Permanent Makeup Removal in London
Are you considering permanent makeup removal?
Permanent makeup can be life-enhancing when performed well. Benefits include:
- Saving time and stress drawing brows or eyeliner
- Weather- and water-resistant results that don’t run
- Hassle-free eyeliner for contact-lens wearers
- Looking fresher and brighter without makeup
- Not having to camouflage dark lips behind lipstick
Why might I want to remove permanent makeup?
Despite the benefits, removal is sometimes the right choice. Common reasons include:
- A procedure that doesn’t suit you
- Brows that are too big, too dark, or the wrong shape
- Lip blush that’s unflattering or over the natural border
- Aging pigment that has changed colour or looks saturated
- Eyeliner that’s too bold or poorly aged
- Brows saturated with multiple top-ups needing a reset
How can I remove permanent makeup?
There are several effective removal methods. The best option depends on:
- Location (brows, lips, eyeliner)
- Age of the PMU (fresh vs healed)
- Your skin type and tone (e.g., laser considerations for darker skin and pigmentation risk)
- How many PMU sessions you’ve had
Popular removal methods
Emergency removal for microblading or PMU (within 48 hours)
This is rising in demand, usually due to unsuitable work. It’s ideal if you’ve had microblading, powder or nano brows, lip blush/neutralisation, or eyeliner in the last 48 hours.
What is an emergency removal?
A saline solution is tattooed superficially to lift pigment; osmosis continues drawing pigment towards the surface. It’s the most effective way to remove fresh pigment—especially microblading—before it settles.
- Must be performed within 48 hours
- Excellent for fresh microblading
- Can remove up to ~80% of pigment
- Suitable for all skin types and tones
- Brows, lips and eyeliner
Laser removal for permanent makeup
For healed PMU (4+ weeks), laser is typically the fastest option—particularly for saturated brows after multiple top-ups. The laser fragments pigment, which your body clears over time. Some clearance can be immediate.
Patch testing is always done first to tailor safe, effective settings.
- Best for heavily saturated brows
- Often 2–3 sessions for substantial clearance
- Can be used for brows; eyeliner and lips in selected cases
Manual removals — saline, glycolic, alkaline and acid
Suitable for brows, eyeliner and lip border. A removal solution is tattooed into the skin to draw pigment out. It’s well tolerated across skin types and a good choice if laser isn’t suitable. We generally prefer saline for kinder healing.
- Versatile: brows, lip border, eyeliner
- Well tolerated across skin types
- Alternative when laser isn’t advisable
Which method is best for me?
With so much information out there, it can be confusing. Speak with an experienced practitioner who offers all methods—emergency saline, laser and manual removals—so you get an unbiased recommendation.
How to choose the right practitioner
Some methods can harm the skin if used incorrectly. Choose a practitioner skilled across methods and skin tones:
- Experience: years practicing removals; experience with your skin type/tone
- Range: offers emergency saline, laser and manual options
- Results: realistic before/afters; avoids overpromising
At Borciani London, we have over a decade of experience removing unwanted permanent makeup. We invest in the latest technology and stay current with fast-evolving removal methods.
What is the downtime with permanent makeup removal?
All tattoo-removal methods involve some downtime. Area, method and pigment load affect healing:
| Removal method | Healing time | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency removal | 5–7 days | Keep dry; flaking/scabbing |
| Laser (brows) | 3–5 days | Temporary swelling; possible light bruising |
| Laser (eyeliner) | 5–7 days | Swelling 24–48 hours; possible bruising |
| Saline/Glycolic/Alkaline | ~7 days | Scabbing; allow to shed naturally |
Permanent makeup removal — FAQs
1) Is permanent makeup removal painful?
Most clients report mild discomfort, particularly with numbing.
2) How many sessions will I need?
Typically 2–3 for laser; 4–8 for manual methods (varies by area and depth).
3) Can all types of permanent makeup be removed?
Yes—brows, lips and eyeliner. Some pigments require more sessions.
4) Are there risks or side effects?
Temporary redness, swelling or scabbing is normal. Choose an experienced practitioner and avoid overtreatment.
5) Will my skin tone be affected?
Laser carries small risks of hyper/hypopigmentation—patch testing is essential.
6) How soon can I have new permanent makeup?
Usually after full healing at 8–12 weeks.
7) How long between sessions?
Minimum 8 weeks between treatments to allow the skin to heal.
Read more about permanent makeup removal and practitioner choice:
- Permanent Makeup Tattoo Removal — Treatment Page
- Cheap Permanent Makeup — What to Know
- How to Choose the Best Person for Your Microblading
