Removing permanent make-up: is laser removal an option?
Thinking of removing permanent make-up that has aged or gone wrong? Find out whether laser removal is a good option and what Ray studios skin therapists say about it.
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Eyebrows that are too dark… Permanent make-up can sometimes give a disappointing result or one that is no longer suited to how your face has changed. Fortunately, there are ways to correct it or remove it. One of them is the laser. But is it really suited to this particular type of tattoo? Our skin therapists answer.
What exactly is permanent make-up?
Permanent make-up works on the same principle as a conventional tattoo:
pigments are implanted under the skin with a dermograph, on targeted areas (eyebrows).
But unlike a traditional tattoo:
- the pigments are lighter or more colourful
- they are implanted less deeply
- they are meant to fade naturally over time
In practice, some shades last longer than expected, or do not fade at all.
Does laser removal work on permanent make-up?
Yes, the laser can remove permanent make-up. But certain precautions are essential.
What works well:
- The pigment sits shallow, so it responds quickly to the laser
- Black or dark brown inks are easier to clear
What makes treatment more complex:
- Some pigments contain titanium dioxide or iron oxide, which can react to the laser and change colour (grey, red, green)
- The areas treated are particularly sensitive (face, eyes, lips)
- A laser used incorrectly can cause burns or scarring
That is why any session of tattoo removal on permanent make-up should be carried out by a trained skin therapist, with correct laser settings and a controlled environment.
Which areas can be treated with the laser?
The eyebrows
This is the area treated most often. Removal is possible with good results, but it takes several sessions, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, and settings adapted to limit the risk of colour change. Individual results vary.
What are the alternatives to the laser?
Chemical removal
This method involves injecting an acid solution to draw the pigment up to the surface. It is less precise, more aggressive, and can cause scabbing and even scarring. It is used less and less because it is dangerous.
Cover-up
New pigmentation can sometimes camouflage permanent make-up that has gone wrong. This does not remove the original pigment, it hides it. This method is not suitable for every situation.
Natural fading
Some semi-permanent make-up does fade on its own after 1 to 3 years. This process depends on many factors: skin type, sun exposure, pigment quality. It is not always enough to erase the design completely.
Conclusion
Permanent make-up can enhance the face for a long time, but it does not always live up to expectations in the long run. Laser removal is now a safe and effective way to correct or erase this pigmentation. Carried out exclusively by skin therapists, using a latest generation picosecond laser, it allows precise treatment that respects sensitive areas such as the eyebrows or the eye contour. Individual results vary.
At Ray studios, we favour a gradual, personalised approach, so that the result is harmonious without any compromise on skin safety. Before starting a removal protocol, an initial consultation is essential to assess the pigments present and the depth of implantation, and to define the plan best suited to your skin and your expectations. Our offer is the Full Remove plan: unlimited sessions at a single fixed price.
FAQ
Does the laser damage eyebrow hair?
No, the picosecond laser does not damage eyebrow hair. It acts only on the pigments present in the skin, without affecting the hair follicles responsible for hair regrowth. Even though slight temporary loss may be observed in some sensitive cases, the hair grows back naturally after a few weeks. At Ray studios, we use precise settings to protect hair-bearing areas, including eyebrows, and ensure a safe, targeted treatment. You can therefore have tattoo removal in this area without fear of losing density.
What should you do if the pigment changes colour after a session?
It is possible for certain pigments, particularly those based on iron or titanium oxides, to change colour under the effect of the laser. This phenomenon is well known to tattoo removal professionals. It is not a failure, but a temporary chemical reaction of the pigment, which can turn grey, green or red. The good news is that a specific laser setting can then target this new shade and continue the treatment effectively. At Ray studios, we adapt our sessions according to these changes to guarantee a consistent result.
Can you remove permanent makeup yourself?
No, this is strongly discouraged. Permanent makeup penetrates the deep layers of the skin, and no home method can remove it without risk. Using abrasive or acidic products, or non-certified creams, can cause severe burns, infections, irreversible scarring, or even permanent loss of pigmentation. Only skin therapists equipped with certified lasers can safely remove permanent makeup. At Ray studios, removal is carried out exclusively by skin therapists.
Does eyebrow tattoo removal leave marks?
In the vast majority of cases, no. If the treatment is carried out properly, with a quality laser and suitable settings, the skin regenerates perfectly. Redness or superficial scabs may appear temporarily, but they generally disappear within a few days. At Ray studios, we apply a specific post-session care protocol for sensitive areas, to promote quick healing without marks. Eyebrow tattoo removal is therefore entirely possible without after-effects, provided it is carried out by expert hands.
