Saline tattoo removal is a method used to remove a cosmetic tattoo, using saline solution to draw the pigment to the surface of the skin, with a sterile, disposable hand tool to insert the solution into the skin.
IIWhat We Remove
What saline removal can lift
Brows from microblading, powder or ombre work, permanent eyeliner, lip blushing, and color that healed the wrong tone. How much lifts in each session depends on how deep the pigment was implanted, how old it is, and how your skin heals. Older, shallower work usually lifts faster than dense, recently implanted pigment.
Microblading and brow removal. The most common request we see in Los Angeles. Lightening old strokes usually takes two to four sessions and gives a much cleaner base for new brows.
Permanent eyeliner removal. Saline is gentler than laser on the thin skin around the eye, and it avoids the risk of laser darkening some pigments instead of lightening them.
Lip blush removal. Used when lip color healed too bright, too cool or uneven. It is often followed by a corrective lip blush once the area has fully healed.
We work on cosmetic tattoos only, which means permanent makeup. We do not remove body tattoos. If that is what you need, a laser clinic is the right place to go.
IIIThe Process
Sessions, and saline vs laser
01
How many sessions will it take
More than one, almost always. Sessions are spaced six to eight weeks apart so the skin heals fully in between, and it is often two to four in total. The honest answer is that nobody can give you a number before seeing the work and watching how your skin responds to the first session.
02
Saline or laser
Saline draws pigment up and out through the skin’s own healing process. Laser breaks the pigment down so the body can carry it away. For permanent makeup, saline avoids two risks that laser carries: blistering, and the color shift that can happen with some pigment bases, where laser darkens the work rather than lightening it. Saline is also gentler on the thin skin around the eyes and lips, and it costs less.
IVWhat’s Next
What happens after removal
Most people are not removing because they want bare brows. They are removing so something better can go there. Once the area has settled, it can be reworked: microblading, powder and ombre brows, nano brows, permanent eyeliner or lip blushing. Lightening first almost always gives a cleaner result than layering new pigment over old, which is why we will sometimes recommend one or two removal sessions before a correction rather than going straight over the top.
Booking and pricing
Removal is quoted at consultation rather than from a price list, because the number depends on the area, how much pigment is in the skin and how many sessions it is likely to take. The consultation is free, and we will tell you honestly if we do not think removal will get you where you want to be. We are in West Los Angeles on Santa Monica Blvd.
VRefresh or Remove
Refresh, or lighten first?
While faded strokes are still visible, an artist can follow them with a refresh. Once brows have faded to a grey or warm cast, or shifted color rather than simply faded, the work becomes correction — which takes longer and sometimes needs more than one session. Lightening first often gives a better result than layering new pigment over old.
We use a numbing cream which helps with the pain. Most clients describe the procedure to feel uncomfortable rather than painful.
Q 02
Will one session remove my permanent makeup?
Answer
It depends how dark and old the area is. Each session will be spaced from 6 – 8 weeks, depending on how skin heals.
Q 03
Saline tattoo removal vs laser removal
Answer
Saline tattoo removal is less painful than laser removal which can cause blistering and potential scars. Saline tattoo removal is also much more cost efficient than laser treatments.
Q 04
Can you remove a body tattoo with this method?
Answer
Here at Elite, we only remove cosmetic tattoos – permanent makeup.
Q 05
How much does PMU removal cost in Los Angeles?
Answer
Removal is quoted at a free consultation, because the price depends on the area, how much pigment is in the skin and how many sessions it is likely to take. We will also tell you honestly if we do not think removal will get you the result you want.