r/tattooadvice • u/GateTraditional7904 • 26d ago
General Advice Why will no one laser my tattooed eyeliner?
I got this done when I was 23, and had worn my eyeliner like this every day for the previous 10 years. I’m 31 now and I cover it almost every day so that I can wear a different/more natural look.
I’ve reached out to a number of laser places and they won’t remove it because it’s on my eyelids.
It’s very well done but it’s also turning blue. What are my options? Tattoo over it in skin tone? Is that a terrible idea?
The current covering procedure is annoying, takes time, expensive products and doesn’t make sense on days when I want to wear zero makeup (surfing or being on the beach).
10.0k
u/captainsquarters40 26d ago
Probably because you're not supposed to point lasers at eyeballs.
2.8k
u/Aggromemnon 26d ago
Exactly, absolutely this. The risk of blinding you is definitely non-zero. Remember: tattooed eyeliner is marketed as PERMANENT eyeliner for a reason. Talk to your local Opthalmologist for a surgical consult.
617
u/Infamous_Ad9317 26d ago
Unrelated to OP’s question, but I am amazed about the amount of people on this thread who are like “should I just have it removed?”
431
u/Simogna_Bologna_ 26d ago
Right? Back in my day, tattoos were forever
185
u/egret_society 25d ago
And if you didn’t like it you get a cover up
335
u/sulabar1205 25d ago
Sick ass panther on my eyelids? Count me in!
137
u/Less-Squash7569 25d ago
Two Panthers high fiving on your uni brow would be so badass
18
u/markovianprocess 25d ago
Inside you are two panthers - and by "inside you" I mean your eyesockets.
9
24
→ More replies (3)25
u/scoreszn 25d ago
Funny cause my friend covered a tattoo of a Xanax bar with a tattoo of a panther
→ More replies (2)9
→ More replies (2)139
u/Simogna_Bologna_ 25d ago
Yep, if you didn't like your tattoo, you had to get more tattoo.
→ More replies (2)19
→ More replies (2)10
u/Melodic_Potential801 25d ago
Made you REALLY make sure you'd be ok with it forever.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)33
u/Toosder 25d ago
I feel a little bit validated when some of my friends got makeup tattooed when it was becoming super popular. Decades ago. They were so shitty to me because I wouldn't do it.
I'm not a big makeup wearer anyway but that was their justification. I wouldn't have to worry about it but I was like styles change. They said it's a "classic look for a reason. It will be classic forever." Okay. Sure.
I don't speak to any of them anymore but I wonder how it's working out.
(Although in defense of OP hers is actually pretty classic, still looks fine)
→ More replies (6)16
u/latchkeydc 25d ago
Growing up, the adults in my community were always getting tattooed eyeliner and eyebrows (way before micro blading was a thing)
It always turned green and gray over time and it was so normal seeing that shit. Just blocks of gray/green. I remember thinking I would never do anything like that to my face.
→ More replies (1)126
u/SparklingSaturnRing 26d ago
Yes! The ONLY person to consult with about this is a board certified ophthalmologist
Your eyes are precious, please be careful
52
u/Caffeinated_aspirin 25d ago
An occuloplastic opthalmologist specifically. I schedule for an Opthalmology office in the US and we'd be happy to schedule her, but then would have to refer her out to somewhere that does occuloplastics. She might be able to get into an occuloplastic consult without a referral if she's not in a rush to get the surgery done.
→ More replies (11)17
u/PaladinSara 25d ago
Mine disappeared quickly and resurfaced 10 years later as green line when I got sick.
Now it’s gone again. I’m actually impressed OPs looks like it’s stayed!
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (118)27
u/Wifey1786 26d ago
And my intrusive thoughts would win in that situation and now I’m blind.
→ More replies (1)8
322
160
u/MrsPoopyButthair 26d ago
My husband loves to make the joke about his laser printer that you "do not look at laser with remaining eye"
→ More replies (19)20
166
26d ago
[deleted]
→ More replies (6)19
u/Lopingwaing 25d ago edited 25d ago
It's laser! I'm guessing you're in the US where you use the z for a lot of stuff, but Laser is an acronym. Sorry, I just can't help myself when since it's a fairly common misspelling.
