Saline Tattoo Removal: An Overview

Do you have an eyebrow tattoo disaster that needs to be fixed? Small tattoo you're no longer a fan of? Saline tattoo removal may be an option for you. Elite Enhancements uses Li-Lift, a natural lightening agent to lighten unwanted pigment from the skin,

What is saline tattoo removal?

• Saline tattoo removal uses a natural saline solution called Li-Lift. It is implanted over existing permanent makeup or small tattoos using a machine and needles, or manual tools with needles. Implanting the solution into the skin breaks up the healed pigment and begins to lift the pigment out of the skin by osmosis. The pigment pulls towards the surface of the skin thanks to the saline solution and becomes a scab. The scab then falls off and leaves a lightened tattoo.

How does it work?

• Osmosis is a process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one, thus equalizing the concentrations on one side of the membrane.

• Water in the cells beneath the pigment contain lower amounts of salt and water will rise to the area containing higher concentrations of salt (which is your saline solution). It is through this process that the pigment is lifted up and out of the skin as opposed to it primarily being absorbed back into it, as in the case with laser removal for example. The scabs that form contain the trapped pigment, thus the pigment is removed when the scabs fall off resulting in a lighter tattoo.

How many sessions are needed?

• There is no set number of sessions and there is no way for you to know exactly how many it will take to lighten pigment significantly. In some cases, one session will be enough but in many a few sessions will be needed, it is critical that the skin is given adequate time to heal between sessions- approximately 6-8 weeks, no sooner.

Factors that affect how many sessions will be needed:

- What type of pigment is being removed.

- How long ago and how deeply was the ink implanted.

- How saturated the pigment is.

- What part of the body is the pigment being removed from.

- How sensitive is your skin?

- How well did you follow aftercare and how well did you heal?

- How much pigment needs to be removed.

Who is a candidate for Saline Removal?

• The simple answer is anyone that has had poor permanent makeup or tattoos that they want removed from their bodies. That said, there are certain people who will be poor candidates.

People who are NOT good candidates for saline removal include:

• People taking blood thinners or those with bleeding disorders (consult with doctor prior to appointment).

• People with skin irritations near the area such as sunburn, severe acne, eczema, or psoriasis. These people will be extremely sensitive to the procedure, and it will be painful resulting in poor retention.

• People using acids, anti-aging, acne and retinol products. These products will cause excessive bleeding. Please stop using these treatments 2 weeks prior to appointment.

• People who have been on Accutane within the last year.

• People with a history of keloids.

• People with uncontrolled auto-immune deficiencies (lupus, alopecia etc.). Health is our #1 priority, if deficiency is controlled, we may proceed with the procedure,

• Pregnant women.

• Chemotherapy patients (wait until treatment is complete).

What are the risks of saline removal?

• As with any form of removal or tattooing, there are risks of scarring, hypopigmentation. and hyperpigmentation.

What can be removed?

• Body tattoos (smaller in size)

• Eyebrow tattoos

• Lip tattoos (vermillion border only)

The Product: What is Li-Lift?

• Li-Lift is made by Li Pigments in a state licensed and regulated manufacturing lab under sterile conditions and its independently tested for safety. It is a non-acid, high concentrate, saline based solution.

• Ingredients of this solution include:

- Lemon seed and orange seed extract which aid in fading and exfoliation.

- Aloe vera which aids in skin conditioning.

- Sterile water

The consistency is that of a smooth gel, with no separation which makes it very easy to use and safe since it stays put.