A Comparison: Botched Ink & Li-FT Pigment Lightening Solution

A Comparison of the Top Saline Tattoo Removal Solutions

Over the years, microblading and permanent makeup procedures have become increasingly popular. However, the variation in skills among artists has led to challenges, with some clients requiring emergency color lifts or lightening of a permanent makeup procedure. In such cases, emergency removal becomes crucial, as it must be conducted within 48 hours after the tattoo has been applied to effectively lift the pigment while the skin is still an open wound. These treatments are also important for the long-term maintenance of beautiful brows.

In the long term, permanent makeup brows require a color refresh to prevent pigment buildup.

Salt and saline removal solutions like Botched Ink and Li-FT pigment lightening solution have become popular choices for unwanted pigments. This article will explore the key differences between these two leading saline removal solutions , their brands, training availability, and supply methods.

The Science of Saline Removal

Saline removal uses a saline lightening solution designed to lift and lighten tattoo pigments by drawing pigment molecules out of the skin. This technique effectively lightens cosmetic tattoos.

Unlike laser tattoo removal, which breaks down tattoo ink pigment molecules so they can be absorbed into the body, saline solutions like Botched Ink and Li-FT pigment lightening solution use osmosis and other factors to lift pigments out of the skin.

Client Experience and Comfort: A More Gentle Approach

One of the most notable differences between Botched Ink and Li-FT pigment lightening solution lies in the client experience. Li-FT was developed in 2016 as a natural solution in the saline tattoo removal industry . However, its method still requires multiple passes of the needle during treatment to ensure the solution penetrates the skin effectively. While this method can lighten pigment, it often results in a more intense experience for clients due to the repeated needling required.

Botched Ink developed in 2018, after owner Lisa Henning's many years using saline and other non-laser products, prioritizes client comfort without compromising effectiveness. Known for effective permanent makeup lightening, Botched Ink is considered an advanced solution, utilizing a unique formulation with high potency natural ingredients, to safely and naturally fade and remove permanent makeup.

Botched Ink is the only saline lightening solution to works with just one pass of the needle. Fewer passes, minimizing discomfort and creating a more pleasant treatment experience. By using a gentler method, clients are more likely to return for follow-up treatments, knowing they won’t face an overly intense procedure.

While Li-FT pigment lightening solution was an important advancement at the time, the industry has continued to evolve. Botched Ink represents the next stage in this evolution, focusing on client comfort and skin health . Our solution requires fewer passes and minimizes trauma to the skin, providing a gentler yet equally effective approach to tattoo removal.

Exclusivity vs. Broad Distribution: Quality Control Matters

At Botched Ink, we maintain high-quality control by limiting the availability of our solution to technicians who have undergone our specific training. This ensures that every technician using Botched Ink is fully trained in our methods and techniques, leading to safer, more consistent results.

In contrast, Li-FT pigment lightening solution is widely distributed alongside Li Pigments, and available to technicians without a required standard of training. While this broader availability makes it more accessible, it can sacrifice the consistency of application and lead to varied client outcomes. Choosing Botched Ink aligns you with a brand that prioritizes the quality of both the product and the technician’s training.

Long-Term Client Satisfaction

While Li-FT pigment lightening solution offers results, the more intense treatment can sometimes lead to longer healing times and an increased risk of irritation or scarring . Botched Ink , on the other hand, is formulated to be gentler on the skin, allowing for a faster healing process and a more pleasant experience overall. This difference can significantly impact long-term client satisfaction and their willingness to return for future treatments.

By focusing on client comfort, high standards of training, and long-term satisfaction, Botched Ink offers a comprehensive solution that ensures both technicians and clients feel confident in the results. Choosing Botched Ink means committing to excellence in the industry.

Application of the Saline Removal Solution

How the solution is applied affects client comfort and treatment duration.

