At London Laser we provide cosmetic tattoo removal for eyebrows, lips and micropigmentation (scalp). Unfortunately, due to the proximity to the eye, we cannot remove permanent eyeliner.
Cosmetic tattoos are often located on the face and are designed to mimic the appearance of makeup. Sometimes called, “permanent makeup,” many men and women choose eyebrow tattoos to save time on applying makeup on a daily basis. Instead of spending a few minutes touching up their eyebrows each week, they spend a few minutes getting a tattoo instead and have full-well defined eyebrows for life.
Similar cosmetic tattoos can be done to imitate eyeliner, accentuate the lips, or give 
colour to the cheeks, but cosmetic eyebrow tattoos are by far the most popular.
If done correctly, micropigmentation and microblading are “semi-permanent” and fade without the need of laser stimulation over 6 months to a year.
When done incorrectly, the artist applying the tattoo can go to deep, penetrating the dermis and causing the tattoo to become permanent.
Cosmetic Tattoo Ink
The ink used in facial tattoos is usually cosmetic ink, which is semi-permanent. While many people assume that this will be easier to remove than the ink used in body tattoos, this isn’t actually the case, and the results can vary.
The success of laser eyebrow tattoo removal all depends on the type of ink used in the tattoos. Older inks are generally harder to remove than newer ones. In addition, while some inks will fade after a couple of treatments, others will oxidise, which results in the ink turning a much darker colour instead of lighter – some will even turn black! When this occurs, the tattoo has to be treated as new, so it can take several more treatments in order for it to fade.
The ink used in cosmetic tattoos is made up of organic and/or inorganic colourants which can change pigment in your skin for a number of reasons.
The four main factors for cosmetic tattoo ink changing colour after being injected are:
- Characteristics of the pigment.
- The tattoo artists method and/or technique.
- The client’s skin.
- The client’s environment or medicine.
If you require laser eyebrow tattoo removal because pigment has changed colour, the tattoo can be removed regardless of the cause of pigment colour change. However, it’s best to know what type of ink was used in your tattoo because this information will give you an idea of how long it will take to fade over the course of how many treatments.
Eyebrow Tattoo Removal
What types of laser are used for eyebrow tattoo removal?
There are two main types of laser which are commonly used for tattoo removal: 
- Nd:YAG (Medlite)
- Picosecond (PicoSure)
For most tattoos, treatment with a Picosecond laser is much faster than Nd YAG, but this is not always the case with facial tattoos – there is often little difference in treatment times between the two.
However, a Picosecond laser is gentler on the skin, which is obviously an important consideration for a facial tattoo.
How Long Does Laser Eyebrow Tattoo Removal Take?
It takes between 1 and 5 laser tattoo removal sessions to completely remove an eyebrow tattoo, depending on the type of ink, your skin, and the technique used by the tattoo artist who did the tattoo.
All cosmetic tattoos are required to have a test spot performed and the client must come in for a follow up four weeks later to evaluate if laser tattoo removal is the right choice for them.
How Long Do I Have to Wait After Getting an Eyebrow Tattoo to Have it Removed?
It’s best to wait at least 6 weeks before starting any laser treatments after getting a new tattoo of any kind. In order for the procedure to be effective a tattoo needs to settle into the skin.
Laser Eyebrow Tattoo Removal Procedure
Eyebrow tattoo removal is a simple and safe procedure. While some people fear that the proximity to the eyes makes laser tattoo removal of cosmetic tattoos dangerous or unsafe, we take every precaution to ensure the procedure is safe and effective. During the procedure stainless steel eyewear is worn the entire time. The area is cleansed with rubbing alcohol and following the quick procedure a cooling gel is applied. Complete aftercare instructions ensure your treatment is easy and successful.
What to Expect After Your First Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
You can expect some mild to moderate swelling and redness directly after your first treatment. In a few cases you may see some pinpoint bleeding although that is unlikely with the Picosure laser. The swelling will subside within 24 hours, and in the skin should be back to normal within 2 weeks. However, the wait time between treatment sessions is between 6 and 8 weeks to ensure there is no permanent damage to the skin.
Will I Lose Hair After Laser Eyebrow Tattoo Removal?
Any hair loss resulting from laser tattoo removal treatment is temporary. Your eyebrow hair is likely to turn white following the treatment because the laser removes the pigment. Whitening is perfectly natural and is not permanent. If you got a cosmetic eyebrow tattoo to conceal the appearance of hair loss, the area being treated will remain hairless once the tattoo has been removed.
Does It Hurt?
Most clients describe the procedure as “slightly uncomfortable”. During treatment, you will experience the sensation of a hot “flick” on the area of the skin being treated. We usually recommend a topical numbing cream to ease the sting and we also use the Cryo machine to blow cold air during the procedure.
Following this, there may be some mild stinging and the area may swell slightly – these symptoms can last for several hours after treatment.