Saline tattoo removal has become more popular as a safer and more natural alternative to laser removal. It involves using a saline solution to lift the tattoo pigment from the skin and the body will then expel it through its natural healing process. But can you do saline tattoo removal at home? Here’s what you need to know.
Process
In a professional setting, saline tattoo removal is done by trained technicians who use specialized tools and equipment. The process involves:
- Skin Preparation: The area is cleaned and sanitized to prevent infection and prepare the outer layer of skin.
- Application of Saline Solution: A tattoo machine or micropigmentation device is used to implant a saline solution into the dermis layer, targeting unwanted tattoo pigments.
- Healing Process: Over time the saline solution draws the tattoo ink particles to the surface, a scab forms and eventually falls off, taking the pigment with it. This method works for both tattoo pigments and cosmetic tattoo pigments.
What You Need to Know
It’s tempting to try this at home but it’s not recommended for several reasons:
- Infection: Without proper sterilization techniques and aftercare instructions you can introduce bacteria into the skin and get severe infections and fluid drainage from lymph fluid.
- Scarring: Wrong application can cause permanent scarring or uneven skin texture especially if the layer of skin is not handled properly.
- Ineffectiveness: Without the right tools, microblading pen or professional tattoo machine and knowledge the procedure might not work as intended and you’ll be left with unsatisfactory results and potentially darker tattoo pigments remaining.
- Safety Concerns: Professionals are trained to handle complications like allergic reactions, excessive bleeding and skin damage. They know the risk of scarring and can use aftercare serums and concentrated solutions to minimize the risks.
Techniques and Alternatives
Removal Techniques
Saline tattoo removal involves specific techniques and tools, like a saline removal procedure for unwanted pigment. A certified cosmetic tattoo artist applies the saline treatment to the dermis layer of the skin to lift the ink particles and prevent hair follicles from getting damaged. Saline tattoo removal is a well-known technique among cosmetic tattoo artists for both traditional tattoos and cosmetic tattoo removal.
Alternatives
- Laser Tattoo Removal: A popular method for traditional tattoos, laser treatments use light energy to break down tattoo pigments. It’s more expensive and doesn’t work well on lighter colours.
- Tattoo Lightening: If you have extensive tattoos, lightening the current tattoo will make it easier to cover up. Saline removal treatments work for this.
- Professional Saline Tattoo Removal Sessions: Cosmetic tattoo artist trained in saline removal do a safer and more effective alternative to DIY tattoo removal creams and dangerous acids like glycolic acid or Salicylic acid.
Risks and Side Effects
Using DIY tattoo removal kits or trying salt abrasion at home can lead to:
- Skin Damage: Damage to the top layer of skin and deeper layers.
- Scarring: Scarring is common with bad technique.
- Excruciating Pain: Without professional tools it’s going to hurt like hell.
- Darker Skin Tones: Darker skin types and tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation and uneven results.
- Infections: Unsanitized tools and bad aftercare increases the risk of infection.
Healing
After a salt tattoo removal session the skin goes through a natural healing process that involves:
- Scabbing: The salt solution draws out the unwanted tattoo ink to the surface.
- Scab Falling Off: The scab naturally falls off within 8-10 weeks taking the ink with it.
- Aftercare Instructions: Proper aftercare is keeping the area clean with a clean paper towel and following aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
Get a Professional
Salt removal is best done by professionals who know the treatment techniques:
- Cosmetic Tattoo Trainers: Professionals who train others in salt eyebrow tattoo removal and eyeliner tattoos.
- Experienced Tattoo Artists: Artists who know alternative tattoo removal methods and how tattoo removal affects different skin types. Professionals who offer cosmetic tattoo courses will tell you that mastering salt tattoo removal is key.
Summary
Salt tattoo removal is not a DIY process. Trying to do it at home with dangerous tattoo removal methods like tattooing with salt or using DIY tattoo removal creams can lead to complications like scarring and skin damage. Always get a certified cosmetic tattoo artist or professional tattoo removal specialist to do it for you.
FAQ
What is saline tattoo removal?
Saline tattoo removal is a non-laser method that uses a saline solution to lift tattoo pigments from the skin. It’s safer and more natural than laser removal and can remove cosmetic tattoo pigments or traditional tattoos.
How long does it take for saline tattoo removal to work?
Multiple sessions are required, with 6-8 weeks of healing time between each session. The time frame depends on tattoo size, age, depth and removal method.
Is saline tattoo removal painful?
It can be uncomfortable but most professionals apply a numbing agent to reduce pain. Pain tolerance varies and it feels like getting a tattoo or microblading.
Can all tattoos be removed with saline?
Saline removal works best on smaller tattoos, unwanted microblading, eyeliner tattoo, and permanent makeup tattoos. Less effective for larger or more densely inked tattoos with darker skin tones or deeper skin layers.
What are the side effects?
Redness, swelling, scabbing, stinging. Permanent scarring or scarring risk when done by a professional.