• Botched Ink works like a serum, easily absorbing into the skin with just one pass of the needle using a tattoo machine or hand tool, minimizing discomfort for the client. Unlike other solutions, Botched Ink is the only saline lightening solution to focus on soaking the skin rather than repetitive needling. By saturating the area multiple times, the skin fully absorbs the serum, ensuring optimum results with less trauma and a more comfortable experience..

• Li-FT Pigment Lightening Solution is applied by needling the saline solution into the skin using a tattoo machine or hand tool, requiring multiple passes (typically 3-4), which can result in a more intense experience for clients. After these passes, the skin is soaked for 10 minutes. The salt in the solution, combined with the body’s natural wound response, often leads to skin wetness and swelling. This raises the question of how much of the Li-FT solution effectively reaches the pigment levels during the multiple passes and soaking process.

Approved Treatment Areas

Due to differences in ingredients, application methods, healing processes, and brand philosophies, the approved treatment areas vary between products. Botched Ink , with its unified global training standard, allows for consistent guidance and advice for both technicians and clients.

In contrast, Li-FT is more widely distributed, and as a result, trainers may have varying approaches and recommendations based on their own experiences and interpretations of the product. This is why insurance companies state 'follow manufacturers advice'.

• Botched Ink: Approved for use on eyebrows, lip liner, freckles, and small areas of scalp micropigmentation, Botched Ink is well-suited for delicate areas due to its quick absorption and drying properties. However, it is not recommended for eyeliner or body tattoos, as rapid absorption may lead to pigment spread, particularly in denser pigment areas. Its fast-drying nature may not be ideal for areas near the eyes where moisture control is important.
• Li-FT Pigment Lightening Solution: Li Pigments, the manufacturer, aren't specific which areas can be treated, however they advise there are several areas on the body that need to be approached with extreme caution. For eyeliner, they endorse removal of eyeliner tips not the full area. Body tattoo removal is considered higher risk due to potential issues with scabbing, sweating, and wearing clothes over the treated area. Additionally, Li-FT can cause skin wetness, which may affect healing.

Emergency Removal

• Botched Ink: For emergency removal, Botched Ink offers an effective approach. It can be applied either through soaking or gently needling, thanks to its unique formulation that doesn’t cause the wetness, irritation, or inflammation commonly associated with wound responses. This makes Botched Ink effective for quickly lifting pigment without exacerbating swelling or discomfort, offering a faster and more comfortable emergency removal process.
• Li-FT Pigment Lightening Solution : Emergency removal with Li-FT primarily involves soaking the treated area for 10 minutes. The solution is not needled in as the salt in Li-FT can lead to skin wetness, which when combined with the body’s natural wound response, can cause further swelling. This wetness may hinder how much of the solution actually penetrates deeper pigment levels

Clients Prone to Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation

When working with clients prone to pigmentation issues, understanding how different saline removal solutions impact the skin is crucial. Botched Ink and Li-FT differ significantly in their methods, healing processes, and overall skin interaction, which can influence the likelihood of post-treatment pigmentation changes.

• Botched Ink: With quick absorption and fast drying, Botched Ink requires one pass, minimizing skin trauma. For clients prone to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, this gentler approach reduces the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation changes. Its ability to limit irritation, maintain the skin’s barrier, and avoid wetness further lowers the chance of swelling and prolonged irritation, making it a safer option for pigmentation concerns.
• Li-FT Pigment Lightening Solution: Li-FT requires multiple passes (3-4), increasing skin trauma and the risk of pigmentation issues for sensitive clients. The wetness caused by the solution, along with slower drying, can prolong healing, potentially triggering hyperpigmentation. Repeated needling may also increase inflammation, leading to hyperpigmentation or damaging pigment cells, raising the risk of hypopigmentation in clients prone to these conditions.

For clients prone to hyper or hypopigmentation, Botched Ink's gentler approach, with fewer passes and minimal inflammation, reduces the risk of pigmentation changes. In contrast, Li-FT’s multiple passes, slower drying, and skin wetness can increase trauma and prolong healing, raising the likelihood of pigmentation issues. Understanding these differences helps technicians make informed decisions for sensitive clients.