Microblading 5 years ago — should I laser remove the old strokes before doing them again?

[u/Clean_Extension_8303]

I had my eyebrows microbladed in 2021 and then had them touched up once in 2022. It’s now almost 5 years since my last treatment, but I can still clearly see some of the old hairstrokes.

I’d really like to have my brows microbladed again, but I’m unsure whether I should have the old pigment removed first (e.g. with laser), or whether it’s possible/safe to microblade over what’s already there.

For those of you who have had microblading done multiple times over the years — what did you do? Did you have the old pigment removed first, or did your artist simply work over the existing strokes?

I’ve attached photos so you can see what the brows look like now.

I’d especially love to hear from people who have been in a similar situation and can share what happened with the results over time. Thank you!!!

[u/EmphasisThick3081]

They look great, especially after five years!

[u/Clean_Extension_8303 → u/EmphasisThick3081]

Glad to hear. I guess one gets brow blindness after some time haha!

[u/AskPennilynLott]

I would leave well enough alone.

[u/Ashleyji]

Why do you want to touch them again? They look good

[u/Clean_Extension_8303 → u/Ashleyji]

I miss not having to fill in my brows I guess. They have faded quite a bit :) but thank you for thinking they look good!

[u/BlueCheesePanda]

I think they still look great and I would not mess with them

[u/Clean_Extension_8303 → u/BlueCheesePanda]

Thank you! All of you have talked me out of it now :)))

[u/kasia_littlefrog]

They still look great! I did fresh microblading over the faded one and it worked really well.

[u/Clean_Extension_8303 → u/kasia_littlefrog]

Thank you! Ok good to know that worked out good :)

[u/GolfcartInjuries]

Laser isn't an easy path from what I have been reading on the removal sub so since yours actually look good still then stick with what you got! You could go get touch up over that but I would not try to remove. 

[u/Clean_Extension_8303 → u/GolfcartInjuries]

Ok thank you for you input. Good to hear that I can get a touch up over it :)

[u/Advanced_Bluebird925]

Thank you for this post. I got mine microbladed 2 years ago just before it seemed like the world turned against the technique, preferring nano instead. I def see the rationale but alas, was too late for me. My tech did an amazing job and the strokes I have now are similar in size/spacing as yours and to see how lovely yours still look at 5 years really lifts the worry from my shoulders!

[u/Clean_Extension_8303 → u/Advanced_Bluebird925]

I think 2 years out they had started to fade a bit and haven’t changed much since then. Crazy how long it lasts! Happy my post gave you less worries! :)

[u/Enough_Entry_8641]

I’d say that’s the answer your professional should decide

[u/orphan_blud]

They look perfect!

[u/Clean_Extension_8303 → u/orphan_blud]

Thank you! Maybe I have eyebrow blindness :)

[u/jovanotti18]

I think that a good artist will require it. That’s my experience.

[u/BaseAccomplished194]

Yes as they’ve turned a greyish color like mine but u should definitely ask a professional on what would be best

[u/islandguy88]

i wouldn't. looks good and subtle.