Question 1

How exactly does saline tattoo removal work? How does it work compared to laser tattoo removal?

Accepted Answer

Saline tattoo removal works by tattooing a sterile saline solution into the area with pigment to be removed. The saline solution then works through osmosis to draw the undesired pigment to the surface of the skin. As the skin forms a scab through the healing process, pigment is pushed out from the surface of skin and falls off with the scab.
 
Laser tattoo removal works by using a laser to target undesired pigment, breaking it into smaller particles that are then absorbed through the lymphatic system. The pigment is then expelled with your urine.

Question 2

What are the major differences between saline vs laser tattoo removal?

Accepted Answer

Saline removal:
- 2-5 sessions to get full removal, if removal is possible. Most commonly at least 2-3 sessions to start seeing visible lightening. After 5 sessions, if the pigment is not coming out, it most likely will not be removed by saline removal.
- Can target ALL colors of ink.
- Pain level: We numb the skin, so most clients will not feel the actual process itself. However, you will feeling stinging from the high concentrations saline solution.
- Does not damage the hair follicle.
- Does not cause scarring when done properly.
- Recovery: Must keep dry, thick scab for 1-2 weeks, after which time it will look healed. Skin takes 6 weeks to fully heal.
- We recommend 6-8 weeks between sessions or before the area can be tattooed again.
 
Laser removal:
- 3-10 sessions to get full removal, if full removal is possible. 
- Selective depending on color of ink. Some ink colors are difficult to remove, whereas some (such as white/nude/titanium oxide based pigments) are not possible to remove at all (without a highly specialized laser).
- Pain level: Even with numbing, most clients report it hurts more than the tattoo itself.
- May damage the hair follicle.
- Does not cause scarring when done properly, but many agressive laser technicians end up causing scarring.
- We recommend waiting at least 6 months after your last laser session before coming to see us to have that area tattooed again.

Question 3

How long does 1 session take?

Accepted Answer

Typically anywhere from 1-1.5h depending on the area to be treated.

Question 4

Is there any downtime after?

Accepted Answer

The treated area will be VERY red for about 1-2 days. Afterwards, heavy scabbing is encouraged by keeping the area dry, no aftercare creams are to be used. 
 
No sweating, swimming, long hot baths/showers, steam rooms, etc.

Question 5

Does saline tattoo removal work on all types of tattoos?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can safely use it to remove both cosmetic and body tattoos on anywhere of the body, however it is not ideal for very large tattoos. Ideally, no larger than 3-4 inches by 3-4 inches.

Question 6

How long do I have to wait after a tattoo to receive saline removal?

Accepted Answer

Tattoo must be at least 6 weeks old (fully healed).

Saline Tattoo Removal