Eyeliner tattoo removal

Reasons to remove eyeliner tattoos can be many and, most of the time, related to the appearance and quality of the tattoo pigment. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Unwanted Eyeliner Tattoos: Whether it’s due to bad artistry, style change or dissatisfaction with the shape or colour, clients want to remove them.
• Pigment Migration: Sometimes, the pigment can move or “migrate” beyond the lash line and create a shadowy effect.
• Colour Changes: Tattoo colours like black, grey or brown can fade into green, blue or red and need correction or removal.
• Symmetry Issues: If the eyeliner tattoo is uneven or crooked, clients may want to correct or remove it.
• Health Concerns: Allergic reactions or irritation caused by the type of ink used can also make people want to remove it.

If any of these happens, cosmetic tattoo removal sessions may be needed to get the natural look of the eyelid back.

There are two ways to tattoo eyeliner removal. Each has its pros and cons depending on the removal method and skin type.

Laser Tattoo Removal

The most common and effective way to remove eyeliner tattoos is laser tattoo removal. Using advanced laser technology, the process targets the tattoo pigment particles with intense laser beams and breaks them down into smaller particles that the body can filter out.

How It Works:

• The laser beams deliver light energy to the pigment and break it down into tiny particles.
• Q-switched lasers and non-thermal laser energy are used in cosmetic tattoo removal.
• The pigment particles are flushed out by the immune system through white blood cells.

Saline Tattoo Removal

Saline removal uses a Li-FT saline solution to lift the pigment from the skin. This is preferred for those with sensitive skin or darker skin tones that may be prone to hypo-pigmentation.

How It Works:

• A Li-FT solution is injected into the skin using a tattoo machine.
• The solution binds to the pigment and pushes it to the surface as a scab.
• As the scab falls off, the pigment is pulled out of the skin.

Although it has its benefits, tattoo removal has some drawbacks:

• Cost: Multiple sessions can add up.
• Complications: Skin texture changes, redness, hypo-pigmentation.
• Time-Consuming: Full removal takes months to complete due to healing between sessions.

Not everyone is a good candidate for tattoo eyeliner removal. Here’s who might be:

• Faded eyeliner tattoos that have lost shape or definition.
• Clients who want to change their style or from tattooed eyeliner to a natural look.
• Unwanted pigment changes (blue, grey, green).
• No contraindications (open wounds, skin infections, severe skin conditions near the eye).

Once you’ve chosen the removal method, the actual process begins. Each session is spaced out to allow for healing before the next one. Here’s what happens during the removal process:

Step-by-Step Removal Process

• Skin Prep: Your skin is cleaned to remove dirt, makeup and oils.
• Numbing: A numbing cream may be applied to make the process more comfortable.
• Tattoo Removal:

Laser: The specialist targets the pigment with short bursts of laser light. Feels like a rubber band snap.

Saline Removal: A machine similar to a tattooing device is used to inject saline into the skin.

• Cooling and Soothing: After the procedure, the area is cooled with ice packs or a soothing gel to reduce redness and swelling.
• Aftercare: The specialist will give you instructions on how to care for the area at home.

Laser is like being snapped with a rubber band, and saline is like the tattooing process itself.

Aftercare is key to cosmetic eyeliner tattoo removal. Proper aftercare reduces the risk of scarring, infection and skin discolouration. The skin around the eyes is very delicate, so the following aftercare is crucial for a smooth healing process.

• Don’t touch the area: The eyes are sensitive, so touching them increases the risk of infection.
• No Makeup: Don’t wear makeup, especially eye makeup, for at least 7-10 days after each session.
• Keep it clean and dry: Gently wash the area with clean water, but don’t submerge your face in water.
• Apply Ointment: Use the ointments provided by the specialist to keep the area moist and promote healing.
• No Direct Sunlight: Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, so wear sunglasses and avoid tanning beds.
• Don’t Pick at Scabs: Let scabs fall off naturally, picking at them can cause scarring and slow down healing.

The number of sessions depends on:

• Pigment Colour: Dark pigments break down faster with lasers, while lighter pigments like white, yellow, and pink take longer.
• Pigment Depth: Deeper pigments require more sessions.
• Removal Method: Laser removal requires fewer sessions than saline removal.
• Skin Type: Sensitive or highly pigmented skin may require more sessions as the process is slowed down to avoid damage.

Session estimates for each method:

• Laser Removal: 2-10 sessions (depending on pigment depth and colour)
• Saline Removal: 4-12 sessions (since it pulls pigment out through scabs)

If you want to get your eyeliner tattoo removed fast, laser removal might be the way to go, but if you have sensitive skin or lighter pigments, you might prefer saline removal even if it takes longer

Cost varies depending on method, number of sessions and clinic/specialist.

Breakdown of Costs for Each Method:

• Laser $150-$500 per session (total cost depends on number of sessions)
• Saline $100-$250 per session (but usually more sessions)