Tattoos are permanent, but sometimes people change their minds. People decide to get rid of tattoos for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes their style changes or the tattoo is associated with bad memories. Or maybe the tattoo simply came out looking different than they envisioned or the job was botched to begin with.
All of these reasons for tattoo removal can be applied to microblading and permanent makeup as well! Whether you’re here looking to remove eyebrow tattoos, you’re considering getting permanent makeup and want to know what your options are should you change your mind later, or you just want to learn more about the process for permanent makeup removal, read on to have all your questions answered!
How Does Saline Removal For Permanent Makeup Work?
The process for saline removal of permanent makeup is almost like getting a tattoo in reverse. The technician will use a tool similar to what was used to create the tattoo to inject a saline solution into the skin. The saline solution contains sodium chloride (salt) and purified water and may include additives such as aloe vera, lemon seed extract, and orange seed extract to help with effectiveness and healing. Through a process called osmosis, the saline solution works to break down the pigment in the skin and pull it to the surface.
As the new cuts in the skin heal, the broken-down pigment gets dried up and stuck in the scab that forms. It may take up to 8-10 weeks for the skin to heal and the scab to fall off, and when it does, the pigment will be noticeably lighter.
What’s The Difference Between Saline And Laser Tattoo Removal?
Saline and laser tattoo removal are both safe and effective methods for removing unwanted tattoos. Laser tattoo removal has been around longer than saline removal, and differs in that it uses heat from lasers to reach deep into the skin to break up dark pigments. Both methods have a similar healing process involving a scab that needs to fully heal afterward.
Laser tattoo removal may not be the best choice for tattoos that are located near your eyes and when tattoos contain light-colored pigments. Because of the way lasers work, the light from the lasers may bounce off of light-colored pigments (this is always true for tattoos containing white ink). Saline removal works effectively on all colors.
Other benefits of choosing saline tattoo removal over laser removal include:
- It’s more natural because it utilizes salt water
- It’s often less painful than laser removal
- It can be more cost-effective because removal is usually achieved in fewer sessions
- It can be used on darker skin tones
- Laser removal leaves broken-down ink in the body; saline removal draws the ink out of the skin
Who Is A Candidate For Saline Tattoo Removal?
Saline tattoo removal is ideal for removing small tattoos and permanent makeup. Consider the type of tattoo you want removed and factors about your health and lifestyle when thinking about having a tattoo removed and what type of removal therapy to use. Talk to a professional to help you determine the best option for you.
You May Be A Good Saline Removal Candidate If:
- You have a tattoo smaller than a deck of cards
- You’re prepared to follow aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing
- You don’t have any health concerns or skin conditions that will interfere with skin healing
Avoid Saline Microblading Removal If:
- You have a skin condition such as skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis, or undiagnosed rashes or blisters located on or near the tattoo to be treated
- You are prone to keloid scarring
- You are diabetic or have another health condition that prolongs or interferes with healing
Is Saline Microblading Removal Safe?
Saline removal for microblading, permanent makeup, or other small tattoos is a relatively safe procedure. Saline is a naturally occurring solution. Saline removal has the benefit of drawing pigments out of the skin as opposed to laser tattoo removal where inks are broken down and left to be absorbed by the body – meaning that with saline removal, you’re left with fewer foreign chemicals in your body.
The possible side effects and complications of saline microblading removal are minimal. There is a small risk of scarring and infection which can be minimized with proper care after the procedure.
How Effective Is Saline Removal For Eyebrow Tattoos?
The effectiveness of saline removal depends on how pigmented the tattoo being removed is and on the desired outcome. Very dark tattoos and microblading may require more sessions to be fully faded. Multiple sessions are usually required for microblading to completely disappear. If you just want partial fading of your microblading or you plan to have your microblading redone, you may only need one session. Be aware that your removal process will be very individualized.
Is Saline Microblading Removal Painful?
Saline microblading removal is not very painful, but this depends on your pain tolerance and how sensitive your skin is. Saline removal is typically less painful than laser tattoo removal. Many clients describe it as stinging or prickling, or as more uncomfortable than painful.
What To Know After Saline Tattoo Removal
For best results after saline microblading removal and to prevent complications such as scarring and infection, be sure to follow the instructions given to you by your technician. You can typically follow these guidelines:
- Allow the wound to dry out and heal by leaving it uncovered unless you work in a high-risk environment with more potential exposure to infections
- Don’t pick at the scab and allow it to fall off naturally
- Don’t use makeup or cosmetic products on the wounds or scabs
- If drainage is present, gently blot it away with a tissue, but don’t rub
- Avoid getting the wounds or scabs wet in the shower or by swimming
- Avoid heavy sweating, heat, and sun exposure
- Only use moisturizers as advised by your technician
- Stay hydrated and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption to promote healing
Saline Microblading Removal Near Grand Rapids
If you need help fixing or removing microblading, let me help you! GR Beauty Game is located in Jenison, Michigan, conveniently situated near Grand Rapids and the surrounding Grand Rapids area. You can call me or reach out via my online booking system or contact form, and I’ll get back to you to complete a phone consultation. I look forward to helping you achieve a brow look you’ll love!