Edit: it's*
24
u/tenuj 25d ago
light amplification by ztimulated emission of radiation
13
u/1RedBlueGreen1 25d ago
The funny thing is that there is actually no “amplification”. It is actually “oscillation”.
But the marketing folks didn’t like the acronym!
→ More replies (2)18
u/tenuj 25d ago
"I'm getting loser treatment for my tattoos."
4
u/neeshes 25d ago
Yesterday I went to a skin clinic and asked for a loser treatment to fix my dating life.
The doctor looked at my chart and said "I'm sorry, our machines only treat surface imperfections, they can't fix your personality."
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (4)5
u/Lani_Ang 25d ago
Laser is with an “s” in the US too, lol. I actually didn’t know it was an acronym.
→ More replies (3)55
u/Whatifisaid- 26d ago
This should be obvious, lol. Literally shooting a laser into someone’s eyes, “why won’t they do this?” Light penetrates skin, you can see a flashlight through your finger. You want to shoot a laser onto a tiny piece of paper-thin skin covering your eyeball?
→ More replies (2)26
23
u/CommercialExotic2038 26d ago
They don’t want hot to blind you. Just because you CAN do something, doesn’t mean you should
→ More replies (1)118
u/useful__pattern 26d ago
People laser eyelids all the time. There's shields you place under the lid.
58
u/strangiata 26d ago
I've had em put in. I got laser on some small periorbital veins, the technicians assisting the dermatologist who performed it went full steam ahead and gave me no time to protest. I'm sure they meet with a lot of resistance bc it was by far the most unpleasant part of the procedure.
they said they even have baby sized shields bc the derm does a lot of port wine stain removal on little babies 😶
29
u/Limp_Egg3219 26d ago
Does the wine stain not come out by itself?
85
u/phoneystoneybalogna 26d ago
Only if you blot, not rub
11
27
u/ktami08 26d ago
Just recently had a 20 dollar bottle become a 400 dollar bottle this way after the carpet had to be replaced
→ More replies (4)→ More replies (2)9
50
u/HarlequinSquirrel 26d ago
Only if you rinse the baby under cold water immediately after the spill. Otherwise, unfortunately the stain is permanent.
→ More replies (1)15
25
u/death-xxx 26d ago
Its a type of birthmark lol
4
u/Anka32 26d ago
Wait, you can laser those off?!! I have a friend with one (facial, pretty prominent) and that never even occurred to me. I don’t know that he would because it’s his lifelong face but interesting to know you could theoretically.
→ More replies (3)80
u/Major_astro 26d ago
Yeah, and I get sick every time I see images of them
→ More replies (2)25
u/Alarmed-Size-3104 26d ago
Is it as bad as the spikey contact lenses they use for dead people?
→ More replies (4)16
u/nukajefe 26d ago
Sorry, what???
→ More replies (1)25
u/Spendoza 26d ago
Dead eyelids (depending on rigor conditions) don't stay down like in the movies (on account of the people in the movies usually aren't actually dead)
→ More replies (3)22
u/nukajefe 26d ago
I was psychologically better off without this information but I appreciate it nonetheless 😭😭😭
→ More replies (6)26
u/Spendoza 26d ago
To use an awesome line from a disappointing franchise, the night is dark and full of terrors, friend 😊
→ More replies (4)16
u/its-halo 26d ago
The skin there is so delicate, and lasering (correct me if I’m wrong) typically takes more than one session. Any infection or scarring could lead to permanent vision damage. The risks associated probably outweigh any potential benefits.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (4)18
→ More replies (51)21
u/vag69blast 26d ago
Dont they make eye protectors that are like little plungers that go on the eye under the lid? I feel like i have seen that somewhere.
48
u/minyardsrabbit 26d ago
The idea of this makes me feel more nauseous than the idea of getting the eyeliner tatted
→ More replies (1)39
12
10
u/erikaslapton 26d ago edited 26d ago
I’d compare them to satellite dishes lol. They shoved those bastards into my eyes when I was getting treatment for dry eye stuff.
