Is Saline Tattoo Removal The Best Choice For You?
Whether it’s a poorly shaped cosmetic tattoo like an eyebrow tattoo or an eyeliner that no longer suits your style, saline tattoo removal might be your ticket. If you’re ready to bid farewell to your old permanent makeup and start fresh, you’re in the right place.
Let’s explore saline tattoo removal, a method as gentle as it is effective, and discover if saline tattoo is the best choice for your unwanted microblading and permanent makeup.
What is Saline Tattoo Removal?
Saline tattoo removal offers a natural, non-toxic and safe solution to lighten and remove unwanted permanent makeup and microblading with multiple sessions.
How Does Saline Tattoo Removal Work?
Saline tattoo removal works by tattooing a specially formulated saline solution into the target area using a tattoo machine. This solution works through osmosis, a process that encourages the ink particles to rise to the skin’s surface.
As the skin heals, a scab forms and naturally falls off, carrying the lifted pigment with it. This gradual process results in the lightening of the tattoo with each session.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions for saline tattoo removal varies, typically ranging from 3-10 sessions. The exact number depends on several factors, including:
Tattoo’s Size, Color, and Location: Larger tattoos or those with darker pigments may require more sessions.
Skin Type and Healing Ability: Individuals with sensitive skin may need more sessions as their skin is sometimes more difficult to work with during the procedure.
Tattoo’s Age, Pigment Saturation, and Depth: Older tattoos or those with deeply embedded pigments will require more sessions than surface-level pigments.
Initial Darkening of Permanent Makeup: It’s common for permanent makeup to appear darker before it begins to lighten in the first few sessions. This is due to the osmosis process, which draws the pigment closer to the skin’s surface, ultimately aiding in its removal.
Emergency Removal
Emergency saline eyebrow tattoo removal is a time-sensitive procedure that must be performed within 48 hours of your permanent makeup application.
During this crucial window, a specially formulated saline solution is tattooed into the unwanted tattoo area. This initiates the osmosis process, drawing some of the ink to the skin’s surface. As the scab forms and naturally falls off, it effectively removes some of the unwanted pigment.
Saline removal may not completely restore your skin to its original colour. However, it can significantly reduce the unwanted tattoo pigment over several sessions.
Saline Removal vs. Laser Tattoo Removal
When considering the removal of unwanted tattoos, both saline removal treatments and laser removal are popular options. Each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages, which can be summarized as follows:
Feature
Saline Removal
Laser Tattoo Removal
Method
Uses a saline solution to break down and lift pigment through osmosis
Uses high-intensity light to break down pigment
Effectiveness for Permanent Makeup
Particularly effective for cosmetic tattoos like eyebrow tattoos, permanent eyeliner, and lip liners
May struggle with certain ink colors used in cosmetic tattoos
Skin Impact
Gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of damage
Can be harsher on sensitive skin
Best for
Permanent makeup, and sensitive skin
Body tattoos, dense pigment loads, blue and black colours
Pigment Colors
Effective for various colors, including challenging shades like white, green, orange, and pink
May not be as effective on certain pigment colors
Safety and Suitability
Safe for all skin types
May pose a risk on darker skin tones
Hair Preservation
Preserves existing eyebrow hair and eyelashes, ensuring they remain undamaged during the removal process
May affect eyebrow hair and eyelashes
Ultimately, the choice between saline removal and laser tattoo removal depends on individual needs and the specific type of tattoo being removed.
The outcome of saline removal, like laser removal, cannot be predetermined, anticipated, or assured.
Is Saline Tattoo Removal Safe?
Yes, saline tattoo removal is a safe and effective method for lightening and removing unwanted, permanent makeup tattoos.
Saline tattoo removal is gentle and suitable for all skin types.
The potential risks associated with saline removal, such as redness, swelling, and scabbing, are typically mild and temporary.
Does Saline Tattoo Removal Hurt?
When considering tattoo removal with a saline solution, a common concern is the level of discomfort involved in the process.
