The number of people, regardless of gender, getting semi-permanent makeup like eyeliner tattoos, eyebrow tattoos, and lip tattoos for convenience is increasing.
While some are satisfied with the results, many also inquire about semi-permanent tattoo removal because the design wasn't what they wanted or the color faded over time. This article summarizes what determines the duration when removing semi-permanent makeup tattoos.
The condition of being around the eyes comes first
Eyebrow and eyeliner tattoo removal is performed around the eyes. Therefore, choosing a laser device that can achieve results while minimizing skin damage is important.
PicoWay Laser is the most commonly used device for this area. At our clinic, we perform tattoo removal with the PicoWay Laser from Candela, USA.
It looks like a single black color, but it's not actually
Eyebrow and eyeliner tattoos appear to use only black ink on the surface. However, in reality, various pigments are often mixed and injected.
Therefore, the key to semi-permanent tattoo removal lies in irradiating with a wavelength appropriate for the pigment. The PicoWay Laser has four wavelengths, allowing it to target various colors.
The blacker the semi-permanent makeup appears, the more important it is to identify the mixed pigments first. If the wavelength is not correct, only the number of sessions will increase.
You can check the equipment configuration and procedure details in the R-Zero Pico-Frectat Tattoo Removal guide.
Procedure for protecting the eyes during irradiation
Safety takes precedence over quick removal. During eyeliner tattoo removal, the area around the eyes is protected with the following procedures:
- Wearing protective eye shields
- Anesthesia using eye ointment and eye drops
- Adjusting the irradiation range to the area around the eyes
Scope of R-Zero Technique performed in one session
At Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, the R-Zero Technique can be applied for eyebrow tattoo removal. After the first removal of pigment from the eyebrow tattoo area, a special PFD medication is applied, allowing for up to four repeated treatments.
This approach aims to shorten the removal period while minimizing damage to the skin tissue around the eyes. You may see the eyebrow tattoo erased after about 3 to 5 sessions. Individual results may vary.
If you wish to compare with other methods, please refer to Nd:YAG Tattoo Removal, and for the overall treatment flow, please see the Tattoo Removal Treatment Guide.
Scheduling after the procedure
| Item | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light cleansing and showering | Possible on the day of the procedure | Avoid the treated area as much as possible |
| Makeup | 2 to 3 days later | Avoid the treated area |
| Exercise, sauna, jjimjilbang | Avoid for one week | May irritate the treated area |
| Smoking, drinking | Avoid for one week | May irritate the treated area |
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them via Inquire via chat now.
In summary
Even if semi-permanent makeup appears to be a single color, multiple pigments are mixed within. The duration can be shortened when equipment that can use different wavelengths, procedures that protect the eyes, and one week of post-procedure care are combined.
Authored and medically reviewed by Representative Director Kang Jin-moon (Dermatologist) Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine · Resident in Dermatology at Severance Hospital Former Professor at Bundang CHA Hospital · Current Adjunct Professor at Yonsei University College of Medicine, Department of Dermatology View Medical Staff Profile
First published 2023-10-11 · 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 from person to person.