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What is saline removal and how does it work?Saline removal is a process that uses saline (salt water) to fade or completely remove permanent brow makeup. ​ The solution is injected into the tattoo using a tool similar to a pixelblading pen, then left for a short period of time. This allows the salt water to break down the ink in the skin and essentially pull it out. ​ This will trigger a process in which the saline will pull out the pigment through the skin’s outer layer. That area will heal, scab over, and fall off to reveal a lighter tattoo. ​ The saline fluid is typically made up of sodium chloride (salt) and purified water. Some brands include additives like glycerine or soothing ingredients.
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What can you use saline removal for?It’s an excellent option for smaller tattoos with lighter colors. Saline tattoo removal is particularly effective for permanent brow makeup.
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What does an eyebrow tattoo look like after saline treatment?Once the scab heals and falls off, the eyebrow tattoo will fade significantly (possibly completely with enough sessions). The results can also be pretty dramatic for brows with lighter colors. However, if your pigment is darker like black, the results may be less noticeable during the first few sessions or the saline removal process may not be the best option for you.
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Is the removal of saline tattoo painful?It feels very similar to a permanent brow makeup procedure but for a much shorter amount of time. Some describe it as a pricklng or stinging sensation. ​ The discomfort varies depending on your pain tolerance and how sensitive your skin is to treatments. Some may even experience after-treatment soreness and/or swelling.
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Saline Removal vs Laser RemovalCompared to saline treatment, laser removal has been around for much longer and is currently one of the most popular methods for getting rid of unwanted tattoos. It works by targeting the ink particles in your skin and breaking them down using high-intensity light. It can penetrate much deeper into your skin to destroy pigment remnants that may have been missed during the initial treatment. However, not everyone can have laser treatments. For instance, if your tattoo is located near the eyes or has a lot of white in it — making it harder to treat — then laser tattoo removal may not be a good option for you. ​ Saline tattoo removal is a good choice if you want a natural solution that doesn’t require extensive recovery time or cause unwanted side effects. Here’s a closer comparison between the two: ​ 1. Saline eyebrow tattoo removal is less painful than laser removal. ​ People often feel more pain with laser treatment because it’s breaking up the ink with heat. That can mean a burning sensation that some find painful or intolerable. In contrast, saline tattoo removal can feel like a mild stinging sensation, but for most people, it simply feels uncomfortable at most. ​ 2. Tattoo removal saline is more effective for permanent makeup. ​ Laser tattoo removal is a fantastic option for bigger and darker tattoos. Laser is better at breaking up dense colors and shades, such as black. When the saline solution comes in contact with a tattoo, it only affects the top layer of skin—the epidermis. This means that saline will remove lighter tattoos more effectively than laser would. That’s why it’s important to note that for permanent makeup like microblading, a saline solution treatment can work better than laser. ​ 3. Both have similar healing processes. ​ Whether you go for laser or saline eyebrow tattoo removal, you need to let the skin heal completely before each session. This can take 8 weeks for saline, and at least 6 weeks or longer for laser. A scab will form over the area treated with either treatment type, and it can take a few weeks to heal. Make sure to follow aftercare instructions, such as not pulling at the scab, to avoid scarring and infections. Also make sure to schedule your appointment when you don't have any important events in the next few weeks. ​ 4. Laser is great for larger tattoos, while saline is ideal for smaller ones. ​ If you have a larger tattoo (especially with lots of black and dark shades), laser tattoo removal is the way to go. For small and subtle tattoos, saline can be a better option for fading or removing it, with fewer sessions than laser requires. ​ 5. Laser treatments can be more expensive than saline. ​ Since laser treatment targets ink at a deeper level in the skin, it’s pricier than saline tattoo removal. Most people need 6-8 or more laser sessions before their tattoo is fully removed, while saline tattoo removal sessions are typically shorter and with less frequency. ​ 6. Saline and laser are both safe methods for removing a tattoo. ​ Both saline and laser are effective methods for removing or fading a tattoo. However, some people prefer saline because of its more natural properties. Some also choose saline for cosmetic work like microblading, because laser treatment may require the eyebrow hair to be shaved off. In contrast, saline eyebrow tattoo removal can go on top of the hair without shaving. ​ 7. Saline may be a better choice if you have dark or sensitive skin. ​ Unlike laser removal, there’s less chance of scarring with saline tattoo treatment. It’s also more gentle on the skin. Any redness or scabbing usually disappears within a few days or weeks, and there’s less swelling and discomfort than with laser treatment.
