Preparing for Your
Procedure
Saline Removal
Consult with Your Technician
Ask Questions: Make sure you understand the process, expected results, and any potential risks. Ask about how many sessions you might need.
Health History: Inform your technician of any medical conditions, skin sensitivities, or allergies.
Avoid Certain Products and Treatments
No Retinoids or Acid-Based Products: Avoid retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or other exfoliating products on the area for at least two weeks before the treatment.
No Tanning: Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanning products on the area to reduce sensitivity and prevent skin irritation.
Stop Using Blood-Thinning Medications
If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications or supplements (like fish oil or vitamin E), consult your doctor to see if you can stop them temporarily about a week before your appointment. This can reduce the likelihood of bleeding or bruising during the procedure.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated and more resilient to the procedure. Well-hydrated skin tends to heal faster.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can thin the blood and may increase bleeding and bruising. Try to avoid both for at least 24 hours before your session.
Prepare Mentally for Aftercare
Downtime: Be prepared for some downtime as the treated area will go through a healing process. You may need to plan around certain events or work commitments.
Aftercare Products: Your technician may recommend specific aftercare products like saline solutions, wound-care ointments, or bandages. Make sure you have these ready for after your appointment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated and is loose enough to avoid friction on the site afterward.
Consult with Your Technician about Pigmentation Risks
Skin Type Sensitivity: Let your technician know if you have a history of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Those with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI) are more prone to pigmentation changes.
Personalized Assessment: A skilled technician should evaluate your skin tone, the age and depth of the tattoo, and your healing history to help anticipate and reduce the risk of pigmentation issues.
Avoid Sun Exposure Before and After Treatment
Sun exposure can make your skin more reactive, increasing the chance of pigmentation changes. Avoid tanning or sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after your session. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on the area if you must be outdoors, even after healing.
Follow Aftercare Instructions Carefully
Proper aftercare helps the skin heal evenly, which is crucial to minimizing pigmentation issues. Avoid picking at any scabs that may form, as this can lead to uneven healing and pigmentation changes.
Some technicians may recommend using a healing ointment specifically formulated to reduce hyperpigmentation. Follow your technician’s guidance on any appointmens or healing products.
Limit Certain Activities Post-Procedure
Avoid hot showers, saunas, swimming pools, or any activity that exposes the treated area to heat and moisture, which can increase inflammation and pigment changes.
Don’t use exfoliating products, acids, or other strong skincare products on the treated area until it’s fully healed.
Be Aware of the Healing Timeline
Pigmentation changes may not appear right away. It can take weeks or even months for any pigmentation shifts to become noticeable. Keep this in mind and reach out to your technician if you have any concerns during the healing process.
Consider Skin Tone as a Factor for Multiple Sessions
People with darker skin tones may require extra caution and potentially more gradual treatments to minimize risks. Let your technician know you want to proceed slowly if you are concerned about pigmentation changes.