Opening treatment guide...
Educational info only, not medical advice. Ask a qualified provider. Disclaimer · Terms
Advanced lasers or specialized solutions break down pigment particles.
Lightens or removes permanent makeup over several months; full removal may not be possible.
Check first: Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Skin tone
Often used on tones I–IV.
On tones V–VI, dark or light patches are more likely. Ask your provider first.
Skin tone ranges differ by device. Ask which device they will use for your skin.
General info, not a check of your own skin.
What people use it for
Tap one to see how it helps.
Skin types to ask about first
Breakout-proneAsk first
Active breakouts in the area may need to calm down first. Ask your provider.
Usually not ideal for
Sensitive or Redness-proneAsk first
Usually not ideal unless a qualified clinician specifically clears it.
In no special order. Ask which one they use, and why.
6 devices
Ask your provider
The visit
Heals in 1–2 weeks
30 days
1 week
48-72 hours
Other aftercare
Your provider may give you different timing.
Before your visit: ask when to start
2–4 weeks before
No tanning or strong sun for 2–4 weeks before
24–48 hours before
Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for 24–48 hours before, if your doctor agrees
24–48 hours before
No alcohol for 24–48 hours before
Right after your visit
After your visit
Common
Less common
Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.
Lasers fragment pigment for immune system clearance, while solutions lift pigment through controlled epidermal exfoliation.
Specialized lasers shatter pigment particles, or chemical solutions lift pigment from the skin, allowing the body's immune system to clear the remnants.
Laser methods employ selective photothermolysis, where specific light wavelengths are absorbed by pigment, creating a photoacoustic effect that shatters ink particles into smaller fragments for phagocytic removal by macrophages. Chemical methods (e.g., saline, glycolic acid) create a controlled wound and, through osmosis and the skin's healing process, lift pigment particles to the surface to be expelled in the resulting scab.
Your questions, cost and timing on one page.
Often explored alongside this treatment
FUE Hair Transplant
A hair transplant that moves single follicle groups from a donor area to thin spots
Fractional CO2 Resurfacing
A strong CO2 laser for deeper lines, scars and sun damage, with real downtime
Tattoo Darkening Treatment
Laser treatment for tattoo ink that turned darker during laser removal
Laser Side-Effect Care
Care for burns, dark spots or scars after a laser treatment
Find Permanent Makeup Removal near you
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