Saline Removal
Saline Removal
What is it?
Saline Removal is the process of removal by using Saline Solution. The saline solution is tattooed into the skin, where it will push the pigment out via a natural process called Osmosis. Saline removal is ideal for smaller tattoos, cosmetic tattoos, letters, and numbers. It is not ideal for tattoo’s larger than a deck of cards or 3x3”. Anything larger than those specifications should seek laser removal. The saline solution we use is a special saline solution formulated for tattoo removal.
saline vs laser?
Common FAQ’s
Does it hurt?
Salt in open wounds typically hurt! Luckily for you, we use numbing cream that will make the procedure much more comfortable! You’ll be fine!
How many sessions will I need?
It’s hard to say! Many factors play into how many sessions it could take like how deep the tattoo is, type of pigments used, how old it is, and your body. We offer session package deals!
Is my tattoo too big?
Maybe! We like to only do saline removal on tattoos that are smaller than a deck of cards. Tattoos that are large and/or heavily saturated with color/black are best left to laser to remove. We can recommend a good laser removal technician if you need one!
Who shouldn’t get saline removal?
The same contraindications for cosmetic tattoos/tattoo’s are the same for saline removal. Below is a list of contraindications.
You are not a candidate for saline removal/cosmetic tattoo’s if any of the following apply to you:
Prone to keloid scarring
Sun burnt skin
Diagnosed with HIV, Hepatitis or other Viral infectious diseases, immunocompromised persons- All of these illness’s lower the immune system.
Botox or fillers must be spaced 4-6 weeks before or after your removal (you should consult your Aesthetician(injector) as well)
Skin disease, sunburn, or irritation at procedure area (eczema, psoriasis, etc)
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past year, you must wait ONE full year before you can receive saline removal/tattoos
On antibiotics- must be off for atleast 2 weeks before appointment
Diagnosed with clotting/bleeding disorders
Under the age of 18 years old
Pregnant/nursing
What is the healing process like?
Easy! When you get tattooed, all aftercare is geared towards making your tattoos heal as nicely as possible, with as much retention as possible. With saline removal we don’t want retention, we want to lose pigment. Do not get the area wet for the first 48 hours. You want the skin to dry out. Swelling and weeping is normal for the first day or 2. After the first 48 hours you will just wash the area 1-2x daily with a gentle cleanser or antibacterial soap. Do not overly scrub the area. You can use regular lotion if it's dry/itchy, but other than that it’s a dry heal. Basically, just forget about it! Do not disrupt the scabbing process. You want the scab to pull the ink out!
Don’t:
Pick, pull, itch scabs.
Go into direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
Get any type of chemical peel/microdermabrasion on the area or exfoliate the area.
Go into hot tubs for 6 weeks
Full healing is usually between 6-8 weeks after the session.
My tattoo looks darker after the saline removal?
This is a good thing! This means that pigment that was deeper in the skin has now been pushed closer to the surface by the saline solution. The closer to the surface it is, the easier it will come out!
How do I prepare for my appointment?
The same way you would prepare for a cosmetic tattoo/tattoo appointment!
Avoid caffeine, blood thinners, 24 hours before your appointment, and avoid smoking right before your appointment. Do not have irritated or sunburnt skin in the area where you will be receiving the saline removal. Do not receive botox/fillers in or near the treatment site within 4 weeks of appointment. Do not be prescribed/taking antibiotics for 2 weeks before the appointment. Let your artist know of any allergies you may have. For more information check out our cosmetic tattoo tab for more contraindications/preparation.
