Camouflage or laser removal — which is right for an old tattoo or PMU

An old tattoo or outdated permanent makeup can be treated in two almost opposite ways: removed or concealed. Here is how they differ and when each approach makes sense.

Two different approaches

Laser removal. A Pico laser breaks the pigment into fine particles that the body clears gradually. The aim is for the tattoo or makeup to fade or be removed. Usually several sessions are needed, spaced weeks apart.

Camouflage. The mark is not removed but concealed. With inkless tattooing no pigment is added and the skin is stimulated to even out its own colour and texture. With camouflage tattooing a pigment matched to your skin tone is used, so that the scar, blemish or trace of old makeup blends in with the surrounding skin.

When laser fits better

when you want the old tattoo or makeup gone entirely or as faded as possible;
when you plan a new cover-up or new permanent makeup and the skin first needs to be prepared;
when the pigment is dark and sharply defined and you want to soften it.

When camouflage fits better

when the goal is for the mark not to stand out against the surrounding skin, rather than necessarily to disappear;
when scars or stretch marks come together with the old mark;
when the skin in the area has healed and is stable.

Sometimes the two methods complement each other: the laser first fades the old work, then camouflage evens out the colour. This is judged case by case.

What cannot be promised

With both methods results are individual and vary from person to person. With laser the number of sessions cannot be predicted in advance and depends on the colour, depth and age of the pigment, the area and your skin. Some pigments, especially warm and older cosmetic tones, can behave unpredictably. With camouflage the result depends on the type and age of the mark and on your skin. That is why we give no guarantees, only an honest assessment of your case.

Why the choice is made at a consultation

Every procedure at our studio, except facial cleansing, starts with a consultation. At it we look at the tattoo or makeup, discuss what you want to achieve and decide together which method, or which combination, makes the most sense. That way we plan rather than guess.

The next step

See our camouflage tattooing page or the page on laser tattoo removal, or book a consultation to discuss your case.