Not like you'd ever want to get one of these awesome science tattoos [1] removed — but if you wanted to get rid of a different tattoo (ahem, your ex's initials) and are scared of the laser pain [2], there's a new answer. Alec Falkenham, a PhD student at Dalhousie University in Canada, has come up with a tattoo-removal cream [3] that's based on the natural healing process that your skin goes through after it's first tattooed.

Here's the scoop: when you get a tattoo, the skin absorbs the ink and it's then "eaten" by certain white blood cells called macrophages. The new cream would target the macrophages that remain at the site of the tattoo and contain the pigment. Using the cream, the tattoo should fade away without any inflammation or pain.

Falkenham is working to patent his technology and has secured funding for it — he's also currently testing the cream on the ears of tattooed pigs.

"His initial research has shown great results, and his next stage of research will build on those results, developing his technology into a product that can eventually be brought to market." said Andrea McCormick, manager of health and life sciences at Dal's Industry Liaison and Innovation office.

No word yet on how many applications will be necessary to remove the tattoo or when it will be available for sale, but it does sound promising.