Permanent eyeliner, also known as an eyeliner tattoo, is a cosmetic procedure where pigment is carefully applied along the lash line to enhance the appearance of your eyes. This technique offers a long-lasting solution compared to traditional pencil eyeliners, providing a fresh, defined look that can last for months or even years.
When permanent makeup ink fades or needs to be removed, there are several options depending on the extent of fading and the desired outcome:
Removal Methods
- Laser Removal: Pico or Q-switched lasers are highly effective for breaking down pigments used in permanent makeup. Due to the sensitivity of the eye area, special care is required. Laser removal typically involves multiple sessions and may be more expensive than touch-ups. Colors like blue and green can be more difficult to remove than black or brown.
- Saline Solution Removal: This method involves using a saline solution to lift the pigment from the skin. It’s considered safer than laser removal for the delicate eye area, though it may also require multiple sessions.
- Glycolic Acid Removal: Although less common, glycolic acid can be used to gradually break down the ink in the tattooed area. Multiple treatments may be necessary.
What to Expect During Removal
Laser treatments, especially, may cause temporary color changes before the pigment fades. For example, pigments with iron oxide can oxidize, leading to a temporary blue or gray appearance. Complete removal often requires several sessions, spaced weeks apart, to fully clear the pigment. The number of sessions depends on factors like ink depth, color, and quality.
Potential Complications
Although rare, both laser and saline removal methods can lead to scarring or pigmentation changes, such as hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots). These risks are more prevalent in individuals with sensitive skin or a tendency to develop keloids. Choosing an experienced technician is key to minimizing these risks.
Advanced Permanent Makeup Removal at Aesthetics and Medical Lasers of Colorado
At Aesthetics and Medical Lasers of Colorado, we offer cutting-edge permanent makeup eyeliner removal using advanced pico laser technology. Whether you’re looking to correct or completely remove your eyeliner tattoo, our highly trained professionals provide safe, effective, and comfortable treatments.
Why Choose Pico Laser Technology?
Permanent makeup can fade, change color, or simply no longer suit your preferences over time. Removing it can be challenging, especially around the sensitive eye area. Traditional methods, like saline or glycolic acid removal, are less precise and carry a higher risk of irritation or scarring.
Pico laser is one of the most advanced solutions for permanent makeup removal. It delivers ultra-short bursts of energy to break down the ink particles into tiny fragments, which your body naturally eliminates over time through its lymphatic system.
How Pico Laser Removal Works
- Precision Targeting: The laser directs concentrated energy to the ink particles, minimizing risk to surrounding skin.
- Ink Fragmentation: The ultra-fast pulses shatter the ink into microscopic particles, which the body can absorb and flush out naturally.
- Eye Protection: Metal corneal eye shields are used during the procedure to protect your eyes. Tetracaine eye drops are applied beforehand to ensure comfort, and gentamycin ointment is added to prevent irritation from the shields.
- Minimal Discomfort: Most patients describe the treatment as a mild snapping or tingling sensation. Numbing cream can be applied for extra comfort.
- Multiple Sessions: Depending on the pigment’s color, depth, and age, several sessions may be required. Darker and older pigments tend to fade faster than lighter ones, which may need additional treatments.
Benefits of Pico Laser Technology
- Highly Effective: Pico laser can remove most colors, including challenging pigments like green, blue, red and brown commonly used in eyeliner tattoos.
- Safe for Sensitive Areas: Its precision makes it ideal for use around the delicate eye area, reducing the risk of scarring.
- Faster Results: Pico Laser technology allows for quicker pigment breakdown, often leading to faster results compared to traditional lasers.
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients can resume normal activities right after treatment, with only mild redness or swelling that resolves within a few days.
What to Expect During the Process
- Consultation: Our practitioners will assess your eyeliner tattoo and create a personalized treatment plan based on factors like color, type, and ink depth.
- Treatment Sessions: Each session typically lasts 15-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the tattoo.
- Eye Shield Insertion: To protect your eyes during the procedure, we use metal corneal eye shields coated with gentamycin ointment to ensure comfort and safety.
- Aftercare: You’ll receive aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize complications. Avoid rubbing the area and keep it clean to prevent irritation.
- Follow-up Sessions: Depending on the ink density, you may require 3-6 sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Ready to remove or fade your old permanent makeup eyeliner? Contact Aesthetics and Medical Lasers of Colorado at 720-818-0533 to schedule a consultation with our experienced team and explore your options for safe, effective permanent makeup removal.