Laser Cosmetic Ink Pigment Removal
Laser cosmetic ink removal may be the solution to removing unwanted cosmetic ink and permanent makeup that no longer suits your style.
Treatment involves using advanced picosecond laser technology to remove unwanted permanent makeup safely and effectively, leaving your skin looking fresh and natural. Due to the growing popularity of microblading and other permanent make-up services, there has been a significant rise in the number of clients seeking cosmetic tattoo removal. The good news is that compared to other types of tattooing, microblading and other permanent brow treatments are easier to remove in most cases.
Cosmetic inks are color pigments placed into the dermal layer of the skin for long-lasting improvement in appearance or facial definition. In most cases, cosmetic inks define eyebrows, lips, and cheeks with a soft, natural appearance that looks like perfectly applied make-up. However, as with other traditional tattoos, many clients regret their cosmetic inks and now prefer a more natural look. Laser removal of cosmetic inks is the best treatment modality due to the minimal risk of scarring compared to other non-laser treatments. If you are considering laser permanent makeup removal, having realistic expectations, and understanding the procedure thoroughly is essential. Laser removal can effectively remove unwanted permanent makeup, but it is not a quick fix and may require multiple treatments.
There are two types of pigments used in cosmetic tattoo inks – organic and inorganic. Organic uses lakes pigments, while inorganic pigments use iron oxides. Most manufacturers of cosmetic tattoo ink use a mixture of the two, but they do not use traditional tattoo inks. Compared to traditional tattoo inks which are more often intense and brighter in color, cosmetic tattoo inks are referred to as pigments and these provide more subtlety and opaqueness of color.
Iron and zinc oxides (inorganic) are a critical component of cosmetic tattoo pigments because oxides are very stable, nontoxic, and there are many colors available. Iron oxide is non-reactive and inactive and tends not to produce allergic reactions. Pigments are ground into very fine powders, then added to a binder to create a product that can be used. The oxides provide opacity making them great for foundations. Oxides are used in various combinations to create different colors in foundation, blusher, lipstick and eye shadow. Inorganic pigments are less intense in color than organic pigments (lakes). Lakes (organic) are certified colors, also known as metal salts. These colors are more intense than iron and zinc oxides.
Microblading involves the application of hair-like strokes of ink within the dermal layer of your skin using a static blade rather than a tattoo machine. The result from microblading is typically natural looking and lasts for about three years. If a mistake is made during the application, eyebrow tattoo removal can help remove the undesired ink. Some cosmetic tattoo artists choose to use traditional tattoo machines to apply eyebrow tattoos. Brow tattoos applied using this method have been until now, typically more permanent. Picosecond laser technology is so precise that eyebrow tattoos can be removed in the same way we can remove tattoos all over the body.
How it works
Picosecond laser removal is the safest and most effective way to remove unwanted permanent brow/microblading and cosmetic ink with minimal risk of scarring. Unlike traditional makeup removal techniques, such as chemical peels or dermabrasion, laser permanent makeup removal is noninvasive and requires no downtime. During the treatment, a picosecond laser handheld device is used to deliver high-intensity sound energy that penetrates beneath the skin’s surface to target those layers of skin where the tattoo ink is embedded. Using a photoacoustic effect—where pulsed picosecond laser energy (one-trillionth of a second) is transformed via sound rather than heat within the skin—the picosecond shatters the tattoo ink into smaller fragments which are then cleared and removed by your body. Your body’s immune and lymphatic system then eliminate these particles over time. Clients can resume their daily routine immediately after the procedure without discomfort or lengthy recovery. Permanent makeup removal is quick, safe, and easy with FDA-cleared picosecond laser technology. As with all laser tattoo removal options, multiple quick treatments may be required to reach optimal results. It is an excellent patient choice because it requires little to no downtime after treatment and does not damage the surrounding skin and tissue.
faqs
Treatment is not recommended for cosmetic tattoos that have been performed within the past three months. Cosmetic ink containing titanium dioxide pigment should not be treated as these will change color, turning grey. Titanium is used often in lip blushing and is often mixed with other pigments to create lighter colors. It is recommended clients wait six weeks before having micro bladed brows removed.
Cosmetic pigments are applied as permanent or semi-permanent makeups. Cosmetic tattoo pigments are made up of smaller pigment particles that are suspended in a diluter – this allows for a more natural, softer color in the skin that can be layered to create a much more realistic finish. Traditional tattoo inks are much more concentrated which means that they are intense in color. Cosmetic pigments are more often inserted in the facial skin tissue where there is less subcutaneous tissue and thinner skin thickness. Although there is no laser specially designed for cosmetic pigments removal, the general guideline for removing cosmetic pigments on face is utilizing the least amount of laser energy necessary that can break down the pigments and minimize the risk of scaring. Secondly, numbing cream as well as active skin cooling might be necessary before and during the laser removal process. The good news is that cosmetic pigments are removed more quickly than most body tattoos since these are closer to the heart and the level of vascularity in the face.
With laser permanent makeup removal, you can expect to reduce the appearance of your unwanted makeup significantly. However, it is important to note that complete removal may only be possible in some cases. The number of sessions required will depend on the size and color of the tattoo and the type of ink used. The treated area may appear pink and swollen for a few days after each session, but this is a normal part of the healing process. For traditional eyebrow tattoo, clients should anticipate some swelling and puffiness within the surrounding eye area which may last up to fourteen days.
After undergoing laser permanent make-up removal, properly caring for the treated area is essential to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are some aftercare tips:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: It is crucial to avoid sun exposure for at least a week following the treatment. Sun exposure can cause further damage to the skin and slow the healing process. If you must be in the sun, we recommend you wear a hat and use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- Keep the Treated Area Clean: Clean the treated area with gentle soap and cleanser and water twice daily. Avoid using harsh cleansers or scrubs, as they may irritate the skin. Pat the area dry with a clean towel and avoid rubbing or scratching the area.
- Apply Ointment: Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor ointment to the treated area twice daily for the first few days after the treatment. This can help soothe the skin and promote healing. Use a clean cotton swab or your clean fingers to apply the ointment.
- Avoid Picking or Scratching: Avoid picking or scratching the treated area, as this can cause scarring and slow down the healing process. If you experience itching, apply a cold compress, a moisturizer or ask your doctor for a recommended antihistamine.
- Avoid Makeup: Avoid wearing makeup on the treated area for at least the first twenty-four hours after the treatment. Makeup can clog pores and irritate the skin, slowing the healing process. If you must wear makeup, use a mineral-based product, and avoid applying it to the treated area.
Laser removal can effectively remove unwanted permanent makeup, but it is not a quick fix and may require multiple sessions. Several factors, such as ink density, skin type, and color, must be considered when attempting permanent makeup removal. It is important to note that the number of sessions required to remove the makeup entirely will vary depending on the tattoo ink’s color, depth, and age. Darker colors and deeper tattoos require more treatment sessions to remove thoroughly. With micro bladed brow treatment, Dr Hudson has been able to remove all pigment with the first treatment, with some clients returning for a second treatment.
results
*Individual results may vary with different patient experiences.
*A series of treatments may be required for desired results.