Many people get semi-permanent makeup tattoos, such as eyeliner and eyebrow tattoos, at general beauty shops. It's not uncommon for them to think of the same places first when it comes to removal.
Many consider cheaper options, thinking the removal methods will be similar, but there are things to address before starting a comparison.
Both Application and Removal Are Medical Procedures
Applying semi-permanent makeup tattoos, specifically eyeliner and eyebrow tattoos, at a shop is illegal from the start. So, can removal be done anywhere? No, it cannot.
Semi-permanent tattoo removal is also illegal if performed by anyone other than medical professionals. This is something to check before comparing costs.
Pigment Combinations That Don't Disappear in One Go
Semi-permanent makeup tattoos are made up of various pigment combinations. Therefore, it may be difficult to remove them all in a single treatment.
- Multiple pigments are mixed, so they may not all fade at once.
- A minimum of 3-5 or more repeated treatments are typically scheduled.
- Skin condition is monitored at each session to minimize damage and scarring.
As it is a procedure performed repeatedly, accurately diagnosing the skin condition and aiming to reduce damage and scarring plays a larger role in the outcome.
Past Methods That Shaved Off Skin
When semi-permanent makeup tattoos are applied, the ink enters the dermis. In the past, methods to remove ink from the dermis included using chemicals to shave off the skin.
This method carries the risk of scarring and is no longer performed in dermatology clinics. However, some shops illegally perform semi-permanent tattoo removal using this method. Information regarding scar management is separately organized in the Pinhole for Burn & Surgical Scar guide.
Lasers Can Only Be Handled by Medical Professionals
Dermatology clinics use lasers for semi-permanent tattoo removal.
Laser treatment can only be used by medical professionals. Semi-permanent tattoo removal performed at shops is illegal.
Information on treatment methods according to the equipment can be found in Nd:YAG Tattoo Removal and R-Zero Pico-Frectat Tattoo Removal, respectively.
What Varies Depending on Where You Get It Done
| Item | Removal at a Shop | Removal at a Dermatology Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Illegal, as performed by non-medical professionals | Performed by medical professionals |
| Method Used | Illegal methods of shaving off skin are performed | Laser treatment |
| Scar Risk | Scarring may occur | Skin condition is diagnosed to minimize damage and scarring |
Laser treatment has become the standard for semi-permanent tattoo removal due to its fewer side effects and excellent treatment results. The overall treatment flow can be checked in the Tattoo Removal Treatment Guide.
If you have any questions, please leave them via Chat with us now.
If You Are Considering Removal
If you are considering removing semi-permanent makeup because you are not satisfied with it, we recommend having it done by a board-certified dermatologist with experience and expertise in tattoo removal.
If you are curious about how many sessions might be needed for your current condition, please use Consult via chat.
Authored and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jinmun Kang, Chief Director (Board-Certified Dermatologist) Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine · Dermatology Resident at Severance Hospital · Current Adjunct Professor, Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine Member of the Korean Dermatological Association · Member of the Korean Society for Aesthetic Dermatology · Author of "Medical Body Care" View Medical Team Profile
First Published 2024-05-29 · Last Reviewed 2026-07-29
This article contains general medical information and is not a substitute for individual diagnosis and treatment. Results and recovery progress may vary from person to person.