What should you know about permanent makeup tattoo removal?

Permanent makeup pigment may sit at different depths in the skin and can contain several colours. Laser energy breaks pigment into smaller particles that the body gradually clears. Some cosmetic pigments can darken, shift colour or respond unevenly when treated, so a consultation and test spot may be considered.

A picosecond laser delivers very short pulses, while a Q-switched laser uses a different pulse pattern. The appropriate device and settings depend on pigment, skin tone, treatment site and previous work.

Bring details of the pigment, date of application and any earlier removal attempts. Tell the clinician about medicines, active skin conditions, a tendency to form raised scars and any history of cold sores near the treatment area. Do not pick crusts after treatment; keep the skin clean, follow wound-care instructions and protect it from sunlight.

Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, blistering or lightening of nearby skin can occur. Ask how long to wait before makeup, swimming or other products, and attend follow-up only when the skin has recovered as advised.

Contact the provider for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, worsening pain, fever, delayed healing or a raised scar. Seek urgent care for facial swelling with breathing difficulty, or for eye pain or vision changes after treatment near the eyelids.

Ask which pigment colours may be difficult to treat, whether a test spot is appropriate, which laser fits the pigment and your skin tone, what skin changes are possible, and how aftercare will protect the treated area.