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 tattoos.

A natural saline solution called Li-FT is used, the solution is implanted with a machine over existing permanent makeup or small tattoos.

Through osmosis, saline removal persuades the cells to release the ink or pigment. 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. New cell growth begins below, and the scab eventually falls off.

Other than creating a temporary wound, the process has no harmful effects on the body. It affects only the specific area treated, unless severe infection occurs. Proper aftercare is essential to prevent that from happening.

This process is often repeated multiple times to achieve the desired results, while allowing time for the skin to heal in between.

This works on both cosmetic tattoos and conventional tattoos, done with any type of machine or manual tool. Your tattoo must be at least 30 days old before removal. Saline removal is not suitable for medium-large tattoos. Black tattoos are often more resistant to removal, meaning you may need an extra session or two.

If your unwanted tattoo is covered in thick scar tissue, it may require more sessions to remove.

In that case, microneedling over the area between sessions will help to break up the scar tissue and make for more effective removal appointments.

Most clients find that it causes a similar discomfort to getting the tattoo in the first place.

Prior to the procedure, you’ll be numbed with a topical cream for maximum comfort.

While you may see some blood, this is normal and necessary for creating the “controlled scab.”

The solution also contains pure aloe vera gel to calm the skin throughout the service.

Each session takes about 1 hour. Depending on the size of the tattoo and the pigment used in it, 3-6 sessions per 1″x1″ section are typically needed to remove the tattoo completely.

You must wait 30 days between sessions on the same spot, and 2 weeks between sessions on different sections of the same tattoo.

The day of your treatment: The area feels tender and might feel like it’s been burned. It may look very red and swollen.

First several days: 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 discolored and appears fragile, as it’s still healing.

One month later: The skin is looking more normal by now and is ready for the next session.

Immediately After: 30 minutes of leaving your appointment, remove the gauze and let your skin breathe. For the first 24 hours, do not wet the area at all. The skin should appear bright red and gradually begin to scab. During days ~2-4, or until the scab falls off naturally, keep the area clean and dry! No makeup on skincare should go within 1″ of the area from immediately after your service, until scabbing is complete.

Cleanse gently twice daily with unscented Dial hand soap, avoid touching/rubbing/picking, and do not apply any type of balm/ointment or covering. While a scab is forming, the area should be kept dry.

AVOID: soaking, a constant shower stream hitting the area, swimming, saunas, hot tubs, tanning beds/booths, and intense exercise.

Once the scab has fallen off on its own, begin applying a high-quality vitamin e oil or ointment 3x daily. No other creams or chemicals should be applied within 1″ of the area during this time. Keeping up with this vitamin e routine for a minimum of 4 weeks will reduce the risk of scarring or discoloration. The skin may appear pink or discolored for a couple weeks before returning to its original shade by week 4.

Sometimes pigment that had spread underneath the skin may rise to the surface before coming out completely. In these cases, it may appear that the tattoo has “bled” to surrounding tissue. This is all part of the process, and will be corrected during future sessions. Saline removal is a process, not a fast-track.

Desirable results take an average of 3-6 sessions per 1″x1″ section depending on the depth & pigment of the unwanted tattoo, among other factors. In the rare event of increasing discomfort during the healing process, increasing redness and swelling, unusual discharge, or any other signs of infection, please contact us.