One of the areas that determines a person's impression is the eyes and eyebrows. Therefore, it is easy to see people, regardless of gender, who have had eyebrow tattoos and eyeliner tattoos.
However, there are quite a few cases where people visit us for removal because they are not satisfied with the shape after the procedure, or the tattoo color changes to red or blue over time.
Removal is possible immediately after the procedure
Semi-permanent tattoos, like regular tattoos, can be removed immediately if you are not satisfied with them after the procedure. Removal is easier when the pigment has not yet fully settled in the skin.
However, if the tattooed area has significant swelling, inflammation, or dead skin cells, immediate treatment may be difficult.
It sits shallow, but one session is not enough
Unlike regular tattoos, semi-permanent tattoos only have pigment located in the epidermis and upper dermis. Therefore, it is true that they fade much faster than regular tattoos.
However, they are not removed with just one session.
- While some are made only of black, various pigments may be combined to create colors.
- It is not uncommon for a large amount of pigment to be used or for it to be etched deeper to create a clear eye line.
When using the R-Zero Technique, which involves up to four repeated treatments with the PicoWay Laser, typically 3 to 5 sessions are performed at one-month intervals. The number of sessions required may vary from person to person.
The process of removing bubbles
First, a picosecond laser is applied to the eyebrow tattoo area. This forms a white bubble layer.
Since these bubbles interfere with additional laser application, only one treatment can be performed at a time with conventional methods.
The R-Zero Technique involves applying a specialized PFD medication that quickly removes these bubbles, then repeating the laser treatment up to 4 times. Detailed information can be found in the R-Zero Pico-Frectat Tattoo Removal guide.
Why equipment affects results
Laser tattoo removal works by applying a laser to the tattooed area to break down the pigment into tiny particles. These smaller pigment particles are then consumed by immune cells and expelled from the body through the bloodstream.
The finer the pigment is broken down, the faster immune cells can eliminate it. This is why picosecond lasers, which have a pulse duration 1000 times shorter than the nanosecond lasers primarily used in the past, are now used. Methods using different wavelengths are summarized in Nd:YAG Tattoo Removal.
For eyeliner, we insert an eye shield
Eyeliner tattoo removal involves an area very close to the eyes, so it is performed with the utmost caution. Even with extreme care, there is always a possibility, however small, of the laser being applied to the eye.
Therefore, at our clinic, we insert a metal eye shield to protect the eyeball before proceeding with the procedure.
Order when scars are present
Semi-permanent makeup tattoos are relatively simple procedures, so some people receive them from less experienced practitioners. In such cases, there is a higher possibility of scarring due to improper treatment.
Also, there are cases where scars resulted from poor aftercare during the exfoliation process after semi-permanent tattooing, or from secondary bacterial infection in the treated area. In both situations, many people wish to remove both the scar and the tattoo.
| Order | Process | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First | Tattoo removal | To accurately assess the shape and extent of the scar |
| Next | Scar treatment | To allow time between treatments to avoid overlapping irritation |
Simultaneously performing tattoo removal and scar treatment can lead to excessive irritation, inflammation, or improper regeneration of the skin. If only the scar is treated, some of the tattoo may be removed in the process, leading to unevenness, and it becomes difficult to assess the shape and extent of the scar due to the tattoo. Scar treatment can be found in the Pinhole for Burn & Surgical Scar guide.
Why avoid sweating for a week
After eyebrow tattoo removal, we recommend avoiding activities that cause sweating, such as exercise, saunas, or jjimjilbangs, for about a week.
This is because scabs may fall off abnormally quickly or inflammation may occur, leading to scarring. Even if the procedure is performed well, the results may be unsatisfactory if proper aftercare is not followed, so please adhere to the precautions.
The treatment flow is summarized in the Tattoo Removal Treatment Guide, and if you have any questions about your eyebrows or eyeliner, please contact us via chat now.
Authored and medically reviewed by Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (Dermatologist) Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine · Resident in Dermatology at Severance Hospital Doctor of Medicine, Graduate School of Yonsei University College of Medicine · President of the Korean Dermatological Association in 2026 View Medical Staff Profile
First published 2024-04-24 · 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.