Semi-permanent makeup, which reduces morning makeup time, has become a common choice. People of all ages and genders get it for eyebrows, eyeliners, and lips.
However, as the name suggests, if not retouched, it often leaves red marks or faint shapes. If you liked the design, there would be no need to remove it, but to change to a different design, the existing remnants must first be cleared before a new eyebrow tattoo is possible.
The skin around the eyes has different conditions than other skin
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than other areas. Therefore, you should choose a clinic equipped with laser devices that minimize damage to the skin around the eyebrows.
Since tattoo pigments must be finely broken down by a laser for effective removal, many places use picosecond lasers. Picosecond lasers can irradiate in units of 1 trillionth of a second, effectively breaking down pigments. Our clinic uses PicoWay Laser.
What appears black is actually a mixed color
Eyebrow tattoos may appear simply black on the surface. However, they are actually performed by mixing various dyes, so the ability to handle color tattoos is necessary.
PicoWay Laser has four wavelengths, allowing the selection of an appropriate wavelength for each tattoo pigment.
Equipment configuration and procedure can be found in the R-Zero Pico-Frectat Tattoo Removal guide.
How many sessions are needed?
Eyebrow tattoos generally require fewer removal sessions than typical tattoos because the dye does not penetrate as deeply into the skin. Nevertheless, more than 5 repeated treatments may be necessary.
| Category | Semi-permanent eyebrow remnants | General tattoo |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of dye penetration | Relatively shallow | Deep into the dermis |
| Required repeated treatments | 5 or more sessions | More sessions |
| Color composition | Appears black but is a mixture of various dyes | Varies depending on colors used |
Individual results may vary.
Why repeated irradiation is possible on thin skin
When a laser is irradiated once, a white bubble layer forms over the tattoo. This bubble layer hinders further irradiation, making multiple irradiations difficult.
Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon quickly removes this bubble layer with PFD specialized medication. This makes the following possible:
- Procedure within a range that does not strain the thin skin around the eyes
- Up to 4 repeated treatments in a single visit
- Consequently, shortening the removal period
For methods that also consider scar prevention, please refer to the Pinhole for Burn & Surgical Scar procedure guide.
Who performs the procedure?
All procedures can be directly received from a dermatology specialist. We proceed without scarring, based on over 20 years of accumulated expertise.
If you are concerned about red eyebrow tattoos, please first review the overall treatment flow in the Tattoo Removal Treatment Guide. Feel free to leave any questions in Chat with us now.
Authored and Medically Reviewed by Chief Director Dr. Lee Sang-Joo (Dermatology Specialist) Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine · Resident in Dermatology at Severance Hospital Currently Adjunct Professor, Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine · Author of "Medical Skincare" View Medical Staff Profile
First Published 2023-11-09 · Last Reviewed 2026-07-29
This article contains general medical information and does not substitute for individual diagnosis and treatment. Results and recovery progress may vary individually.