Some people opt for permanent makeup when they want the lasting effects of makeup without having to reapply it. Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing that uses cosmetic implantation to place colored pigment on a facial feature. Permanent makeup removal can be complicated and is usually performed with laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or surgical removal.
Features
To apply permanent makeup, specialists use permanent ink to color the skin's top layers. Common areas of the face for permanent makeup include eyebrows, eyelids and lips. Although permanent makeup is lasting, the colors can fade over time, depending on environmental factors such as sun exposure, and touch-ups might be needed. Because permanent makeup is a form of tattooing, removal options are similar to tattoo removal procedures.
Types
Common methods of permanent makeup removal include laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and surgical removal. Laser resurfacing uses laser beams to break up the pigment, and the process requires a series of treatments to eradicate most of the color. Dermabrasion is a procedure that uses exfoliation to partially remove the top layers of the skin, and it can be painful and less effective than laser removal, according to Medicine Net. During surgical removal, the patient is given anesthetic and a cosmetic surgeon removes the tattooed skin by cutting it out.
Effects
According to the FDA, tattoo removal can be a painful process that involves several treatments, high costs and often results in scarring. Laser resurfacing is currently the most popular form of tattoo removal, and side effects of the procedure can include darkening of the skin, hypo-pigmentation, scarring, no lightening of the permanent makeup, lightening of the skin and infection. Dermabrasion can cause redness, pain and tissue damage. Surgical removal is often a last resort as it causes permanent scarring of the skin and can be risky in highly sensitive areas such as the face.
Considerations
If you have sensitive skin or a history of keloids, you might be at risk for allergic reactions to permanent makeup and also might experience allergic reactions during the removal. The pigment in your skin, as well as the area where the makeup is, will also affect your removal results. In addition, the type of ink you get will affect the removal. Black tattoo pigment, for instance, responds best to laser treatment, according to Medicine Net, and is thus easier to remove than other colors.
Prevention/Solution
Permanent makeup gives lasting results that can be difficult to remove or alter, so think carefully before jumping into it. Consult your regular doctor for a referral to help you find a well-regarded dermatologist or cosmetic surgery center for your procedure. Similarly, ask your doctor for help locating a removal specialist. When you meet with the specialist, bring a list of your questions and ask about your individual skin type, as it might affect results.
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