What discomfort feels like during PMU removal
A picosecond laser doesn't feel quite like anything else. Most clients describe the sensation as a brief, sharp sting or the snap of a rubber band against the skin — lasting a fraction of a second per pulse. The area of permanent eyebrow or lip makeup is small, so the actual laser-on-skin time is measured in seconds, not minutes.
The picosecond laser we use fires pulses far shorter than older Q-switch devices. A shorter pulse means less heat deposited in the tissue and less pain — confirmed both by clinical studies and by clients who have had other laser treatments before.
Pain perception is subjective and depends on individual sensitivity, the area being treated and skin condition on the day. We don't promise it "won't hurt at all" — but we can say the procedure is short and the discomfort ends with it.
Brows, lips, eyes — differences in sensation
Different areas of the face differ in sensitivity, both because of skin thickness and nerve-ending density.
- Brows. Skin over the brow arch is relatively thick. The treatment area is small — a few seconds of laser work. Most clients rate the discomfort as moderate and well tolerated.
- Lips. The lip area, especially near the mucosal border, is more sensitive. The sensation can be more intense than at the brows. We routinely apply numbing cream for this location. More about this treatment in the article permanent makeup lip removal.
- Eye area. Eyeliner removal requires protective shields placed over the eyeballs — a non-negotiable safety step. The eyelid skin is thin, but the area is very small and the session is short. Details about the procedure are in the article permanent eyeliner removal.
How we reduce discomfort
- Cold-air cooling throughout the procedure — a stream of cold air directed at the skin reduces the sensation of each pulse and soothes the tissue.
- Numbing cream (EMLA or equivalent) — applied 30–45 minutes before the session, available to every client, routine for the lip area and on request for brows.
- Short treatment time — we work on small areas, so even without anaesthetic the exposure time is counted in seconds.
- Breaks if needed — if a client needs a moment, we pause. No one works through discomfort by force.
If you have a particularly low pain threshold or have had dental procedures under general anaesthetic, let us know before your consultation — we'll plan the appropriate preparation.
After the session — what is normal
Immediately after a session the skin in the treatment area is red — a standard response to the laser pulse that passes within a few hours. Some clients develop slight swelling, which resolves by the next day. Post-session discomfort is usually milder than during the session itself.
In the days that follow, small scabs may appear — do not pick them. The skin heals on its own. Full aftercare instructions are provided in writing after every session.
Questions about pricing or want to see results? Check the price list or book a free consultation — we'll assess your pigment and answer every question before you make any decision.
“Removal isn't pleasant, but in this studio it becomes quite bearable.”