Gentle Tattoo Removal, Naturally
✦ Pre-care, healing, and everything you need to know for safe, effective tattoo lightening and removal.
✧ BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
4 Weeks Before
• Avoid facials, microneedling, peels, or laser treatments on the area
• Let your artist know if your previous tattoo was done recently
2 Weeks Before
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds
• Do not tan or expose the treated area to direct sunlight
1 Week Before
• Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants, AHAs/BHAs near the area
• Avoid waxing or exfoliating the area
48 Hours Before
• Avoid alcohol, ibuprofen, marijuana, fish oil, and other blood thinners
Day of Appointment
• Avoid caffeine (can increase sensitivity)
• Eat a solid meal before arriving
• Arrive with clean skin, no makeup, lotion, or product on the area
• Stay well-hydrated and well-rested
• If prone to cold sores (for lip/near mouth), begin antivirals 3 days before
• Inform your artist of any allergies, sensitivities, or health conditions
For Your Convenience
Want a copy of your instructions on hand? Save these digital copies of your Pre-Care + Aftercare instructions below!
✧ AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
Day 1-2
• The area may feel tender, swollen, or red
• Use saline wipes 3–4x daily to keep the area clean and free from excess fluids
• Do not apply ointments
Day 3-4
• Scabbing may begin
• Gently wash once daily with warm water + fragrance-free soap starting Day 3
• Let the area dry fully — avoid ointments or creams
Day 5-10
• Scabs may flake and fall off naturally — do not scratch, pick, or peel them
• Pat dry after cleansing, keep the area free of friction or pressure
Days 11-14
• Most scabs are gone, skin may look pink, shiny, or uneven — this is normal
• Avoid sun exposure, keep skin clean and dry
Weeks 3-6
• Skin continues healing beneath the surface, color may appear faint or patchy
• No exfoliants or retinoids during this time
After 6+ Weeks
• Your skin should be fully healed — use Vitamin E oil daily to soothe and support regeneration
• Always use sunscreen outdoors to protect results and avoid hyperpigmentation
✧ WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE HEALING
• Redness, tenderness, and slight swelling are common early on
• Scabbing typically begins by Day 3-4 and falls off naturally
• Skin may look uneven, shiny, or pink as it heals
• Fading occurs gradually — wait for full skin regeneration before assessing results
• Each session lifts more pigment — multiple sessions are often needed
✧ LONG-TERM REMOVAL CARE
Saline removal is a journey — and your skin deserves continued care to stay healthy and heal beautifully.
Here are a few tips to help protect and maintain your results:
• SPF is your best friend. Once fully healed, apply sunscreen daily to the treated area. UV rays can darken or damage sensitive healing skin and lead to hyperpigmentation. Protect your skin = protect your results.
• Avoid harsh skincare products like exfoliants, retinoids, or acids on the area — these can irritate or delay skin regeneration.
• Be gentle with facials and treatments. Inform providers of your recent saline removal. Avoid aggressive exfoliation or resurfacing on the area too soon.
• Stay hydrated and moisturized. Hydrated skin heals more evenly and supports long-term skin health.
• Plan additional sessions if needed. Most clients require multiple sessions spaced 10–12 weeks apart for optimal results, depending on pigment density and desired outcome.
✧ Who Should Not Get Saline Removal ✧
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• Are pregnant or nursing
• Have blood disorders or take blood-thinning medication (unless cleared by your doctor)
• Have autoimmune conditions or take immune-suppressing medications (consult your physician)
• Are prone to keloid scarring
• Have uncontrolled diabetes
• Have skin conditions in the area, like eczema, psoriasis, or severe acne
• Are currently on Accutane or strong retinoids (must be off for 6–12 months)
• Have had Botox or fillers in the area within the last 4 weeks
• Have had a chemical peel, microneedling, or laser in the area within the last 4 weeks
• Have severe allergies
• Are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation (consult your doctor and wait at least 6 months post-treatment).
• Sunburn, irritation, or open wounds on or near the treated area
• Those currently ill, with a cold or flu-like symptoms
• If your previous tattoo is less than 6 weeks old (must wait before removing)