coverage when all handpieces are available. TEPR is not wavelength-bound. Its color performance does not depend on ink absorption. For mixed-color tattoos, both approaches are viable starting points.
Complete removal
inkOUT positions TEPR around complete removal as the primary outcome. LaserAway targets clearance across multiple sessions. Both can deliver complete removal. inkOUT frames complete removal as the default goal. LaserAway frames tattoo removal as one among several aesthetics services.
PMU and microblading removal
Cosmetic tattoo inks often contain iron oxides. These can darken paradoxically under laser. This is a known consideration for any laser treatment of microblading, powder brows, lip blush, or eyeliner tattoos. TEPR does not use light, so it avoids laser-triggered oxidation risk, while still carrying wound-healing considerations. If you have cosmetic tattooing to remove, include a non-laser consultation in your comparison rather than relying on brand positioning alone.
Cross-City Review Evidence
The evidence below shows how inkOUT and LaserAway compare across cities where we have direct review-sample data. LaserAway review data is pending in our current dataset. The component will render LaserAway evidence once the dataset captures their confirmed locations. inkOUT evidence spans the markets where we currently have review-sample data.
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Use the cross-city evidence as a reference once both brands populate. Consult each provider's Google business listing for the most current lifetime review counts.
Pros and Cons of inkOUT
Pros
- Multi-location non-laser tattoo removal brand with a focused TEPR model
- Mechanism is not bound by wavelength-versus-color limitations on any ink color
- Mechanism does not use light, avoiding laser-specific melanin interaction
- Positions complete removal as the primary outcome
- Worth comparing for cosmetic tattoo removal cases where iron-oxide pigments can darken paradoxically under laser
- Specialist focus on tattoo removal means deeper per-clinician expertise
- Free consultations at all locations
Cons
- Smaller national footprint than mainstream aesthetics chains
- Newer market presence means smaller public review history in many cities
- Per-session experience differs from laser; adjust expectations accordingly
- No ability to bundle tattoo removal with other aesthetic services at the same provider
Pros and Cons of LaserAway
Pros
- Large national footprint with locations across major metros
- Uses Cynosure PicoSure, the first FDA-cleared picosecond laser with strong evidence on blue and green inks
- Multi-service platform lets users bundle tattoo removal with other aesthetic treatments
- Strong brand recognition and mainstream consumer trust
- PicoSure Pro offers multi-wavelength coverage (755nm, 532nm, 1064nm) when all handpieces are available
Cons
- Tattoo removal is one service among many; per-clinician tattoo removal reps are diluted across service lines
- Not a tattoo-removal-only specialist; edge cases may not get the same depth of protocol focus
- Pricing is not published online; consultation is required for a quote
- LaserAway reviews on Google reflect the full aesthetics service mix, not tattoo removal specifically
- PicoSure's 755nm primary wavelength has a higher melanin absorption ratio than 1064nm; darker skin types require careful clinician judgment
Our Verdict: inkOUT or LaserAway?
There is no universal winner. The honest verdict depends on your tattoo, your skin, and what kind of provider experience you want.
Choose LaserAway when:
- You want a nationally recognized aesthetics brand with wide geographic access
- You have a standard body tattoo with dark ink and no unusual skin-tone or pigment concerns
- You want to combine tattoo removal with other aesthetic treatments at the same provider
- A LaserAway location is closer or more convenient than the nearest inkOUT location
- You are comfortable with mainstream laser protocols and want a familiar brand experience
Choose inkOUT when:
- You specifically want a non-laser method, by preference or by medical reason
- You have microblading, powder brows, lip blush, or another cosmetic tattoo and want to avoid laser-iron-oxide darkening risk
- You have darker skin and want to compare a non-light-based method against laser protocols
- You are prioritizing complete removal as the primary outcome
- You want a specialist provider whose entire clinical focus is tattoo removal
- You are scarring-sensitive and want to compare a wound-healing-based method against laser protocols
Get consultations at both when:
- Both brands have a location near you
- You want to compare quotes, session-count estimates, and provider judgment before committing
- You are uncertain whether specialist focus or chain access matters more for your case
The decision often narrows on geography before method preference. If only one brand operates near you, that is the starting point. Use the city comparison pages to see which brands operate in your market. See /reviews/inkout and /reviews/laseraway for deeper brand-level coverage.
Editorial note: PicoSure details are drawn from Cynosure Lutronic product documentation and PMC4859414 (Torbeck et al, JCAD 2016). LaserAway review data is pending; the evidence table will populate as confirmed locations are captured. Individual outcomes vary by tattoo, skin type, ink density, and provider skill. Consult both providers before deciding. See our methodology and editorial policy for full details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is inkOUT better than LaserAway?
Is inkOUT cheaper than LaserAway?
Which has better tattoo removal results, inkOUT or LaserAway?
What laser does LaserAway use?
What type of laser does LaserAway use for tattoo removal?
Is LaserAway worth it?
Is LaserAway legit?
Is TEPR better than PicoSure?
Which is better for dark skin?
Which is better for color ink?
Which is better for complete removal?
How many sessions does inkOUT take vs LaserAway?
- Complete Removal. Full clearance pathway across multiple sessions.
- Cover-Up Prep. Fading sessions before a cover-up tattoo: how many, how cleanly.
- inkOUT vs Removery. Non-laser TEPR vs PicoWay across cities.
- Removery vs LaserAway. Two national laser chains compared on technology and pricing.