Nowadays, semi-permanent eyeliner tattoos are common, but over time, the area can turn blue or smudge. Therefore, it is known that quite a few people wish to have them removed.
However, removal is often performed at shops with lower prices. This article explains why semi-permanent eyeliner pigment should be handled at a dermatology clinic.
The condition of pigment entering the eye mucous membrane
Semi-permanent eyeliner is a procedure that inserts pigment into the eye mucous membrane. After one month, it can be considered the same as a tattoo.
The fact that the area is the eye, and the pigment settles in a tattoo-like state, together increase the difficulty of removal.
It is tricky because the pigments are mixed
Semi-permanent eyeliner tattoos involve mixing several pigments. So, while the amount inserted may be small, it is actually not easy to remove.
Since the colors are mixed rather than a single color, treatment can be even more challenging. The method of using different wavelengths for each color is explained in the R-Zero Pico-Frectat Tattoo Removal guide.
The issue of where to get removal
Performing semi-permanent eyeliner tattoos is illegal, but removing them at a shop that is not a dermatology clinic or hospital is also illegal.
Therefore, the correct way to remove semi-permanent eyeliner is at a dermatology clinic. You can check the treatment flow in the Tattoo Removal Treatment Guide.
Past methods and current methods
| Method | Period | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Method of shaving the skin using drugs in the dermis | Used in the past | Rarely used due to the disadvantage of causing many scars |
| Method using laser | Currently used in hospitals | Equipment that can only be used by medical professionals |
Some shops still illegally perform semi-permanent eyeliner tattoo removal by shaving the skin. For scar management, please refer to the Pinhole for Burn & Surgical Scar procedure guide.
Why lasers are a medical domain
The main method used for semi-permanent eyeliner tattoo removal is laser. Since these lasers can only be used by medical professionals, performing the procedure at a shop is illegal.
Therefore, if you are planning removal, we recommend getting treatment at a hospital with a board-certified dermatologist.
It's not a one-time procedure
While it may seem simple, the removal process proceeds as follows:
- The tattoo ink must be broken into tiny pieces
- It must be peeled off layer by layer
- Therefore, multiple sessions are required
If you wish to proceed within a short period, please consult a dermatology clinic equipped with laser devices. If you are curious about other methods, you can also refer to Nd:YAG Tattoo Removal, and for questions, please contact us via chat.
Authored and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jinmoon Kang, Chief Director (Board-Certified Dermatologist) Resident in Dermatology at Severance Hospital · Current Adjunct Professor, Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine Member of the Korean Dermatological Association · Korean Society for Dermatologic Surgery View Medical Staff Profile
First Published 2025-01-03 · 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 by individual.