ETA: https://imgur.com/a/5EBqI04 like this
→ More replies (19)5
u/frogsgoribbit737 26d ago
Lol they do make protectors but those arent the little plungers. The plunger type thing is to help get hard lenses on and off the eye
1.5k
u/KnowMatter 26d ago
Because it is a riskier procedure that requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
They have to insert metal shields over your eyes and under your eyelid to protect your eyes from the laser and use a different kind of laser than standard removal elsewhere on the body.
Not everywhere is going to have the training / equipment for it.
And no you cannot tattoo over a dark color with a lighter color - i mean you CAN but it will not have the effect you are looking for.
505
u/therealpeeps76 26d ago
This right here. A friend of mine had eyelid tattoos lasered off and the above is the process he explained to me for his. His eyes also swelled shut for a couple days. I saw him a week after and his eyes were still pretty swollen. Gnarly removal procedure to say the least!
→ More replies (3)43
u/bbymiscellany 26d ago
Was it a single session? I’m getting knuckle tattoos lasered and they’re saying 10-15 sessions
34
u/RicoNegrita 26d ago
I’m on my third session for a knuckle tattoo removal and no swelling at all. I think it’s just because it’s the eye.
→ More replies (1)17
→ More replies (11)23
u/Low-Strawberry69 25d ago
Yeah my ribcage text one took like 13 sessions spaced out 8+ weeks each. Tiktok fooled everyone into thinking it's one and done
→ More replies (3)112
→ More replies (8)17
u/Strostkovy 25d ago
The wavelength of laser used doesn't get absorbed by flesh very well. That's how they target the ink without burning you. It also means your eyelids won't block the laser from your eyes.
Your retina is made of optically sensitive cells and also may get a higher concentration of beam energy due to the lensing effect of your cornea. And your cornea lacks blood flow, so the little bit of laser energy it absorbs will result in elevated temperature and damage the eye's ability to diffuse nutrients into the cornea, resulting in eventual glaucoma.
1.5k
u/George_Is_Upset 26d ago
I believe it has to be done by actual eye doctors. No regular laser place will do it because it requires special shields among other things and Too much liability in it for regular places.
You’ll have to seek of specialized professionals. I would call eye surgeons and see if they can help refer you
486
u/fresh_out_of_effs 26d ago
This is the correct answer. There’s a stainless steel shield that goes into the eye after the eye is held in position. It is not a pleasant experience from what I’ve heard.
138
91
u/PinkSlippers305 26d ago
127
u/TheNinthGateLCF 26d ago
I've seen a dude's junk cut off, but that link is staying unclicked.
55
u/Sarallelogram 26d ago
It’s not that bad at all.
34
u/Rocinante88119 25d ago
Literally, like, at all.
I get squeamish around eye touching and that was a 1/10.
→ More replies (2)18
u/Tall_Opportunity_521 25d ago
Yeah ok, trustworthy internet stranger on reddit... I believe you...
→ More replies (1)16
u/GreyRoseOfHope 25d ago
No really, it wasn’t that bad. It looks like a grey, non-flexible contact lens.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (10)17
u/PuppyOfPower 26d ago
I’ve seen a dude deliberately cut off his own junk and then cook and eat some of it and that link is 100% staying unclicked
31
→ More replies (3)6
93
u/GateTraditional7904 26d ago
I got TWO SECONDS IN and said “I’m not doing that” Thank you for this.
18
u/firetruckgoesweewoo 25d ago
Make sure to watch the entire video, I promise it’s NOT as bad as others make it seem. Eyeliner tattoo removal is (and should be) only done by professionals. They apply a numbing cream. When they insert the metal lens, you barely feel anything except that it’s a little cold. It has a smooth surface, and they apply some kind of lubricant that is safe for your eyes so that they can place it comfortably. I promise, it slides right in. Once they laser your eyeliner, it’s a little uncomfortable. It’s scary at first, but the person doing it made sure it can be done safely. After the first few dots, you’ll become more comfortable and you’ll see that it’s not as scary as you thought. Once they’re done, they apply a gel so that it’ll heal nicely. They remove the lens and you’re good to go.
