It is faster and easier to obtain a body or makeup tattoo than it is to remove either one. Unfortunately, many consumers choose a technician based on a low price or convenient location and later regret that choice. Although permanent makeup will fade over time, inferior work can be heartbreaking.
 Fortunately, in many cases permanent makeup mistakes can be corrected or at least improved. Several methods are available to remove body art tattoos and, sometimes, permanent makeup:
• Surgical Excision: A physician cuts out the tattoo and sutures the edges of the skin back together. The skin over and around the tattoo may need to be stretched first.
• Dermabrasion: The tattooed skin is “sanded” by a physician with a special device. The top and middle layers of the skin that contain the old ink or pigment are removed.
• Laser Technology: Pulses of light are used to break up the tattoo ink under the skin so the body’s cells can “eat it up.” Results vary depending on the type of laser and wavelength of light used. Removing permanent eyeliner with lasers is extremely difficult and expensive. Physicians are cautious about using lasers to remove permanent lip liner because the lips are so vascular (bleed easily). Also, they are concerned about lasers turning permanent makeup black which can occur any time a laser is used on or near the pigment.
• Saline Technique:Â The saline technique uses the scientific principles of osmosis and equalization. Saline is tattooed over the unwanted pigment or ink to draw it up to the surface of the skin and out of the body into a scab. Once the scab falls off, the pigment will be gone or its color will be lighter. The treated area will be pink from the new skin that has formed.
Every tattoo removal method requires multiple treatments. The number of sessions depends upon the color, size, shape, and location of the makeup tattoo. After a procedure, the treated pigment may continue to fade for up to several months because the body’s lymphatic system will internally absorb the pigment. How quickly the person’s skin heals will also be a factor in how far apart the removal sessions can be scheduled.
To prevent the potential problems arising from permanent makeup, the best advice is to carefully select a qualified and experienced specialist by referrals and consultations.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Spa Shizen at 661-799-1720.