Saline Tattoo Removal

Saline removal is a non-laser tattoo removal method that works by lifting pigment particles out of the skin rather than breaking them apart with a laser beam. Instead of heat, we use a saline-based solution made from ingredients like Sea Salt, Purified Water, sometimes citric properties and other healing properties — basically a solution that encourages the skin to release tattoo ink.

It’s beneficial for cosmetic tattoos, where pigment colours and tattooed pigment sit differently in the skin compared to traditional body inks. In my cosmetic tattoo removal work, saline is often the first-line approach because it respects the skin’s integrity while helping dermal cells push pigment upward during healing.

Most professional saline removal solutions — including well-known brands like Botched Ink saline removal — contain a combination of:

• Purified Water
• Sea Salt
• Fruit acids or citric properties
• Healing agents that support skin repair
• Carrier fluid to ensure safe, even implantation

When a tattoo machine or microblading pen is carefully used to implant the saline removal solution into the skin, it initiates a controlled reaction. The pigment particles rise to the surface through osmosis, eventually forming a thin scab. Once that scab is ready, it peels away — and with it, the unwanted colour.

Some saline solutions also incorporate aloe vera–based soothing agents to help calm the skin. However, we still always recommend following proper aftercare instructions and using a gentle antimicrobial ointment afterwards to ensure the healing process stays clean and infection-free.

There are loads to like about choosing saline tattoo removal, and it’s more than just about “having a fresh start” — there are some really good reasons to go with this method:

• A safe option for all skin types and most kinds of tattoo ink colour
• Perfect for delicate cosmetic tattoos — eyebrows, lips, and eyeliner
• Works excellently for reshaping or lightening cosmetic tattoos
• You don’t have to worry about colour shifting or turning ashy/orange
• Old eyebrow tattoos and powder brows respond really well
• It’s suitable to retattoo once healed
• Safe on skin-coloured ink that laser machines struggle with

For people looking for a reset or just a gentle tattoo correction, saline removal sessions are often the way to go.

In my Melbourne tattoo removal studio, I use saline for the following:

• Brow tattoos that healed darker than desired
• Oldmicroblading or powder brows
• Misshapen eyeliner tattoos
• Lip liner corrections or old lip tattoos
• Small body tattoos near the surface
• Skin-type specific corrections for sensitive skin
• Tattoos with reactive pigments unsuitable for laser

Darker black body tattoos may respond better to laser treatment, but cosmetic or lightly coloured tattoos are perfect candidates for saline.

While I love performing saline tattoo removal treatments, there are certain situations where it’s not recommended:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Keloid scarring history
• Use of Roaccutane in the recent past
• Compromised skin barrier
• Recent laser treatment on the same area
• Inability to follow aftercare protocols properly

If you’re unsure whether saline tattoo lightening is right for you, we always perform a patch test to ensure your skin responds safely.

In Melbourne, we’ve found that clients who see the best results from saline tattoo removal usually include:

• Those with older cosmetic tattoos
• People wanting a refresh or reshaping of faded brows or lips
• Clients whose skin handles controlled scabbing well
• Anyone with migrated pigment in brows or eyeliner
• People wanting a fresh start for new tattoo work
• Clients who can wait the eight-week healing window between sessions

When done right, and if you follow aftercare instructions closely, saline removal can be a game-changer for unwanted ink.

Before you come in for saline tattoo removal treatment, make sure you follow these prep steps:

• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and heat treatments
• Stop retinol and acid-based products at least 2 weeks prior
• No chemical peels or tints beforehand
• Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
• Avoid alcohol 24 hours before your session
• Remove lash extensions if treating eyeliner tattoos

We use medical-grade equipment, topical anaesthetics and disposable tools to ensure every procedure is safe and sterile.

Most people are surprised at how similar this feels to getting a new tattoo — minus the excitement. We use a cosmetic tattoo machine or microblading pen to implant the saline solution into the unwanted tattooed area.

The skin reacts by pushing pigment upward and forming a thin scab — this is where the magic happens. It’s not a long process; within a week, you’ll see visible exfoliation and pigment lifting.

If you feel heat or redness post-treatment, we use a handheld cooling fan to calm the skin.

Here’s what a normal saline removal healing process looks like:

Because aftercare affects post-inflammatory healing, moisturise only when advised and never pick scabs.

Aftercare for saline removal is key:

Do:

• Keep the area dry for 48 hours
• Dab gently with sterile saline if needed
• Use aloe vera or antimicrobial ointment if advised
• Sleep slightly elevated to reduce swelling

Don’t:

• Touch or peel scabs
• Apply makeup
• Sweat heavily or visit saunas
• Swim or steam
• Use active skincare ingredients

Most healing issues happen when clients interfere with scabs or forget the no-gym rule.

This depends on pigment depth, age, colour and saturation. For my Melbourne saline tattoo clients:

• Light shading or corrections: 1–2 sessions
• Medium cosmetic tattoos: 2–4 sessions
• Deep or older tattoos: 4–6 sessions
• Small body tattoos: 3–6 sessions

Each session is spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow full skin recovery.

Most side effects are mild and temporary:

Normal:

• Redness and scabbing
• Itching and tightness
• Temporary pigment darkening before fading

Not normal (contact me ASAP):

• Pus or spreading redness
• Severe pain or swelling
• Signs of infection

With sterile technique and correct aftercare, complications are very rare.

Pigment science is half art and half chemistry. Different tattoo ink formulas react differently. Cosmetic tattoos often contain iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and carbon black. These pigments respond beautifully to saline removal techniques because saline encourages ink extraction without heat.

Some pigments — especially skin-coloured ink — can actually darken with laser, which is why saline eyebrow tattoo removal or lip tattoo removal can be safer.

Understanding colour theory in tattooing is part of every advanced training system for certified artists, which is why I also teach in-person and online training courses on pigment behaviour.