TL;DR:
- Tattoos: Permanent as dye is embedded in the dermis; some removal by the lymphatic system occurs during healing.
- Permanent Makeup: Dye is in the epidermis, making it less permanent (2-3 years lifespan).
- Removal Method: Laser therapy breaks down pigment molecules for the body to expel; effective for tattoos, permanent makeup, discoloration, and acne scars.
- Tattoo Ink Colors: Black tattoos are easiest to remove; colored tattoos (e.g., yellow, green) require more sessions due to pigment variation.
- Complexity Factors: Includes ink depth, size, location, and ink composition (e.g., titanium dioxide complicates removal).
- Permanent Makeup Issues: Errors (e.g., pigment too deep or wrong pigment tone) may lead to undesired results.
- Results: Complete removal often requires 3-10 laser sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart.
A survey conducted by CBOS found that as many as eight out of 100 adult Poles have at least one tattoo. Permanent makeup is also growing in popularity, saving the time needed in the morning to highlight eyebrows, lips or create a line on the eyelid. However, it happens that we change our minds about the tattoo, or the permanent makeup turns out to be incompetently done and disfigures instead of beautifying. In such a situation, you can get rid of it with the help of a laser. However, can every tattoo be removed this way? And how to prepare for laser tattoo removal?
How is a tattoo or permanent makeup created?
A tattoo is permanent because you prick the dermis with a needle and thus introduce the dye. Puncturing naturally leads to the formation of wounds, so skin regeneration processes begin. During healing, some of the dye is removed by the action of the lymphatic system, but some remains in the dermis, so that the completed design is visible for years – it does not disappear, despite the peeling of the epidermis. The main difference between permanent makeup and tattooing is the size of the particle and the depth of its placement – makeup uses pigments with larger particles. With permanent makeup, the dye is placed in the epidermis, not the dermis. This makes it less permanent, as the body gets rid of the dye during the natural exfoliation processes of the epidermis. Typically, the lifespan of permanent makeup is about 2-3 years.
Methods of removing tattoos and permanent makeup.
The solution here is laser therapy. The variety of types of lasers and the ability to adjust the wavelength of the wavelength make them applicable to many aesthetic medicine procedures. They allow not only the removal of unwanted tattoos or failed permanent makeup, but also the treatment of acne scars and other types of discoloration. The laser delivers light energy to the tissues in a precise and controlled manner, thanks to the unique properties of the laser beam:
- Lack of scattering – the laser beam runs in a specific direction and has virtually no scattering, thus providing high radiation power and allowing light to be transmitted over long distances.
- Equal wavelength – in a laser beam, the light is of identical wavelength,
- Consistency – photons propagate evenly in the beam, so every part of the skin is exposed to the laser with the same intensity.
Light from the laser beam is absorbed by pigments in the dermis or epidermis, which break down into smaller molecules under its influence and are expelled from the body.
Can colored tattoos also be removed?
Contrary to the myths circulating on the subject, laser tattoo removal allows you to get rid of not only black, but also colored ink. However, this requires adjusting the wavelength, since not every pigment is equally susceptible to the laser. It is therefore impossible to know in advance how many series will be needed to get rid of a particular tattoo. If pigments such as yellow or green are present, it usually takes longer. Removal of a traditional black tattoo is easiest.
However, color is not the only factor that affects the complexity of laser therapy. Also of importance are the depth of the location of the dye (the deeper it is, the slower it decomposes under the influence of the laser and the slower the body gets rid of it), the size of the tattoo, the location (for example, tattoos on the ribs or hands are naturally "shallower" than those on the legs or arms) and the chemical composition of the dye. Sometimes there is titanium dioxide in the dyes used for tattooing, which lightens the dye, but it is very likely that this ingredient is what makes tattoo removal difficult.
Most common problems associated with permanent makeup.
Properly performed permanent makeup requires the pigment to be placed in the epidermis – if the pigment is given deeper, the makeup becomes a tattoo and does not disappear despite the passage of years. However, this is not the only problem that can lead to a desire to remove permanent makeup. Incorrectly applied makeup causes eyebrows to turn blue after some time – this is the result of using too dark cold pigment, which contains a lot of blue pigments.
Removal of failed lip or eyelid makeup is also possible, but the doctor always determines what results can be achieved for a particular patient. In delicate areas such as the eyelids, laser removal of a permanent line done too deeply could result in scarring. However, if the pigment has migrated, for example, the imperfections can usually be removed with the laser without any problems.
Will the pigment be 100% removed from the skin?
In the vast majority of cases, the tattoo can be removed 100%, but the number of sessions required to do so varies: it is usually from 3 to 10, and the intervals between treatments are about 6 weeks. This process looks similar to treatment of hyperpigmentation, with each treatment the tattoo becomes lighter and lighter. Once laser therapy is complete, you can enjoy smooth skin again or get a new tattoo in that area. Laser therapy at the “OT.CO Clinic” is an effective way to fix the effects of the mistakes of youth or choosing the wrong specialist. If you are considering tattoo removal or permanent makeup removal, sign up for a consultation – our doctors will tell you more about laser therapy.
Conclusion
Laser tattoo and permanent makeup removal offer the chance to correct past mistakes. Tattoos and permanent makeup fade away with laser therapy, which effectively breaks down pigments. Black inks are easiest to remove, while colors and deeper pigments take more effort. Although outcomes vary, most people achieve smooth, ink-free skin. If incorrect techniques or regrets have left you unhappy, laser removal provides a reliable solution. The process may require patience, but the results are worth it for a fresh start or improved appearance. Always consult skilled professionals to ensure safe, lasting results.
