What is the best way to remove Microblading pigment that has titanium dioxide and iron oxide? Will PicoSure laser work? (Photo)

Hi Amanda. We have removed permanent makeup many times with q-switched lasers (Picosure is only one of many) and have been successful even when the permanent makeup changes color (oxidizes).  If the makeup turns darker, that's actually easier as darkening pigment responds very well to q-switched 1064 treatments.  It's more difficult when the ink turns to a bluish or greyish color that does not absorb as much light.  In that case, the 755 (alexandrite wavelength) works better.  As a final fallback (very rare), we have been able to remove permanent makeup with a fractional laser by making small perforations in the ink over a series of treatments.  Either way, the process is still fairly straightforward and the only difference is that microblading will likely oxidize upon treatment because of the iron oxide.

This is an excellent question.  In my practice we have over 45 lasers that we use to treat the skin, including pigment and tattoo removal.  To help treat and remove unwanted pigment from microblading, you can use a Q-switched laser, Picoway or PicoSure, combined with a fractionated CO2 laser in combination, which will provide you with excellent results.  We have seen many of these patients and have successfully removed this type of pigment in 3-4 sessions. I recommend setting up a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who has a variety of lasers and experience in treating this difficult condition.

While microblading has become a hot new trend, the fact is that discoloration and oxidation can occur, there can be uneven lines, or perhaps as trends change, you may want to change the shape or arch of your brow. We have had great success with the PicoSure laser in removing, or correcting, microblading. The much older, Q-switched technology is not nearly as effective, and requires significantly more treatments. While general tattoo removal treatments can typically require anywhere from 4-7 sessions, or even  more, we have found that great results with microblading can often be obtained in as few as 1-2 sessions, depending on the color and type of ink, as well as density. The most important consideration is to find a provider who is experienced with both the laser, and this type of treatment.

At my center I typically will not perform laser tattoo removal of permanent or semi-permanent makeup. The main problem lies in the types of ink used in makeup tattooing. There is variability in the types of ink used, and it's hard (or sometimes impossible) to know what each permanent makeup practitioner uses. Given that you know iron was in the ink used in your microblading treatment I would advise against treatment as iron can turn black when treated with a laser, be it the PicoSure or others. As such, I find that the potential risks outweigh the benefits in proceeding with this type of treatment. The high risk of an outcome that is not desirable to patients simply isn't worth it in my opinion. Given that microblading is semi-permanent, my recommendation would be to give the makeup time to fade. While this may not be the quick fix you are looking for, I would hate to see you have a potential reaction to the treatment that is worse than what you presented with in the first place. Be patient and good luck!

In my four years of full-time laser tattoo removal I have found myself in something of an eyebrow subspecialty. It is a bit unusual to see titanium dioxide compounded into eyebrow inks, but nothing surprises me.
Using my PicoSure, I have had excellent success with eyebrows. The oxidation behaviors from both inks in your brows should pose no significant problem with removal—just keep that pencil handy as you go through treatments. You’ll have some brick-red brows for a few months!
It usually takes 2-4 PicoSure treatments spaced 8-12 weeks apart to remove miscrobladed brows.
Best of luck to you!