What Is Involved in Eyebrow Tattoo Removal?

Eyebrow tattoo removal is a process by which permanent eyebrows can be removed, generally leaving the real eyebrows behind. In the past, eyebrow tattoo removal may have involved the use of dermabrasion or CO2 lasers, but today's removal techniques usually involve the use of Q-switched lasers, which are considered far less likely to permanently damage or discolor the skin. Those wishing to have eyebrow tattoos removed will generally need to consult a professional tattoo removal clinician, who will spend between half an hour and an hour investigating the patient's health history and determining how many treatments will be needed to successfully remove the tattoo pigment from the skin. Treatments usually aren't terribly uncomfortable, but most patients will need at least five to ten treatments to completely remove the tattoo. These treatments should typically occur once every six to 12 weeks, and may be followed by inflammation, blisters, and weeping from the treatment area.

Most tattoo removal specialists like to take a full medical history before performing the procedure on a patient. In general, the healthier the patient, the more likely the procedure will be a success, without causing scarring or other permanent disfigurement. Risk factors for scarring can include dark complexion, pregnancy, problems with the immune system, and the use of certain medications. Most professionals place the risk of permanent disfigurement at about five percent.

The typical eyebrow tattoo removal treatment takes about 30 minutes to complete. Patients are generally advised to follow their doctor's instructions carefully during the recovery period following each treatment, to help minimize the risk of scarring. Medicated salves will probably be prescribed. Most patients are advised to protect the area from sunlight and to exercise gentle care when cleansing it.

It can take up to ten treatments to remove the tattoos, depending on the patient's age, health history, and the color, type, and amount of ink used. The depth of the tattoo is also usually taken into account.

The projected success of an eyebrow tattoo removal procedure usually depends on the color and type of ink used to make the tattoos in the first place. Most professionals agree that black ink is easiest to remove from the skin. Orange, red, blue, and green shades are also generally considered easy to remove. Tattoos in yellow or purple shades may be harder, and some clinicians may altogether refuse to attempt removing flesh-colored or white ink from the skin. Many people who seek eyebrow tattoo removal report that the process did not completely remove the tattoos, but faded them considerably, and sped the natural process by which the color of the ink generally fades.