Semi-permanent makeup has been growing in popularity and can be a game-changer, but what happens if it goes wrong or you want it reversed?
Semi-permanent eyebrow tattoos (also known as microblading, powder brows, or ombré brows) can transform your look when they’re fresh and well-shaped. But pigments fade unevenly, styles evolve, or sometimes the result isn’t what you’d hoped for. If you’re looking for a way to erase or refresh your brows, our new PicoStar® laser tattoo removal is now available at our Bristol clinic and is regarded as the gold standard for removing unwanted semi-permanent brow tattoos. This advanced laser is faster and more effective at clearing stubborn pigments, promotes quicker healing, and is safer for delicate areas compared to older laser and non-laser methods.

Brow Tattoo Removal Quinn Clinics Bristol
How does the PicoStar® Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Using ultra-short bursts of energy measured in picoseconds (one trillionth of a second), it shatters the particles mechanically, making them small enough for your body to clear naturally.
This is different from traditional Q-switched lasers, which fire in nanoseconds (a thousand times slower) and rely more on heat to break up pigment. Less heat means less risk of damaging he surrounding skin and hair follicles, which is especially important in the delicate area of the eyebrows.
Here’s why it outshines older SPMU techniques
Removes more pigment colours
SPMU often contains iron oxide or titanium dioxide, which are notoriously difficult to remove. The PicoStar® laser delivers higher peak power in shorter bursts, breaking down even stubborn pigments that resist the effects of older laser types.
Fewer sessions needed
Because the energy it delivers is so efficient, many patients need fewer treatments than they would with a Q-switched laser. You can expect to need between 3 and 8 treatments (depending on the complexity of the SPMU). However, as you can see from the before-and-after photo above, you can achieve visible results after just one session.
Gentler healing process
The reduced heat compared to older techniques means less redness, swelling, and scabbing, and recovery often takes days instead of weeks.
How does it compare to non-laser methods?
- Saline removal: Safe and chemical-free, but usually slower and can leave a faint “ghost” of pigment.
- Acid or dermabrasion: Outdated and riskier — higher chance of scarring, uneven results, and significant downtime.
- Q-switched laser: Effective on some pigments but requires more sessions and carries more thermal risk.
The PicoStar® laser combines the safety of saline with the speed of laser removal, making it the preferred choice for semi-permanent brow tattoo correction.
What To Expect
- You can expect to need between 3 and 8 treatments, depending on the depth of pigment, age, and colour.
- It is important to note that some pigments may initially appear darker before fading. Titanium dioxide or iron oxide inks can temporarily appear grey or black before they lighten, which is a normal process.
More information → Laser Tattoo Removal – PicoStar®
Semi-Permanent Brow Tattoo Removal Prices
- Single Treatment £350
- Course of 3 £750
Get in Touch
If you’re unhappy with your semi-permanent brows, why not book a consultation online with our Nurse, Lisa Cox, to see how the Pico Laser can help you?
