Saline Tattoo Removal

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What is salt and saline REMOVAL?

This method of tattoo removal is a simple and safe method predominantly used for the removal of permanent cosmetics (SPMU). Saline tattoo removal is a procedure that uses a saline solution to draw tattoo ink or pigment out of the skin. It can be used to lighten or fully remove semi permanent tattoos.

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What Saline Solution Is Used for Tattoo Removal?

Saline solution for tattoo removal is made of a mixture of salt and water. When the sterile salt solution is implanted into the unwanted tattoo ink, the osmotic process is induced which successfully attracts the fragmented ink particles, drawing them out of the skin. 

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When is Saline Tattoo Removal Best?

Not all pigments used in cosmetic tattoos respond well to laser treatment. The ingredients in these pigments are different from those used in conventional ink used in traditional tattoos, and laser treatment could change the colour of some rather than lightening them. Saline Tattoo Removal is best for use in reducing pigment from small, semi permanent tattoos.

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How does Saline Tattoo Removal work?

This procedure can be carried out using a similar technique to that used to create semi permanent brows using a tattoo machine to implant the saline solution under the skin drawing out the pigment beneath.  Alternatively, it can also be removed using the similar technique to microblading where a small hand held tool is used to deposit the solution into the skin.

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This then initiates the process known as osmosis, Osmosis relies on the principle of equalization. When there is a semipermeable membrane that has a more highly concentrated solution on one side, water tends to move across the membrane toward that concentrated solution in an attempt to create equal conditions on each side. When saline is injected into the skin, water is pulled up from the cells of the dermis, and some of the pigment comes along for the ride. A scab forms on the open wound created by the saline injection, and the pigment becomes part of the scab.

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Are there any risks or side effects?​

During treatment, the client should expect some minor bleeding and some bruising. The treated area will also be tender for a few days. The skin should scab over and heal over the course of a few weeks. Fading will happen gradually over several months. Infection also poses a concern, since you’re dealing with an open wound. Keeping the area clean and following aftercare guidelines exactly is crucial.

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What are the benefits of Saline Tattoo Removal?

The tattoo will become lighter and may possibly fade completely over time. The skin may be re-tattooed once the area has sufficiently healed. Significantly cheaper than laser treatment.  Does not cause hypo or hyperpigmentation on skin.

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Am I a good candidate for this treatment?

Individuals who are patient and willing to follow aftercare instructions are ideal candidates. Clients on blood-thinning medications or who expect immediate results are not ideal candidates for this treatment.

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What final results can I expect?

Clients should be realistic in their expectations. They should expect a lightening of the tattoo, not full removal. Clients should expect three to four procedures before they see the desired results.

Healing and Aftercare Process

On the day of treatment the area will feel tender and might feel like it’s been burned. It may look very red and swollen and you may have some slight bruising.

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• Day 1 to 3: The area will scab over.

• One week later: The area remains scabbed over. 

• Two weeks later: The scab has probably fallen off. The skin still looks pink or discoloured and may appear fragile, as it is still in the healing process.

• One month later: Your skin will look more like normal now.

• Two months later: The area will have completely healed (in most cases!) and your next session is due.

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You must follow the guidelines to ensure an effective and speedy recovery process. Standard tattoo removal aftercare guidelines for saline removal include the following: 

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• Don’t cover the area (unless you work in a place with a higher risk of infection, like a hospital).

• Leave the area alone while healing. Don’t wash or pick at it. Avoid lotions and soaps.

• Keep the area out of the sun. 

• Avoid activities that cause sweating, as well as immersing the area in water, until the scab has completely fallen off. 

• Allow the scab to fall off on its own!

• Apply vitamin E oil as directed by your specialist after the scab falls off.