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Saline vs Laser Removal: Which one is better?Both saline and laser tattoo removal can cause excellent results. However, there are some instances when saline treatment may be the better option: ​ If your skin is more sensitive or prone to scarring, then opt for saline tattoo removal. It also causes less swelling and discomfort than laser does, so you should consider it if you have sensitive or thin skin that’s easily irritated. If you have a tattoo with lighter colors, you’re better off with saline removal. If you have a larger or darker tattoo, especially those with black ink, then laser treatment may be the better choice for you. Saline is generally cheaper than laser. This makes it a good option if the budget is an important factor for you. For permanent makeup tattoos, tattoo removal saline is usually safer and more effective.
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Does saline removal actually work?Absolutely, it does. Saline removal is on the rise, and it’s actually proving to be more effective than laser treatment in certain cases.
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Is saline removal safe?Saline tattoo removal is safe with very few risks involved. Aftercare is incredibly important to avoid infection and produce bettter results. However, it’s not recommended for those with serious skin conditions which can impede healing. See Warnings and Disclosures below.
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What can I expect during saline removal?You’ll often need several sessions for successful results using this method. Plan for 8 weeks of healing time in between each session, and avoid picking at the scab. It is impossible to predict how many sessions will be needed as everyone's skin responds differently.
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What solution is used for saline removal?Salt and purified water. You may also see some other ingredients depending on the brand your practitioner uses, but these two are the principal components.
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How many sessions are needed for saline removal?It is impossible to predict how many sessions will be needed as everyone's skin responds differently. Some determining factors are the color of the tattoo and the intended final goal.
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Who should avoid saline removal?Those under 18 years of age Pregnant and lactating women People with glaucoma People with skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and undiagnosed rashes or blisters on the site that is to be treated Those prone to keloids or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation Those with transmittable blood conditions like HIV or Hepatitis Active skin cancer on the treated area Patients undergoing chemotherapy. I would require a doctor’s note in order to perform the procedure for anyone undergoing chemotherapy Are a hemophiliac Those with allergies to alcohol or numbing agents Have healing disorders, diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or had mitral valve Disorder
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What is pixelblading?Pixelblading & shading is the process of gently implanting pigment into the skin using tiny pixel dots. Specialized pixel blades are used to lightly prick the skin, depositing beautiful pixel dots of color. Because these are such small pricks instead of slices, the healing is incredibly easy! Only slight amount of scabbing, if any. These pigmented dots can be places in a row to form the look of hair strokes. They can also create shading either in-between strokes, or build an entire textured brow on their own. I will artistically place these pixel dots to give movement, texture and fullness all at the same time.
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What can pixelblading be used for?Pixelblading is an amazing eyebrow treatment for people who have the wrong brow shape or have over plucked, lost hair or have patchy areas that won’t grow back. It puts the finest hairs back into eyebrows with pigment to provide definition and dimension. It is the most natural enhancement to control the shape and symmetry of your eyebrows.
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How long does it last?The pigment is at its brightest for 9 to 12 months, lasting up to 24 months on the fairest skin. It will eventually fade mostly away if you do not maintain touch-ups. Semi-Permanent make up is an art, not a science. Your skin type, health and lifestyle will determine the final result. Client results will vary.
