Permanent Makeup Correction & Removal
Book NowView PricingAt Halcyon Cosmetic Clinic, we specialize in the correction and/or removal of poorly shaped or incorrectly coloured microblading and other permanent makeup.
The integrity of your skin is always our first concern and we approach all permanent makeup corrections with the goal of disrupting your skin as little as possible while achieving the results you desire. After close examination of your existing permanent makeup, we will outline options for improvement, always considering the length of time it will require, the cost, and what is best for the health of your skin. Whenever possible we use the principles of colour theory and knowledge of pigment chemistry to correct the shape and/or colour of your permanent makeup before we suggest lightening or removal. Due to the popularity of “microblading”, and the abundance of poorly trained technicians and unskilled applications, we are very experienced at correcting misshapen and discoloured brows! In some cases, such as with very dense pigment, correction is not possible, and we will suggest you begin the removal process. We use LI-FT, a product of LI Pigments, a trusted manufacturer of permanent makeup pigments for over 25 years. LI-FT works using osmosis and your body’s natural healing process to gently lift permanent makeup pigment to the surface of your skin where it can exfoliate during the normal healing process. This gentle method of removal is known as “saline tattoo removal” and is very safe. It will not cause further damage your skin. Halcyon Cosmetic Solutions Ltd is the official Canadian distributor of LI Pigments and Canadian lead trainer for LI-FT Pigment Lightening Solution. If you’re unsure if PMU correction or removal is right for you, please book a complimentary consultation.
Our PMU Correction & Removal Technician
Kelly Hallam, RTNM CPCP
President/Permanent Makeup
Tattoo Removal FAQ
What type of tattoo removal and permanent makeup removal method do you use?
At Halcyon Cosmetic Solutions Ltd, we exclusively use LI-FT pigment lightening solution. LI-FT is produced by the very reputable Li Pigments, a US company that has produced permanent makeup pigments and pigment removal products for over 25 years. It is a salt-based product that also contains citrus seed extracts to promote fading and aloe to promote healing.
Can I just use salt?
No! This is not table salt or drugstore saline and it must be applied by someone who is professionally trained in removal. Despite what you might read on the internet, attempting removal on your own will very likely result in permanent scar tissue. LI-FT is a professionally manufactured, sterile, safe and 100% pure tattoo removal product that is appropriate for tattooing into the skin.
How is LI-FT permanent makeup removal and tattoo removal done?
After the application of an effective numbing agent, LI-FT solution is applied using an appropriate array of tiny needles designed to maximize dermal penetration while minimizing skin damage. This is done with either a hand tool or a machine, depending on the area being treated.
How does LI-FT pigment lightening solution work?
LI-FT solution is introduced into the dermis where its high concentration of solutes causes fluid to move towards it from within adjacent cells and interstitial space via osmosis. The osmotic pressure created causes excess saline (and pigment particles), together with your natural body fluids that are produced as a response to the dermal injury, to rise to the surface of your skin. During the healing process a crust is formed and as your skin continues to heal from underneath, the crust crust eventually dislodges, and takes the pigment particles with it.
What should I expect after a LI-FT tattoo removal or permanent makeup removal treatment?
Immediately after each treatment, the area will appear quite red, or sometimes the colour of the pigment being removed. We clean the treated area but do allow a slight pooling of fluids to encourage coagulation and the formation of a crust. The appearance is initially very similar to that of a scraped knee.
How long does it take for the crust to fall off?
The treated area should be kept dry and left alone as long as possible. The longer the crust stays in place, the better your tattoo removal outcome. Generally this is 7-10 days.
How do I survive having crust on my face as my skin heals from permanent makeup removal?
Fortunately, the treated area is in exactly the shape of your tattoo. So in the case of eyebrows for instance, although a crust will be present, it may just appear as darker eyebrows to those around you. Most of the eyebrows we remove are FAR worse than surviving a few days of crusting!!!
What do I do once the scabs fall off?
Continue to keep the area clean and dry and protect the area from sun for at least 4 weeks or until your next appointment. It is normal for your skin to appear pink for several weeks. No matter how healed your skin appears on the surface, we wait a full 8 weeks for skin to be thoroughly healed before retreatment.
How many LI-FT tattoo removal treatments or permanent makeup removal treatments will I need?
The number of LI-FT removal treatments required depends upon several factors including your skin type and the depth, age and type of tattoo or permanent makeup pigment used. It also depends on your desired outcome. In some instances lightening is adequate before covering the area with new work, and in other cases complete removal is desired. Generally 1-5 tattoo removal treatments are needed.
Is there a limit to the size of tattoo that can be lightened with LI-FT?
Yes. This is an appropriate tattoo removal method for permanent makeup or body tattoos smaller than a deck of cards. Larger body tattoos can also be removed but will be done so in sections.
How does LI-FT tattoo lightening solution differ from laser tattoo removal?
LI-FT solution relies on your body’s natural healing mechanism to gently lift the pigment up and out to the surface of your skin. Laser tattoo removal involves the application of bursts of heat to break up large pigment particles which are then absorbed from within your body.
Laser tattoo removal can also cause pigment to be pushed deeper and underneath the scar tissue that it creates. In this case your tattoo may appear lighter but it is still present underneath the scar tissue. This may affect the ability to apply a new tattoo or permanent makeup pigment in the future. In addition, the heat damage caused by laser tattoo removal may cause permanent damage to your melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), which is why it is common to see a white “ghost image” of a tattoo removed by laser.How does the pain of LI-FT pigment and tattoo removal compare to laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal is EXTREMELY painful and many providers do not provide numbing. If numbing is used, a half-hour cream application is often followed by numerous injections. Both LI-FT permanent makeup removal and tattoo removal are started after applying a topical numbing agent, and additional numbing is applied during the procedure to make it as comfortable as possible.
Will LI-FT pigment removal affect my brow hair?
No. Unlike laser tattoo removal, your hair will not be affected.
Are there contraindications?
Yes. We will not perform LI-FT tattoo and permanent makeup removal if you:
- are under the age of 18
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- are on acne medication or have been in the last year
- have keloid scarring
- have vitiligo
- have uncontrolled diabetes
- have dark skin and are prone to hyperpigmentation
How should I prepare for my appointment?
- No exfoliating skin care products on the area the week before your treatment, including Retinol
- Pain tolerance is reduced just before, and during, menstruation. Keep this in mind when timing the booking of your appointment.
- If you tend to get cold sores anywhere on your face, please ensure you have a prescription antiviral on hand.
- Make sure you don’t have any significant events planned for several days after your treatment. The treated area will appear quite red/dark immediately after treatment and crusting will be present for 7-10 days.
Do you ever refuse to do cosmetic tattoo or traditional tattoo removal?
Yes. We reserve the right to refuse treatment for any reason.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, major credit cards and e-transfer. GST will be added to all prices.