Laser Tattoo Removal for Lips?

Dear Marciajones from Melbourne, FL:
As a plastic surgeon I have seen numerous patients over the years that have had laser tattoo removal with less than optimal results. These patients then come to me, or one of my collegues, for a direct surgical excison of the laser treated area.
My main concern in this procedure for such a delicate area is that I have seen a certain degree of unpredictabilty and would be worried that you may end up with a more complex problem. Sometimes the area that is treated results in a thick scar, otherwise known as "hypertrophic scaring".
My main concern in your case would be the potential development of scaring to the lip area. This would then be very difficult to correct. I would thus strongly suggest to ask alot of questions before you decide to proceed.

There is always a potential for hypertrophic scarring from tattoo laser removal and I advise a spot test prior to treat the entire lip line with tattoo laser removal. Sometimes, surgical removal by a plastic surgeon may be preferable as the scar tissues can be hidden nicely along vermilion lip borders.

The difficulty in treating permanent make up ink vs. traditional tattoo ink is two fold.  First, the location of the ink is quite different and more challenging than most tattoos.  Secondly, make up ink has different pigment and base pigments.  Generally, the permanent make up is treatable with lasers, but the challenge is having the correct technology/wavelength if and when the color fades or degrades to another color that the laser cannot treat any longer.  Most research will support that the Q-Switched Alexandrite may be the best option.

For those areas that are unresponsive to Q-switched lasers, a recent laser conference suggested that the Sicton ProFractional ablative laser was able to offer an effective option by using a small spot size.

Lasers often provide an excellent result in removal of permanent lipliner tattooing, if the color is a dark or black color. The Alexandrite, Neodynium Yag, and Q-switched Ruby lasers can all do the job. On a few occasions, there is a paradoxical darkening that occurs with the color of the tattoo, depending on the color, especially if it is red. This would then require many regular treatments to get through this phase. No guarantee can be given, though, that the color will lighten or go away completely. The treatment is fast and often done with a numbing cream only, although an anesthetic can be injected to make it less uncomfortable depending on your symptoms.

Laser resurfacing is not indicated for permanent makeup removal, however as a side effect it can lighten it. Please consult a certified laser technician with experience treating permanent makeup around the mouth for a treatment plan that fits you and your concerns.