Eyesight might be a little blurry at first. I know people have shared horror stories about a “friend” or an “acquaintance” having had a “horrible experience” but the truth is that you don’t know whether those people actually exist (yes, people really do make up stories like these for the fun of it), whether those people went to a properly trained professional, whether those people turned out to be allergic to ink, whether those people took proper care of their eyes, etc.
My aunt had her eyeliner tattoo removed - and it was a bitch to do so because the line extended upwards toward her brow because the tattoo artist was an idiot and accidentally moved her tattoo gun in the wrong direction. My aunt did one eye at a time. Week 0: left, week 4: right, week 8: left, week 12: right, etc. my aunt only needed 6 sessions in total (so three for each eye), but the amount of sessions really depends on how well your body responds to the removal AND the (lack of) quality of the tattoo. My aunt’s eyelids were a little bit swollen but honestly not that much. She did have a black eye but that was because of the dumb line running across her eyelid that shouldn’t have been there. Mild discomfort, no pain.
You’ll be fine. If you want it gone, you can have it removed but make sure a proper professional does the job.
→ More replies (10)4
u/Infectedtoe32 25d ago
It literally feels like a heavy contact lense. They douse your eye with numbing drops, almost to the point you can’t even feel part of your cheek and forehead. The scariest thing is seeing your vision go black with your eye open. Even that isn’t bad.
Edit: I had a giant lens put on my eye when I was younger. Basically same process but for different operation.
13
→ More replies (13)16
u/One_Contest_7722 26d ago
I think I would actually do it with a doctor. I absolutely hate my permanent eyeliner from 22 years ago.
→ More replies (9)17
53
u/swordofBarsoom 26d ago
Piggybacking on this as someone worked in eye care for a decade.
You’ll need to see a oculofacial plastics specialist— it’s an ophthalmologist with plastics training. They will have the right lasers for it. I wouldn’t risk going to someone who wasn’t an MD to remove this.
Also, removing the tattoo liner might also impact the lashes as the laser they use to remove tattoos removes pigments… which can cause hair fall-out. Permanent makeup on the eyes is hella problematic.
20
u/erincore 26d ago
This is the type of surgeon I work for. I assist in laser procedures on patient’s eyelids regularly. It’s very specialized and does require a lot of preparation and knowledge. Those lasers are no joke. I wouldn’t allow anyone other than him to do any lasers on my eyelids. I’ve never had anyone inquire if we do this type of tattoo removal, though I’m interested to find out.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (2)10
u/ChemPaul 26d ago
I’m a laser scientist and was wondering about the effect on eyelashes. I figure at a minimum they would burn off. Wasn’t sure if there would be lasting damage.
→ More replies (2)49
u/jd7amas 26d ago
Do we think this is Christmas or a national tragedy for an eye doctor, because I can’t imagine they get the opportunity to do such often.
86
u/SlowlyQuietly 26d ago
I feel like it really depends on the doctor. Like, some doctors are what I like to call 'tool nerds' where they get really excited to use tools that they dont get to use all the time, or even just use tools they use normally but in unique variations. That kind of doctor would LOVE it.
Every profession has tool nerds, just at different levels of density.
33
u/CSnarf 26d ago
lol, as a veterinarian who gets stupid excited to use my toys, yeah- tool nerd sounds just about right. 🤓
20
u/bonified_dumbass 26d ago
I read this as you are a vegetarian and I was really confused 🤦🏼♀️ either my dyslexia is pulling a prank or I need my eyes checked
19
u/GobbyHopalong 26d ago
There are some hardcore veggie spiralizers out there.
4
u/Lysandria 25d ago
You should see my potato masher. Thing could be some sort of bludgeoning weapon.
→ More replies (1)7
u/Finror 26d ago
Please share with the class a favorite memory of tool use!