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What factors will affect the results and longevity?Oily skin: Increased oil production can cause hair strokes to bur and heal lighter and powdery. Pixelblading is a better option than microblading for good results on oily skin. ​ Smoking: Smokers may notice that their semi-permanent cosmetics will fade faster. ​ Anemia and iron deficiency: Your body will absorb iron based pigments more quickly. ​ Sun Exposure: Increase exposure to the sun will cause premature fading. You will want to use a sunscreen for your semi-permanent cosmetics. ​ Age and Metabolism: The faster your metabolism the faster the pigment will fade. Bleeding During the Procedure: Excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in my control, it is important that you follow pre-procedure instructions to help minimize bleeding. This includes avoiding alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before your procedure
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Will I need a touch up?Yes. In fact, your perfecting appointment is part of the initial process and will take place approximately 5-8 weeks after your initial procedure. I would recommend routine touch-ups (9-18 months) as your microblade strokes will naturally fade over time.They will go through several phases during the healing cycle. The pigment will appear very sharp and dark immediately after the procedure and will appear thicker. This is because the pigment is still sitting on top of your skin and has not yet settled in completely. The color of the pigment will soften gradually. Once the healing of the skin starts taking place, it will look like dandruff flakes or dry skin. This might give you the impression that the color pigment is fading too quickly, however, this is just superficial color and dry skin being naturally removed from your eyebrows resulting in "soft, natural looking" hair strokes. ​ Remember, everyone’s skin is different, as is the healing process. Therefore, no guarantee can be made that a specific client will benefit the same as another from this procedure. This is the process of inserting pigment into the basal layer of the epidermis, a less permanent form of tattooing. While results are indeed wonderful it is important to note just how much this may rely on your individual skin texture, oiliness and health.
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Does it hurt?There can be a minor amount of discomfort but you will be numbed with lidocaine cream. However, everyone's tolerance is different. To ensure you are as comfortable as possible, I will use the same numbing cream a doctor would use when administering fillers or Botox. For women, you will be more sensitive if you are hormonal. Plan your appointments accordingly. Some soreness, swelling and discomfort may be present after your procedure.
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Are the natural brows removed?No. Your brows do not need to be removed for the service. We may choose to remove random hairs that are outside of the brow shape but the procedure can occur within your natural brows.
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How long does the procedure take?Please allow approximately 2-3 hours for the procedure. We will begin with a consultation so that we can discuss your goals and inform you about what to expect during, and after, your procedure. We will discuss and draw your perfect shape. Then I will apply numbing cream and you will complete your paperwork while it sits. Approximately 6 weeks later, I allot another 2 hours for Perfecting Sessions and touch-ups, which may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. You will appreciate the care and time I take for your appointment; It is my goal to make you feel comfortable during every step of the procedure. ​ Babies and children cannot be present during your appointment so please make the necessary arrangements in advance.
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How long does healing take?Less than a week and in most cases usually just a few days. However, please allow AT LEAST 5-7 days if you have an event or special occasion coming up! Color intensity will be dark the first few days after the procedure. Then, in about 3-5 days, it is followed by mild flaking. After this time, the color will subside and start to take a subtler appearance as the skin heals.
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Who should not receive permanent brow services with me?Microblading and pixelblading are not recommended for anyone who is or has the following: ​ Sick with cold, flu, Covid -19 or infection. Please reschedule your appointment and stay home to recover. Skin irritations including sunburn, rash, eczema, rosacea, shingles, acne or psoriasis near the treated area. Pregnant or nursing Under 18 Had Botox within 3 weeks of the scheduled appointment Used Accutane in the past year Diabetes Epilepsy Undergoing chemo Prone to keloid scarring Pacemaker or major heart problems Had an organ transplant Transmittable blood disease, HIV or Hepatitis Previous permanent makeup or tattoo on brow area, unless the density of the color is 30% or less Are using blood thinner medications (i.e. prescription, fish oil, aspirin). You will need to be off of any blood thinners for 3 days prior to the procedure and will need to provide a letter from your physician approving the process.
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