Laser removal of PM: fixing the mistakes of the masters

Dmitry Erin , master teacher of laser tattoo removal and permanent makeup, conference speaker

Poor-quality permanent makeup that disfigures beautiful faces is a very topical issue that is gaining serious momentum all over the world (and Ukraine, unfortunately, is no exception). This article is devoted to working with low-quality PM and one of the ways to correct it.

It is sad, but today low-quality permanent makeup is corrected and removed no less often than it is done. According to experienced masters, today three out of five clients come specifically for the removal or correction of low-quality permanent makeup. And if earlier it was almost impossible to remove the gross mistakes of PM masters, then with the advent of such a service as laser tattoo removal, clients have a chance to get rid of PM almost without a trace.

I want to talk about the correct work with a neodymium laser, which does not leave scars, unlike its predecessors. It effectively removes dye elements without disturbing the integrity of normal skin. And yet a huge number of customers suffer at the hands of inexperienced craftsmen. After all, if the effectiveness of the procedure depends to a large extent on the quality of the equipment, then safety is solely at the hands of the master, on how you work!

Before and after laser hair removal. Photos provided by the author

Let's start with the most common mistakes:

• incorrect selection of power;
• focus work;
• multiple processing of one place;
• mandatory frost (whitening at the site of exposure to the laser beam);
• improper care after the procedure;
• maintaining an insufficient time interval between procedures.

Now more about each of the errors:

• you should always start working with the minimum power, since, starting with high powers in the first procedures, we do not speed up the removal process, but, on the contrary, slow it down;
• it is necessary to carry out the procedure with a scattered beam (6⎼8 mm), working in focus. In the case when the laser impact point is the thinnest, we overly injure the skin, which is expected to lead to undesirable results;
• one area of the tattoo (tattoo) is treated with a laser once, a second pass can lead to overheating of the pigment;
• it is not always necessary to wait for a pronounced skin reaction (frost), start focusing on the client's pain sensations;
• for 2 weeks after the procedure, you can not sunbathe, do not go to the bathhouse (sauna) for a week, do not take a hot bath and shower for the first 2 days;
• taking breaks between procedures for 1 month is not entirely correct, since skin restoration and pigment removal depends on the age and lifestyle of the client. This interval is suitable for young people under 20 years old. Therefore, I recommend always using the universal formula "client age plus 10 days".

Considering all of the above and avoiding these mistakes, you can reduce the trauma of the procedure and, accordingly, the pain of the client. And, of course, the removal process will be as fast as possible. As a result, the skin is completely restored, and during the repeated procedure of tattoo or permanent makeup, the pigment will lie down well.

Separately, I would like to talk about the nozzle with a wavelength of 532, since I know that 90% of the masters try not to use the above nozzle at all, because they consider it more traumatic. In my opinion, this is fundamentally wrong! You can use it, but during the procedure you should not wait for frost, you must first of all focus on the client's pain. If it hurts a little in the process, then the laser does its job, and in a month you will see it. But, of course, while doing this, you must work at a distance ⎼ so that the beam diameter is 6⎼8 mm.

It is imperative to warn the client that the red pigment very often changes color to dark (gray, black) during the removal process and will remain so until complete removal. This happens if the paint contains iron oxide, which, when exposed to a laser, changes valence and color. The situation is the same with the beige color, only it may not turn black, but turn green, and then, unfortunately, the laser will become powerless and you will have to resort to a remover.

Also, we must not forget that the red pigment very often causes allergies! Even if everything was fine at the time when the permanent makeup or tattoo was done, a reaction may occur during the removal process. Therefore, I recommend doing a test, treating a minimal area of skin and letting the client go for a month! If everything is in order, you can deal with the removal with peace of mind.

When advertising lasers says that this particular device will remove tattoos without scars, burns and injuries, these are, of course, just beautiful words! As the saying goes, it's not the gun that kills, it's the person who has it in their hands. Absolutely safe lasers do not exist. It is possible to carry out the procedure atraumatically with the cheapest laser and, on the contrary, break the skin into blood with an expensive, top-end device!

Remember that the best advertisement for your work is testimonials from grateful clients. Learn, develop and make the world more beautiful!