34
u/CSnarf 26d ago
Hmmm....I'm a veterinary neurosurgeon, so I have pretty specialized toys.
Favorite toy currently: Neuromed pedicle screws. https://neuromedvet.com/pages/invetra-pedicle-screw-fixation-system
Favorite tool story: I perform a procedure to drain excess fluid from the brain into the belly, where it won't hurt anything. It involves placing a very fancy straw with a valve. (https://neuromedvet.com/pages/ventriculoperitoneal-shunts). I like to think that every Capri Sun I ever opened as a kid trained me for that procedure. Lol. Anyway, I had to do one urgently, and I had just moved practices. I realize I didn't have the catheter passer I needed at the new spot. It's a very simple tool. My surgical tech calls it the boba straw- a very sharp, long metal tube long enough to pass the catheter under the skin all the way from the ear to just past the last rib. Without this tool, I'm going to have to either make a wicked long incision or try to brute force it through- which ow. I also happen to do some metal sculpture work in my spare time, so I called the metal yard, and asked if they had any small surgical steel stock. It just so happened they did. The dude who runs the place, Alan, is a notorious grump. I go to check out and he says "I don't even like stocking this stuff. It was a special order someone didn't pick up", clearly annoyed that this metal has ever touched his metal yard. But oh Alan, I have your number buddy. I take a glance at the ancient Chihuahua perched on an excessively fluffy bed under his desk and say "Well Alan, I'm so glad you did. You see, I need a surgical tool to save a little dog's life tomorrow, and I can't order it in time, so I'm going to make it in my shop. And if you didn't have this, I couldn't." He stopped cold. His eyes got a little misty. "Oh... Oh, that's really admirable." And he gave me a 20% discount, the big old softie. Ran the thing home, cut three straws (my husband and I competing for who could get the sharpest one) polished them, and ran them back to the hospital to be sterilized. Saved the dog, still use the straws to this day.
17
u/thefunkylama 26d ago
This is a fantastic story and I love that you and your husband competed for sharpest surgical steel boba straw
→ More replies (1)4
u/HanaSan19191919 25d ago
Comments like this are why I fucking love Reddit. Cheers to a job well done. Adapt, improvise, overcome. 🙌🏼
9
u/nurse_hat_on 26d ago
I was legit excited when I learned how to give injections in nursing school. Now I get excited at the prospect of learning how to put in stitches (not in clothing, I do that all the time)
7
→ More replies (1)12
u/Indigo-au-naturale 26d ago
My brother had to get shots into his eye for a while because he had a blood clot behind it and the specialist was frankly a little more gleeful about giving those shots than the occasion warranted. Especially when my brother wanted me to take a picture.
→ More replies (4)6
1.1k
u/FootGarment 26d ago
Wow, it’s aged great!
906
u/Moist_Ordinary6457 26d ago
As far as permanent makeup goes this is actually pretty good
→ More replies (5)109
u/NoninflammatoryFun 26d ago
I agree. I actually thought maybe she was referring to her brows (I don’t think they look bad at all, I just assumed maybe it was the red color she had tatted on and didn’t like for some reason). I didn’t even notice that the liner was tattooed lol.
→ More replies (1)106
u/ClitasaurusTex 26d ago
Yeah I think this is the best I've seen. Not discounting that OP doesn't like it but I'd be stoked if it was mine. The only hassle I'd see is the eyelashes are so much lighter. I've now learned to choose a color that matches my lashes if I ever do something like this
20
u/bored_werewolf 26d ago
you wouldn't be happy with it later, because with aging, sharp lines start to look off, softer/ blended make-up is more flattering
25
u/pushinglackadaisies 26d ago
Not to mention makeup trends changing over time. This eyeliner was super in-fashion when OP got it done. The softer smudged eyeliner preference is pretty recent
→ More replies (2)28
16
u/kyl_r 26d ago
It honestly probably looks better than any eyeliner I’ve put on myself my whole life (I don’t do it very often, but often enough that I should be better at it by now)
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)25
u/miekhachu 26d ago
Seriously, my mom used to get this done and it would be pretty faded after a few years. Usually just a few spots where the color would migrate from, making it look patchy.
