Hello. I am Lee Sang-ju, a dermatologist. Recently, many people have been getting semi-permanent tattoos such as eyebrow and eyeliner tattoos. Today, we will focus on the questions you might have about semi-permanent tattoo removal and examine them in detail.
How are semi-permanent tattoos etched?
Semi-permanent tattoos, such as eyebrows and eyeliners, operate on the same principle as regular tattoos. It's a method of injecting ink into the skin using a needle. If the ink particles are very small, our body's cleaning cells can remove them as they would any foreign substance. However, if the particles are large, the body's cleaning cells cannot remove all of them, and they remain in the skin, appearing as a tattoo.
There is no significant medical difference between semi-permanent tattoos and regular tattoos. However, the term 'semi-permanent' is used because semi-permanent tattoos use various pigments and tend to fade partially over time.
What is the core principle of semi-permanent tattoo removal?
The principle of semi-permanent tattoo removal is the same as that of regular tattoo removal. The core is to break down the deeply located ink or pigment particles in the skin using a laser. These fragmented ink particles are then engulfed and transported by our body's cleaning cells, causing the tattoo to naturally fade or disappear. Therefore, in tattoo treatment, how effectively large ink particles are broken down is crucial.
What should be considered when choosing an effective tattoo removal laser?
There are three main important factors to consider when selecting a tattoo removal laser:
- Wavelength suitable for tattoo color: The effective laser wavelength varies depending on the color of the tattoo. Therefore, a laser that can implement multiple wavelengths may be more effective than one with a single wavelength.
- Short pulse duration: Laser energy must be delivered in a short period to effectively break down tattoo particles. Delivering energy for a long time can cause thermal damage to surrounding skin tissue, leading to side effects such as scars, blisters, or secondary pigmentation. In the past, Nd:YAG Laser was mainly used, but recently, PicoWay Laser, which is much shorter, has been developed and shows good results in tattoo removal.
- High output: To effectively destroy large ink particles deep within the skin, it is advisable to choose a high-output laser that can deliver strong energy.
The practitioner's 'experience' is as important as the laser equipment.
No matter how good the laser equipment is, the practitioner's experience and know-how are very important in removing tattoos. By considering the tattoo color, depth, and skin type, and selecting the appropriate wavelength and energy, side effects such as scars, blisters, and secondary pigmentation can be reduced, and the procedure can be performed safely.
Special considerations for eyebrow and eyeliner tattoo removal
- Eyebrow tattoo removal: Eyebrow hairs may burn during laser irradiation, but the hair follicles, which are the roots of the eyebrows, are deeply embedded in the skin and are generally not damaged. Therefore, eyebrows will grow back after the procedure.
- Eyeliner tattoo removal: When removing eyeliner tattoos, protecting the eyes is paramount. An Eye Shield, similar to a contact lens, is worn on the eye during the procedure.
The Eye Shield prevents laser light from entering the eye, helping to safely remove eyeliner tattoos without eye damage.
Today, we learned about the principles of semi-permanent tattoo removal and considerations for effective treatment. If you have any questions regarding tattoo removal, it is advisable to consult with a specialized medical professional.