Cosmetic tattoos have been growing increasingly common in recent years. Unfortunately, that also means bad permanent makeup is becoming more prevalent, so many people are opting for permanent makeup removal. Others are choosing to remove permanent makeup that has faded. If you’re wondering how to remove your permanent makeup, laser removal could be the best option. However, it ultimately depends on the pigment or ink used.
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup can be considered a superficial tattoo since the pigment is not inserted as deeply into the skin as with a regular tattoo. It typically lasts from a year to three years, as Cosmopolitan explains.
What are some common types of permanent cosmetics?
- Eyeliner: Liner applied in your choice of style.
- Microblading: Thin hair-like tattoos that make eyebrows look more filled in.
- Blush: Tattoos that accentuate cheekbones.
- Lip blushing: Lining and filling in of the lips.
- Freckles: Tiny dots across the face that mimic freckles.
- Scar concealer: A tattoo that makes a scar hard to detect.
People sometimes want to remove permanent makeup because it can fade unevenly. Blush can begin to look like blemishes over time, reports Allure. Additionally, some pigments used in permanent makeup tattoos contain iron oxide, which can oxidize and change color over time.
In other cases, people immediately realize their permanent makeup does not create the look they were striving for. Some people aren’t happy with the shape of their eyebrows. Some chose an inexpensive artist rather than a professional with a great portfolio, notes Amber Curtis, a highly-skilled Removery technician. In any case, laser removal can often serve as a viable option for removing a cosmetic tattoo.
Cosmetic Tattoo vs. Regular Tattoo Ink
What is the difference between cosmetic tattoo ink and regular tattoo ink, and how does that affect removal options?
Pigment vs. tattoo ink
Cosmetic tattoos sometimes use pigment rather than ink. This is a newer trend, says Cooper Ferreira, an RN-turned-Removery-technician and regional manager. The type of pigment used affects whether Removery can perform tattoo removal on your permanent makeup. Permanent eyeliner, lip blushing, lip liner, and freckle tattoos are almost always created with pigments, not ink. Eyebrows and scalp micropigmentation often uses traditional tattoo ink, making laser removal more viable.
Pigments will not have good outcomes with laser removal. “More often than not, they’ll change color,” says Cooper. “Like, bright orange.” Removery holds our high standards by not doing procedures unless we’re completely confident in their success.
The colors used in the tattoo
In some cases, a permanent cosmetic tattoo can be more challenging to remove than a traditional tattoo. Why? The colors of traditional tattoos contrast sharply with the skin. Their bold blacks, reds, and greens are therefore much easier for a laser’s wavelength to target, explains Amber. However, the organic compounds in permanent makeup pigment are closer to the natural skin tone, making it more challenging for the laser wavelength to target those hues. If it is possible for laser removal to handle your permanent makeup tattoo, Removery’s top-of-the-line PicoWay laser will be able to remove it.
Saline Tattoo Removal Vs. Laser Tattoo Removal
While lasers are the best method of removing tattoo ink, certain pigments used in cosmetic tattoos don’t always respond well to laser removal treatment. The ingredients in these pigments can be very different from those used in traditional tattoo ink, and laser treatment may change the color of some of these pigments, rather than the desired effect of lightening them. Often a cosmetic tattoo artist will gain training in saline tattoo removal so they can easily remove unwanted permanent makeup tattoos. In situations where the tattoo is smaller, saline tattoo removal treatment can sometimes work better – regardless, our tattoo removal artists at Removery will be able to recommend the best method for you.