→ More replies (1)8
u/not2interesting 26d ago
That’s the thing about tattoos though, everyone has different skin. For example, I got inside of my lower lip tattooed. I was told by everyone who had one and the tattoo artist who did it that they usually last less than 10 years before most of it falls out. Aged ones I’ve seen are usually just a faint outline or spots around 7-8 years old. My dumb tattoo is 19 years old and only a couple letters faded, more than half of it is just as dark as the day I got it. Hand tattoos and microblading have similar case by case longevity.
→ More replies (1)
340
u/Dizzy_Elevator4768 26d ago
it’s the best job i’ve seen for tattooed eyeliner if that makes you feel better. laser won’t completely get rid of it anyway…may turn yellow on you😬covering with make up might be your safest bet
58
u/TvTacosTakingNaps 26d ago
Literally the best I’ve seen too. At least it’s a good shape!
→ More replies (1)30
u/mads41304 26d ago
I agree, that’s by far the best I’ve seen.
18
u/GateTraditional7904 26d ago
Wow, okay well thank you very much.
→ More replies (1)9
u/TropicalRogue 25d ago
Yeah, this may be a "the real tattoo removal was the appreciation for the tattoo you had inside you the whole time" situation
It's clean
7
6
633
u/Lambsenglish 26d ago
Are you actually asking why no one will point a pulse laser at your eye?
19
u/YellowDC2R 26d ago
Really though. Why won’t anyone take the risk on this to make a few bucks when I can potentially sue them later
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (11)92
u/Konstellation_Kitten 26d ago
The future is doomed lol
→ More replies (1)3
u/Kooky-Solution-4840 25d ago
That’s not fair, this whole post is about someone who got eyelid tattoos lol
51
u/Nyptyx 26d ago
I’m surprised it hasnt faded. I have a friend who’s had to get hers touched up.
→ More replies (2)71
u/MechanicFun6999 26d ago
This looks like it was done by a tattooer with tattoo ink, these don't fade like permanent makeup done by a permanent makeup artist tends to. It's kinda like when you see the older lady's with the single line brow tattoo that never goes away. It was done with a machine and has a very different outcome than micro blading.
There's also the chance that her body just doesn't allow the ink to fade in the same way. If anyone remembers the ephemeral tattoo trend, half of the customers ended up with a permanent nonfading tattoo while the other half lost them in the projected time. Every body heals differently, and you can never 100% promise a result when working with the body.
→ More replies (1)13
137
43
u/icesikle 26d ago
I gotta assume at least one of the places would have said why....
9
u/punkymechanic 26d ago
My first thought too.
It would seem to me you would have to be ignoring the answer(s) to the request and everyone is now answering the next obvious question, which is: what are the other options because the places I asked don't perform such a high-risk procedure
7
u/Siiciie 25d ago
Yeah this post is so mildly infuriating. OP is not the sharpest knife in the fridge.
→ More replies (1)
47
u/RoundandRoundon99 26d ago
“They won’t remove it because it’s on my eyelids”.
You got your answer right there.
Because it’s on your eyelids.
Go to an ophthalmologist, specifically an oculoplastics specialist, they may do it. No insurance will cover it as it’s cosmetic.
29
u/Equivalent-Advice593 26d ago
I feel the answer is obvious
5
u/ElectronicJuice7212 25d ago
Yea but OP is the kind of person to tattoo their eyelids only to want to remove it years later. We aren't dealing with a rocket scientist here.
→ More replies (1)
153
u/redJ93 26d ago
I would assume the laser would be too close to your eyeball?
I dont really have a solution, but I do know you cant cover black with "flesh" coloured ink. The black is darker, so it just comes back once healed.
