Removal of Permanent Makeup with Laser

What is the treatment?

Laser treatment for permanent makeup removal works similarly to tattoo removal. The laser beam targets the pigment in the skin and breaks it into smaller particles, which are then removed via the body’s metabolism. The pigment fades from the treated area gradually over the next three months.

What results can be achieved with the treatment?

The Hollywood Spectra laser can completely remove microblading and permanent makeup from the skin. Fading or removal typically requires 1-4 sessions, depending on the desired outcome, the pigment color, and the depth of application. The laser can remove permanent makeup from eyebrows, eyelids, lips, and other skin areas.

If you plan to get new permanent makeup, it is recommended to wait approximately three months after the last laser session to ensure that the new pigments do not fade prematurely due to ongoing subdermal processes.

Are there restrictions on the treatment?

If the pigment contains metals (e.g., iron oxide), synthetic substances, or unapproved compositions not certified in the EU, the pigment may behave unpredictably during laser removal. In such cases, we recommend a separate consultation and test treatment on a small area to assess potential risks. If the process proceeds to full removal, the consultation cost will be credited toward the treatment.

Before removal, microblading or permanent makeup should be at least 6-8 weeks old to allow the ink to settle into the skin. If you experienced an allergic reaction during the initial procedure, be aware that laser treatment may trigger a recurrence as the pigment is released.

The treatment is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. For those under 18, parental consent is required. Chronic conditions must be well-managed. The treatment cannot be performed on areas with a tendency for keloid scarring, active herpes simplex, inflamed skin conditions like acne, open wounds or skin damage, ongoing skin cancer treatments, warts, bacterial or fungal infections, actinic keratosis, hemophilia, scleroderma, or if you are using photosensitizing medications such as isotretinoin. For questions regarding suitability, please contact Klinik Linnea’s staff.

Recovery Time

Post-treatment reactions vary based on the area treated. Eyelids and lips are more sensitive, so reactions may be more pronounced in these areas, while brow treatments typically result in milder symptoms. Common reactions include swelling, bruising (for lips and eyes), and redness. These reactions are individual but usually resolve within a few days to a week.

During the removal process, hair in the treated area may lighten but will typically regrow normally. Depending on the pigment, microblading on brows may temporarily change color as the pigment fades (e.g., turning reddish) before the process completes and normalizes. Eyelash and brow growth may slow temporarily during healing. We recommend MD Grande Lash or InLei serums to support lash and brow care during the laser treatment series.

Maintenance of Results

Once the pigment is removed, the result is permanent and requires no further maintenance treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare for the treatment?

We recommend eating and hydrating before your session. To improve numbing, you may apply a topical anesthetic (e.g., Emla, available at pharmacies) to the area and cover it with cling film about an hour before your appointment. To minimize bruising and bleeding risks, avoid anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen) for three days and supplements like omega oils or vitamin E for one week prior. For pain relief, we recommend using paracetamol instead.

What does the treatment include?

The session begins with a consultation where we discuss the treatment plan, review your medical history, explain the procedure, and answer any questions. The treatment includes skin cleansing, topical numbing if needed, skin cooling, laser application, aftercare instructions, and a relaxing recovery moment at Klinik Linnea.

How long does the treatment take?

The laser application itself takes about 10 minutes, but we recommend allocating 30-40 minutes for the entire session, including preparation.

Is the treatment painful?

You may feel mild to moderate discomfort during the session. Topical anesthetic and cooling techniques help reduce sensations. We use the Zimmer Cryo6 cooling system during the treatment to minimize pain and skin reactivity while protecting surrounding tissues.

What are the most typical post-treatment reactions?

Temporary and normal reactions include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or mild pain in the treated area. You can use paracetamol for discomfort if needed. These symptoms generally resolve within a few days to a week.

What are the aftercare instructions for the treatment?

Post-treatment instructions will be reviewed during the session. Avoid touching the area on the first day. Keep it clean by rinsing gently with lukewarm water twice daily during the initial days, especially if the skin is broken. Pat dry gently. You may apply cold compresses to reduce symptoms for up to 5 minutes at a time. Avoid mechanical strain, heavy sweating, saunas, swimming, and hot water until the area is healed. Makeup can be applied after two days or once the skin is intact. Avoid scratching or picking at scabs or peeling skin.

We recommend using ZO Skin Health Soothing Ointment and/or Growth Factor Serum with growth factors to aid healing. Protect the treated area from direct sun exposure for at least five weeks, using SPF50 sunscreen or physical barriers afterward. If you have a history of cold sores, preventative medication is advised for four days post-treatment.