What is Saline Lightening/Removal?

Saline lightening/removal is a tattoo removal method that uses a traditional tattoo gun and a saline solution to push the pigment out of your body. This procedure may take multiple sessions depending on age, depth, and location of the tattoo. This procedure can be done on permanent makeup and/or traditional body tattoos.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

  • Do not work out 24 hours before procedure.

  • NO alcohol or caffeine 24 hours before procedure (Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee and tea!).

  • Avoid sun and tanning one week prior to procedure.

  • Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 24 hours before procedure.

  • Avoid power shakes and power greens, Fish Oil, and "Hair, Skin, Nail" supplements 24 hours prior to procedure.

  • Discontinue Glycolics, Chemical Peels and Retin-A 4 weeks prior.

  • Refrain from use of any Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products close to the eyebrow area 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after your procedure. Check your moisturizer, facewash BB or CC creams and makeup primers for anything that says acid.

  • Please Note: You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle as well.

  • You have to be off any kind of Accutane for 1 year. NO Exceptions!

  • Fillers should be done six weeks prior to scheduled procedure or six weeks after procedure.

  • Botox should be performed two weeks prior to scheduled procedure or two weeks after.

What is the healing process/aftercare like?

Day 1-14:

Wash your hands with soap, then clean the procedure area with unscented soap and water. Keep dry until scabs have fallen off.

Day 14+:

You can moisturize the treatment area with the provided ointment until the next session.

Must avoid the following until scabs fall off:

1. PICKING, TOUCHING OR PULLING SCABS: It is best to keep scabs on as long as possible. Disrupting the natural healing process may lead to pigment loss, scarring, and/or infection.

2. GETTING TATTOO WET: This means, no baths, swimming, hot tubs, etc. You can shower as normal but must keep the area out of the spray of water. (Note: If it gets wet, gently pat dry. Do not let it stay wet for more than a few minutes)

3. EXCESSIVE SWEATING: no saunas, exercising, tanning, or hot tubs! Sweating on and sweating in general will push out the pigment from your body and/or make the scabs fall off prematurely.

4. MAKEUP AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS: use harsh cleansers, creams, make up, Benzoyl peroxide, Apple cider vinegar, Hydrogen peroxide, Glycolic acid, Retinols, Vitamin E or C, or other beauty products in this area. These products can lighten or fade the tattoo faster. Salt water or chlorine can also deteriorate the pigment faster. Rinse with water after contact.

5. FACIAL TREATMENTS: Such as facials, Botox, lip injections, chemical treatments, and microdermabrasion for at least 4 weeks post-procedure.

6. AIRBORNE DEBRIS: Performing tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as garage or basement cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris or driving in open air vehicles such as convertibles, boats, bicycles, or motorcycles.

7. SMOKING and DRINKING ALCOHOL: these may lead to slow healing of wounds.

Do you use numbing?

Yes! I use 2 different kinds of numbing - a cream topical numbing to start and once we open up the skin, I use a liquid numbing.

How long do I have to wait for the next session?

Clients must wait at least 6 weeks before the next session. No exceptions as we need the treatment area to be completely healed.

Saline vs. Laser Lightening/Removal

SALINE LIGHTENING/REMOVAL

  • Uses osmosis theory/method to remove pigment

  • Saline solutions do not recognize color and removes pigment uniformly including white.

  • Lifts pigment up and out of body

LASER REMOVAL

  • Different wavelengths penetrate at different depths and remove different colors of pigment. If ink/pigment does not absorb laser light, it does not shatter. If it does not shatter, it will not be removed.

  • Pushes pigment into body to process and expel