Permanent makeup removal

Permanent makeup removal: pigment-specific targeting

Permanent makeup, including microblading and lip and line tattoos, is applied with inorganic and organic pigments in the superficial dermis. Removing it differs fundamentally from conventional tattoo removal. The pigments have a different composition, sit less deeply and often contain iron oxide compounds that, with the wrong laser parameters, can oxidise and paradoxically darken rather than lighten.

Choosing the technology based on pigment type and colour

Q-switched and picosecond lasers are the standard for permanent makeup removal, but the choice of wavelength depends heavily on the pigment colour. Dark shades such as black and brown absorb broadly and respond well to Nd:YAG at 1064 nm and KTP at 532 nm. Red, orange and yellow pigments require specific wavelengths and behave considerably less predictably.

The PicoPlus and the PicoSure Pro are complete laser platforms from Cynosure Lutronic with picosecond technology and multiple wavelengths, giving broad versatility across different pigment colours. The handPico from Vydence Medical brings picosecond energy as an addition to the ZYE YAG, ZYE ALX and ETHEREA-MX®.

A practice perspective

Permanent makeup removal is a niche market with growing demand, partly thanks to the popularity of microblading and permanent makeup techniques. Clinics that master this indication position themselves as a specialist player in a segment where supply is limited and willingness to pay is high.

Medi-Invest supports you in building a safe permanent makeup removal protocol, with training, clinical guidelines and the right technology choices for each pigment type.