Dangers and risks of laser removal of permanent makeup, microblading and tattoos
Nowadays, tattoos and pigmentations (permanent makeup, microblading) that are no longer in style or have turned out poorly can be removed. What seemed impossible just a few years ago is no longer a problem thanks to the latest advancements. The most well-known method is laser removal of pigments.
Funktionsweise eines ND-YAG-Lasers
Pigments are found in the skin between collagen and elastin fibers, that is, in the connective tissue. They are not stored individually, but are grouped together or “bonded” into small clusters.
The laser beam splits these groups apart and breaks them down through the explosive mechanical force.
Small particles are taken up by macrophages (white dots) and transported via the lymphatic vessels; the larger particles remain in the skin.
Laser beams break down clusters of pigment particles. Most of these particles remain in the body. However, since their size is reduced with each treatment due to this breakdown, the pigment particles eventually become imperceptible to the human eye, and the tattoo or pigmentation becomes “invisible.” This creates the impression that the pigments have disappeared.
The particles, which have become very small due to fragmentation, are actually excreted from the body via the lymphatic system. However, this occurs over time with any pigmentation or tattoo, even without laser treatment. The smallest color particles dissolve and leave the body. This is why an old tattoo or old permanent makeup often looks paler and blurrier than it did immediately after the tattooing or pigmentation.
Breaks of 1.5–2 months must be observed between laser treatments. The number of treatments varies and depends on the individual case. On average, you should expect 5–10 treatments. This means that complete laser removal takes approximately 1–2 years.
As modern and convenient as the laser removal method for pigments is, it carries some risks that you should be aware of. Below, we outline some potential risks.
RISK NO. 1: TOXIC SUBSTANCES
When organic or synthetic pigments are broken down by the laser, various toxic compounds may be produced. These travel through the lymphatic system in the body and may, under certain circumstances, accumulate in the lymph nodes. Similarly, pigment particles that are loosened by the laser can become “trapped” in the lymph nodes if they are not small enough to leave the body permanently through the lymphatic channels. The breakdown products generated during laser treatment have not yet been sufficiently researched. It is only known that these can be harmful to health (including carcinogenic) and may trigger allergies.
RISK NO. 2: BURNS & SCAR TISSUE FORMATION
The primary risk to the skin is burns, which may result in permanent scarring. When used properly, the laser beam does not damage skin cells but acts selectively only on pigment. To achieve this, the laser device must be properly adjusted and tailored to the specific skin type. This requires experience and a delicate touch. If the device is set incorrectly, it can lead to blistering and skin burns. And this, in turn, can result in scarring.
The removal of pigments based on acrylates and similar compounds is a special case. Such pigments can melt in the skin under the laser beam, leading to internal skin burns and scarring. Furthermore, in most cases, these pigments are not detected or removed by the laser. Instead of lightening or removal, this can result in damage to the skin’s structure. Unfortunately, clients often do not know what pigments they have in their skin. This complicates matters further, as one never knows how the tattooed or pigmented area will react to laser treatment. Before treating a large area, one should always perform a test on a smaller area first.
RISK NO. 3: COLOR CHANGE / DISCOLORATION
Some colors are not detected by the laser and therefore cannot be removed. It is even worse when colors are detected but their hue changes. This primarily applies to white and beige pigments (titanium oxides). These often turn green or dark gray under the laser beam. Sometimes they can then be further broken down and removed in subsequent laser treatments. However, this is usually not the case. In particular, the pigments that have turned green remain permanently in the skin and can only be removed using other methods. Other pigments (mostly of organic origin) are also often not “seen” by the laser. These include many shades of red, orange, green, and blue.
RISK NO. 4: EYE INJURIES
Improper use of the equipment poses risks to the eyes. Since this procedure involves wavelengths of optical radiation that reach the retina, improper use and inadequate eye protection can result in permanent damage to the retina. This is particularly important when removing pigmentation from the eyelids. The eyes must be very well protected, e.g., by special metal lenses placed over the eyeball before treatment.
RISK NO. 5: SKIN HYPOPIGMENTATION
After laser treatments, light patches (hypopigmentation) may remain on the skin. This is because the laser can break down not only the pigments in the skin but also the body’s own pigments. Hypopigmentation is usually permanent. These areas will no longer tan in the sun.
As of January 1, 2019, laser removal of permanent makeup and tattoos may only be performed by medical specialists (dermatologists and plastic surgeons) and their qualified staff.
Therefore, if you decide to have a tattoo, permanent makeup, or microblading removed using a laser, it is best to visit a qualified medical practice or choose a different removal method.
One alternative is pigment removal using a remover. With the remover method, pigments are removed from the skin in a similar way to how they were originally implanted. That is, they are brought to the skin’s surface and do not remain in the body. When performed professionally, this method is quick, scar-free, and highly effective, as pigments of any type and color can be removed.