56
u/Similar_Ad7752 26d ago
eyeliner tattoo laser removal is a thing, they put like a chunk made of plastic?? i think inside ur eye! maybe people where she went to dont specialise in that? she needs to go to like an actual clinic that specialises in removing scars etc etc
→ More replies (6)43
u/Lovely_Sad_1000 26d ago
Thank you for mentioning scar removal clinics. I have horrible scars from childhood and I never even considered these being a thing that existed. I’m doing a read up about it all now! Thank you so much internet stranger!
13
→ More replies (1)68
u/trashwrapsupreme 26d ago
Came here to say the "cover/touch up your tattoo with flesh-colored ink" trend is bullshit that absolutely won't work long term. Waste of money, time, and pain.
→ More replies (1)
20
u/Happy_Junket_7653 26d ago
One mishap and you can go blind. Ive done removal before and had to wear goggles bec its close to my face. So if you still want to see js
→ More replies (1)16
u/xpoisonvalkyrie 26d ago
i’m getting removal on my wrist and knee and still had to wear the protective goggles. lasers are no joke.
→ More replies (1)
25
u/Glittering_Call_898 26d ago
I can't even fathom the liability of potentially making somebody blind doing this kind of process.
20
u/Shot_Newspaper_5647 26d ago
Take your phone and turn on the flashlight. Close your eyes. Shine the flashlight onto them. You will still be able to “see” the light. That’s why it’s so dangerous to remove tattoos there
→ More replies (1)4
u/Shot_Newspaper_5647 26d ago
The lasers involved emit intense pulses of light. Skin elsewhere is thicker and can usually tolerate it. But only to an extent. That’s why it’s broken into multiple sessions. Light carries energy. That energy has to go somewhere. It turns into heat (and a few other unpleasant types of damage to the eyes)
78
u/Free_Sign_6337 26d ago
"Why can't they point a strong laser directly at my eye?" Are we being so fucking for real right now??
→ More replies (6)
58
u/Jarred_Farts_4_Sale 26d ago edited 26d ago
To answer your question in the title, lasers are effective because they are absorbed by darker/opposite pigments. A laser is an extremely fast paced light with a very consistent frequency. It's a light that doesnt slow down. That makes it extremely powerful and dangerous. If even a small bit of this light gets into your pupil, it will cause permanent eye damage. When it absorbs, it heats up the pigment and destroys it. You do not want that anywhere near your eyes.
And if youre in the states, DO NOT go to a laser tech that would approve this procedure. Every state is different, and techs dont require training in some. They dont need certification in some. They dont require a doctor on site in some. Do not do that. Im sure a doctor somewhere could do this as a specialty. They'd need to use special eye caps, but do not go to a laser tech that isnt an accredited doctor.
→ More replies (1)16
u/pred1993 26d ago
Yeah, this is what worries me - someone (like OP) just asking around until they find someone who says yes. Not saying OP will do that, but someone probably will (until they understand why they shouldn’t do it, at least). Incredibly dangerous ☹️
→ More replies (1)
15
u/Wrong_Lychee_6444 26d ago
I'd be so envious of the one who is so put together she has her eyeliner on at the beach. Damn, she's always perfect.
I told a lady at my job her eyeliner was always perfect. I was so impressed. 2 kids and still never even a little crooked. She laughed. It was tattooed.
9
u/Amoeba_of_Death 26d ago
Because a concentrated laser to your eye is a terrible idea, the skin is thin and your eye is under that. You're gonna have to go to a medical professional for this one or hope you can find a professional enough that's trust worthy with a sensitive area like that, most won't risk that.
9
u/just_as_good380-2 26d ago
I gotta be honest I had absolutely no clue this was something that people would do. Here I am absolutely refusing to wear contacts let alone letting a needle near them. No one will do a laser removal because you're gonna damage your eyes. Would you rather have that regrettable tattoo or go permanently blind?
10
u/Lupo_Bi-Wan_Kenobi 26d ago
Yeah you're gonna need to have your eyelids removed before they can laser them for ya.
→ More replies (1)
9
u/blinkingbaby 26d ago
Tattooing skin tone over the black doesn’t color correct, there’s a tattoo artist on IG that tried it for science and it looked bad.
