Working on mistakes: laser removal of permanent makeup

Dmitry Erin , master teacher in laser tattoo removal and permanent makeup, conference speaker (Ukraine)

Poor-quality permanent makeup that spoils beautiful faces is a very hot topic that is now gaining serious momentum all over the world (and Ukraine is no exception, unfortunately).

Sadly, today low-quality permanent makeup is removed or corrected as often as it is done. Experienced masters note that in practice, three out of five clients come specifically to remove or correct low-quality permanent makeup. Previously, it was almost impossible to deduce the result of the inept actions of PM masters, but 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 propose to talk about the correct work with a neodymium laser, which does not leave scars, unlike its predecessors. The device 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 removal procedure to a large extent depends on the quality of the equipment, then safety depends solely on your professionalism!

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

Let's name 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 let's talk in more detail about each of them.

How to avoid mistakes

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 where the point of laser impact is the thinnest, we overly injure the skin, which is expected to lead to undesirable results.

One area of the 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.

It is not entirely correct to take breaks between procedures for 1 month, 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 moment 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!