In the last 2 years I have been contacted by more and more clients wanting correction or removal of their unwanted Permanent make-up. Sometimes they need Emergency Microblading removal or Permanent make-up removal due to poor work elsewhere. Sometimes the work hasn't aged well due to a number of factors including the original methods and products used to the clients lifestyle or skin type/skin health. Sometimes they have had permanent make-up layer over layer for a number of years and room needs to made in the skin for fresh work.
From this I have developed my skills in to being a PMU Removal Specialist. I most often work on PMU Brows but I can also help with lip PMU too and in 2024 I will be able to help with migrated or poorly executed eyeliner treatments (this is a highly specialist area and requires very specific training). I can offer Laser PMU Removal (with 8 years of experience) or Saline Removal (with 7 years of experience) in the form of the industry leading Botched Ink serum. I am also now a proud national trainer for Botched Ink. Using all my knowledge and experience and following an in-depth consultation I will formulate a treatment plan to ensure that we get the best possible results with the least amount of trauma caused to the skin.
How does Laser Removal work?
Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is a common method for removing permanent makeup. However it's essential that your laser tech has training and experience in removing PMU as it's very different yo removing standard body tattoos.
Here's how Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser works for permanent makeup removal:
Principle of Operation: Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser operates on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The laser emits high-intensity light in very short pulses, measured in nanoseconds (hence "Q-switched"). This intense but brief burst of energy is designed to target the pigmented particles in the permanent makeup without damaging the surrounding skin.
Targeting Pigment: The laser light is specifically absorbed by the pigments in the permanent makeup. Different wavelengths can be used depending on the color of the pigment, with Nd:YAG lasers being particularly effective for darker colors like black and blue.
Fragmentation of Pigment: When the laser energy is absorbed by the pigment particles, it heats them up rapidly, causing them to shatter into smaller fragments. These smaller fragments are then more easily recognized and eliminated by the body's immune system. It is the body itself that removes the pigment not the Laser machine.
Skin Protection: Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers are designed to minimize damage to the surrounding skin by delivering energy in extremely short pulses. This helps prevent excessive heating and damage to the skin, dramatically reducing the risk of scarring and unwanted side effects.
Multiple Sessions: Complete removal of permanent makeup typically requires multiple treatment sessions, spaced 8-16 weeks apart. The number of sessions needed depends on factors like the depth, colour, and age of the pigmentation, composition of the pigment and how many layer have been applied. Expect at least 3 treatments.
Aftercare: After each laser session, it's essential to follow proper aftercare instructions provided. This may include keeping the treated area clean, avoiding sun exposure, and applying recommended aloe vera to aid in healing.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser treatment for permanent makeup removal can vary depending on factors such as the type of pigment used, the depth of the pigmentation, and individual skin characteristics. Some colors and pigments may be more challenging to remove than others. Additionally, there is always a risk of potential side effects, including temporary skin discolouration, scarring, or textural changes - these are minimised where possible. A full and in-depth consultation is essential and a patch test 2 weeks prior to the full treatment plan beginning.
How does Botched Ink Saline Removal work?
Botched Ink is a brand that offers a saline tattoo removal solution specifically designed for the removal of permanent makeup, microblading, and small body tattoos. The process involves a technique called saline tattoo removal, which is different from traditional laser tattoo removal. Here's how Botched Ink saline solution removes permanent makeup:
Botched Ink Application: The Botched Ink saline solution is applied to the treated area using a tattoo machine or a manual method like a 5RS microblading tool. The saline solution contains a high concentration of salt and is specifically formulated to be safe for use on the skin. The Botched Ink formula is pH balanced to that of your skin. It's pain free, with a little warmth and sting. The deep penetrating formula floats the pigment up and out of the skin during the healing phase.
Healing Response: The Botched Ink solution is designed to soak into the deeper layers of the skin where the pigment is. Its pH of 5.5 avoid inflammation and limits discomfort.
Scabbing and Crusting: Over the next few days, the treated area may develop light scabs or crusts as part of the healing process. These scabs contain the broken-down pigment, and as they naturally fall off, they take some of the pigment with them.
Multiple Sessions: Complete removal typically requires multiple sessions, with several weeks of healing time between each session. The number of sessions needed depends on various factors, including the depth and color of the pigment and the individual's skin type. Also is depends if complete removal is required or if it's just necessary to make room in the skin for further work. Expect at least 3 treatments.
Aftercare: Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the treated area heals well and achieve maximum results without skin damage. This may involve keeping the area clean, avoiding sun exposure, and following the specific instructions provided by me.
Not all saline solutions are equal and they range from home-made salt and saline mixes to proper industry leading preparations such as Botched Ink that is only sold to qualified techs after taking extensive training with the company.
What are the costs?
For brow removal treatments I charge £99 for treatment regardless of method. They are the same price as I do not want the price to be an influencing factor on the method chosen, I want us to use the best method for you.
Emergency Removal - Help I've had a brow PMU disaster!
In this instance we would turn straight to Botched Ink to save the day! The treatment can be carried out within the first 48 hours following the PMU treatment that needs removing. Home remedies of any kind MUST NOT BE USED. If the initial 48 hours has passed all is not lost, a treatment can be carried about 10 days later once the scabs and preliminary healing has taken place. Anywhere from 50-90% of pigment can be removed during an emergency removal.
The picture above shows the starting point on the bottom image, after 1 Botched Ink treatment in the middle image and after the final laser session on the top image.