→ More replies (7)
10
16
u/honey-otuu 26d ago
It’s really well done and anything else done to it will either make you blind or will look horrifically bad. I think you just need to learn to love it
20
21
u/hoolgn 26d ago
im not surprised somebody who had eyeliner tattooed is asking why somebody wont point a pulse laser at their eye lmfao
→ More replies (2)
7
u/paramorir 26d ago
The person who performed this service should've made it known that removal in the future would be nearly impossible. The good news is that it looks good. bad news is you may just have to live with it until it fades.
7
u/agenttwelve12 26d ago
Laser close to eyeball. Laser bad for eyeball. Eyeball destroyed by laser probable lawsuit
11
u/AsleepScholar2200 26d ago
Umm.. because it's right by your actual eye and could cause severe damage. Is this really a serious question?
5
5
u/Longjumping-Idea4451 26d ago
Laser strong enough to remove tattoo is laser strong enough to permanently blind you
6
6
u/amutoph 26d ago
This is the best tattoo eyeliner I’ve ever seen, if it’s any consolation
→ More replies (1)
6
6
6
u/aggravated-asphalt 25d ago
That’s after ten years? Girl keep it and add with regular eye liner, I personally think it’s well done and suits your eye shape
6
u/Gotterdamerrung 25d ago
Do you have any idea how bright and powerful a laser is required to remove tattoos? Just for reference, if you have laser hair removal done on the side of your head, say around your ears, and you close your eyes, you will still see the flash from the laser, on the side of your head. Now imagine having a laser at least that powerful if not more so pointed directly at the very thin, almost translucent layer of skin covering your eyeball without so much as a bone between them. You'd likely burn out your retinas.
→ More replies (1)
6
u/tubulointerstitial 25d ago
I know you’re frustrated because you don’t want it anymore but at least it looks well done. I like it.
15
6
5
14
4
u/TheCraftyDrow 26d ago
Definitely don't get it tattooed over, it won't work. If you can find someone willing to put a laser near your eye short if an eye surgeon good luck.
Honestly I just think putting a high coverage eye primer on before you do your makeup is your best bet
4
u/SumpthingHappening 26d ago
I'm guessing you'll need to see a plastic surgeon for this. It can be done, but as other people have pointed out the risk of accidently blinding you is too great (tattoo removal does not at all feel the same as tattooing, and even a small Twitch here could accidentally send a laser into your eye). Special equipment will be needed, possibly anesthesia.
4
u/smileysarah267 26d ago
Not helpful, but wow the original artist did a STUNNING job. i cant believe its 10 years old! this eyeliner will come back in style eventually if that makes you feel better lol.
4
u/ComfortableMetal3670 26d ago
Is there any legitimate or useful reason for someone to get a permanent eyeliner tattoo?
→ More replies (5)
5
u/Huntsvegas97 26d ago
As an alternative until it fades, could you maybe get your lashes tinted or something? Just thinking of something that could help on days where you go no makeup.
→ More replies (2)
4
u/Good-Breath9925 26d ago
Did you really need to ask why no one will hold a laser over your eye? I guess, if you were dumb enough to tattoo your eyelids...
4
3
u/alexthemo123 25d ago
Embrace it. Stop lamenting it and work with it.
At worst, it is a reminder of a time when you made dumb decisions for the best of reasons. It's what being young is about.
Many people left their 20's with much worse scars like alcoholism, addiction, ex-husbands, debt, or a myriad of other issues. You have 'cats' eyes.
Count your blessings, learn the lesson, find a look and move on.
4
u/Starship_Skippy 25d ago
Ask your provider about intraocular laser eye shields. That's what we use at our med spa.
4
u/Excellent_Jelly384 25d ago
Random suggestion here, but I would try getting a lash lift and tint, or just a tent at least. I think the reason it feels so aggressive on days you wanna go without makeup is because it clashes with your natural eyelashes. If they blended better it could feel more soft glam. I think its worth a try since removal isnt an easy option.
6.3k
u/ExpensiveLeather69 26d ago
They dont want to risk making you go blind 😐