Removing tattoos & PMU: safe and effective
Tattoos and permanent makeup (PMU) are popular ways to beautify the body or face, such as sleek eyebrows, subtle beauty marks or artistic skin embellishments. Yet sometimes the results can be disappointing. Due to the high demand for tattoos and PMU, there are many providers, but not all provide the desired quality.
Are you unhappy with your tattoo or PMU? Our skin therapists can remove them safely and effectively with advanced laser treatments such as the PICO laser, and additional techniques if needed.
The PICO laser: the first step in tattoo and PMU removal!
Want to have tattoos and/or permanent makeup removed? At Carpe, we often start with the PICO laser, one of the most advanced and effective methods. The laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment. This creates a photomechanical reaction, crushing the pigment into ultra-small particles. These particles are then discharged through the lymphatic system. A major advantage of this laser is that it emits extremely short pulses. As a result, the surrounding skin is largely spared. However, the treated area may temporarily swell, bruise or blister.
The effect of color
on removal
- Dark shades (black) absorb the laser light best and generally disappear the fastest.
- Red and orange pigments also react well, but often require a different wavelength than dark colors.
- Lighter shades (yellow, white, light blue, pastels) reflect more light and contain less pigment, making them more difficult to remove. In some cases, complete removal with laser is not possible.
During the removal process, a tattoo goes through different color stages. In PMU removal of eyebrows, dark shades may disappear first, after which the tattoo temporarily takes on a red or orange glow. At later stages, a yellowish haze may remain, especially with lighter pigments. This is a normal part of the process. When laser treatment is not sufficient, additional techniques can be switched to.
PMU removal without shaving the eyebrows
A major advantage of the PICO laser in PMU removal is that shaving away the eyebrows is not necessary, unlike older laser techniques. The treatment is done between the existing hairs, so the eyebrows are preserved. However, pigment may temporarily disappear from the hairs, causing light or colored spots – sometimes with a “panther print” effect. Also, some hairs may temporarily fall out, but they always grow back.
How many treatments are needed?
Removal of tattoos and PMU usually requires at least three to six treatments, at intervals of six to eight weeks. This gives the body time to naturally eliminate the broken-down pigment particles.
Waiting longer between treatments can be extra beneficial and gives you the freedom to control the pace of treatments. After four to six treatments, the PMU is usually for 70 to 80% gone. Sometimes additional treatments are needed, depending on the pigments used and the condition of the skin.
- Infini or fractional laser In scarring to improve skin texture.
- Microneedling with special fluids To remove stubborn yellow pigment residues that no longer respond well to the laser.
Comfort
The pain experience varies from person to person, depending on pain threshold. It feels like small, warm taps on the skin – similar to a warm rod tapping against the skin. A numbing cream can be used if desired, but this can only be done starting with the second session. During the first treatment, we want to be able to correctly assess the natural skin reaction so that we can tailor the treatment in the best possible way.
Indications
- Unwanted or faded/expired tattoos
- Improperly set or asymmetrical PMU (such as eyebrows or eyeliner)
Contraindications
- Active skin infections, eczema or open wounds on the area to be treated
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Use of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners or light-sensitive medications)
- Newly set tattoos (must be fully healed)
- Very dark skin types with increased risk of pigmentation shift or scarring
Duration and price of treatment
- Duration: Depending on the size of the tattoo
- Price: From €95, depending on the size of the tattoo
Contact us
for more information
Do you still have questions about tattoo removal or permanent makeup? Or would you like to get more information? Then don’t hesitate to contact us. Our skin experts are ready and happy to help you on your way to beautiful even skin!