During the procedure, a numbing cream is applied to the area to minimize discomfort. Most clients report feeling a mild scratching sensation. It is often described as a manageable level of discomfort, making it a preferable choice for those with a lower pain tolerance or sensitive skin.
Some level of discomfort is unavoidable. However, saline tattoo removal is considered safe. It has a relatively low to moderate pain level for those looking to remove unwanted tattoos.
How Will My Skin Look Right After Saline Removal?
Immediately following the removal treatment, your brow area may appear red and angry as if you have ‘road rash’ with slight swelling and redness on the skin around your brows. This is typical for saline eyebrow tattoo removal.
The surrounding redness usually subsides within one to two hours. As the treated area begins to dry and heal, scabs will form. The initial redness or ‘road rash’ look will transform into a brownish hue.
Scabs fall off in 6-10 days.
After Care
Following aftercare instructions is crucial to support the body’s natural healing process and ensure the best results:
Keep the treated area clean and allow it to be exposed to the air. Avoid covering it, as air promotes faster healing. Refrain from touching the area to prevent complications.
Avoid submerging the treated area in water. While showering is permitted, keep the area away from the spray and minimize the treated areas exposure to water by covering it with plastic.
Steer clear of activities such as swimming, saunas, hot tubs, and tanning until the scab has fallen off.
Resist the temptation to disrupt the scabbing process. Avoid picking or scratching at the scabs, as it may lead to scarring. Allow the scabs to naturally fall off.
After all scabs have naturally fallen off, apply a thin layer of ointment 2-3 times daily for 3 weeks. It is vital to AVOID applying the ointment until every scab has completely detached.
Keeping the scab dry until it falls off is the main goal.
It is essential to allow 6 – 8 weeks for healing before scheduling another lightening session, as this time frame is necessary for the skin’s integrity.
Benefits of Saline Removal and Lightening
Lightens and removes faded or unwanted permanent makeup with multiple sessions.
Lifts overly saturated or dark eyebrow pigment, resulting in a lighter colour.
Lifts botched eyeliner, ensuring the eyes remains unharmed
Suitable for most skin types
Allows for easy re-tattooing in the area once it has fully healed, resulting in a lighter base for a new eyebrow, eyeliner or lip tattoo
Non-specific to removing colours
Saline microblading removal is effective and safe, posing minimal scarring risk and allowing for gradual pigment lifting during the healing process
Considerations
If you’re considering saline tattoo removal, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled technician who can evaluate your specific needs and tailor the treatment accordingly. By taking this step, you can embark on a journey towards achieving a clean canvas, ready for new enhancements or a natural look.
Here are some key factors to consider:
Technician Skill: Ensure your technician is experienced in saline removal techniques for safe and effective results.
Skin Sensitivity: Discuss any skin sensitivities with your technician to tailor the treatment and aftercare appropriately.
Desired Outcome: Clearly communicate your goals, whether it’s fading, or partial removal of an areas, to align expectations.
Time and Cost: Be prepared for multiple sessions and discuss the cost to plan your budget accordingly.
Aftercare Commitment: Follow aftercare instructions diligently to support healing and achieve optimal results.
These considerations will help you decide if saline tattoo removal is the right choice for you to remove unwanted small tattoos, permanent makeup or microblading.
Conclusion
Saline tattoo removal provides a gentle and effective method for lightening or removing unwanted cosmetic tattoos. It makes an ideal choice for those seeking a fresh start. Its compatibility with sensitive skin and ability to preserve natural eyebrow hair making saline removal a safe and natural solution.
At Colour Clinic, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your desired look. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your old permanent makeup, contact us today!
Send us photos of your clean brows, lips, or eyes without any makeup. You can send them by text message or email to the contact info below. We’ll assess if saline removal is right for you. Visit us at www.colourclinic.com to get more information on all our services.
Written by Marcie McManus, Founder of Colour Clinic
Cosmetic & Medical Tattoo Specialist
Colour Clinic | Oakville, ON
Phone: 289-839-0258
Email: ita2you@gmail.com
Ready to lighten and remove your unwanted permanent makeup? Click here to book your appointment today!