Introduction
Emergency saline removal is a non-laser method used to lift out freshly implanted pigment when a permanent makeup or microblading treatment hasn’t gone to plan. Our specially formulated Botched Ink® saline removal solution is worked into the skin within the first 48 hours, allowing pigment to be drawn up and out through the scab as it heals.
This article explains how emergency saline removal works, the method we exclusively use for Botched Ink® emergency removals, and a case study showing one of our techs helping in quite a distressing microblading experience.
Thanks for being here!
Lisa 🧡
TL;DR
An emergency removal can be carried out within the first 48 hours after your procedure. Please don’t attempt any DIY home fixes. Tattooing, skin types, and pigments vary widely, and safe removal needs the right technique. Complete removal of fresh work is possible, though it often takes more than one session. If you’ve been left unhappy with your brows, whether from the original work or from a previous removal attempt, one of our Botched Ink® techs can guide you through the best next steps.
Permanent Makeup Removal: Pigments ➔
What is Saline Tattoo Removal? ➔
Emergency Saline Removal
Timing: Must be done before scabbing forms. Never attempt home removal.
Procedure
Botched Ink® dries out the skin and the pigment it holds — within an hour
The solution can be gently needled (pointillism) into the skin with topical anesthetic, but this isn’t always necessary
Either way, Botched Ink® catches and dries out pigment effectively
Removes a significant amount of pigment in just one session
No inflammation or irritation, only controlled skin drying
Comparison to Generic Saline Removal
Generic saline draws water to the surface, leaving a wet wound before scabbing
Botched Ink® avoids this by drying the skin quickly, making aftercare simpler
Aftercare
No need for frequent washing to prevent thick scabbing or infection
Healing is cleaner, quicker, and more comfortable with Botched Ink®
Effectiveness
Works best within the first 48 hours after tattooing
Additional treatment may be needed after 8 weeks if pigment remains
Suitable for all skin types and colours
In short: Emergency saline removal with Botched Ink® is fast, gentle, and effective, giving you the best chance of reversing mistakes before they become permanent.
Eyebrow Tattoo Removal: Saline or Laser ➔
Find a Botched Ink® Tech Near You ➔
Botched Ink® can be gently needled into the skin during an emergency removal, but it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to our advanced serum and numbing cream, the process is comfortable
Emergency Removal with Botched Ink®
Here are some quick facts you need to know:
Timing matters: Emergency removal works best within the first 48 hours of permanent makeup.
Safe for brows: Saline tattoo removal is considered a safe option for eyebrow corrections.
Not all solutions are equal: Different saline formulas give different results.
Pain levels vary: Some saline removals can be very painful. Botched Ink® typically isn’t — though in an emergency removal, the skin may feel a little sore during treatment. This discomfort subsides quickly.
Within 48 hours: Emergency saline removal can be carried out before scabbing forms, using Botched Ink®.
Follow-up needed: A second treatment should be carried out after 8 weeks.
Don’t rush treatments, your skin was wounded from the tattooing, and now the removal, it needs time to relax and settle.
Attempting another removal before 8 weeks risks scar tissue and excess capillary growth (red skin). This can make future removal harder. Allowing proper healing time between Botched Ink® treatments helps pigment lift more effectively and leaves the skin in good condition to be tattooed again.
CAUTION: we are working on an existing wound, so your homecare must pay attention to our aftercare instructions. The area has been wounded twice within 48 hours—so no makeup, no creams, no picking
How Does Botched Ink Remove Pigment?
Botched Ink Mimics Apoptosis
Apoptosis is the body's natural process of controlled cell removal, where unwanted cells break down and shed without inflammation. Botched Ink® works in a similar way, stimulating the skin to release pigment naturally rather than forcing it out through excessive trauma or wet healing. By triggering a drying and renewal process , Botched Ink® lifts pigment in sync with the skin’s natural healing cycle. This makes it an ideal removal method, minimising irritation while effectively clearing unwanted pigment
Want to know more?
This video explains more about tattoo removal ingredients and the effect on skin during removal
Emergency Removal Options
Microblading healing process
It's worth first understanding the microblading healing process. During healing from microblading or permanent makeup, these illustrations show what's going in the skin, explaining why what you see on the outside changes so much during the first 2 months. An illustration of the Botched Ink saline removal process is further down this page
What Happens During Saline Tattoo Removal?
Using the illustration ‘After 2-3 Months’ from the Microblading Healing Process (above), the following illustrations show tattoo removal using Botched Ink® saline tattoo removal solution
With Botched Ink, pigment ink particles are flushed to the surface during each treatment, and pigment caught in the drying-out skin will remove during healing. After a few weeks the pigment settles closer to the surface, ready for the next removal session
Emergency Laser Tattoo Removal
Why It’s Not Ideal
Method: Laser heats and shatters pigment, which is then processed by the lymphatic system.
Pain: Using a laser on fresh microblading wounds is extremely painful.
Healing: Laser removal can cause burns and lead to scar tissue.
Effectiveness: Not suitable for multi-coloured microblading pigments (brown, red, yellow, green). Best for black pigment only.
Recommendation
First choice: Use Botched Ink® for initial removal, and again on any remaining healed pigment.
When laser helps: Laser may assist with deeply implanted, stubborn black pigment.
Key point: With fresh pigment, we want to remove it outward — not force the body to absorb it inward. Botched Ink® lifts pigment, while laser breaks it apart for the immune system to deal with.
In short: Laser is not a safe or effective emergency option for fresh PMU. Botched Ink® is the first choice for lifting pigment quickly and gently, with laser reserved only for stubborn healed black pigment if needed.
Emergency Microblading Removal: A Real Client Case Study
Botched Ink® saline removal works on all pigment colours and all skin types, it’s even safe for dark skin. In this case study, you’ll see how Amani, with naturally darker skin, healed smoothly and safely after an emergency removal treatment.
What follows is her story, in her own words. You’ll hear exactly how it felt to go through a microblading procedure that went badly wrong, the choices she faced afterwards, and why she decided Botched Ink® was the safer option over laser. It’s an honest account, showing both the emotional and physical side of removal.
Amani's Story
What happened during the microblading treatment ?
The practitioner and I discussed the shape of my eyebrows. My eyebrows are naturally quite full, but I wanted to add hairs to where it was sparse and bring the eyebrows in by adding more hairs to the front. She drew an outline of my eyebrows and I asked her if they would be as thick as the outline. She said that they wouldn’t and new strokes would just go above my natural brow shape
After the tattooing was finished, I looked into the mirror and was shocked to see the result. Instead of natural looking brows, I was left with dark, thick and unnatural looking eyebrows. They looked as though someone had drawn on my brows. I was truly horrified and felt like a monster. All I could think was ‘how do I get rid of these’
How could the microblading treatment have ended more positively?
The practitioner could have firstly ensured that the shape/size of the eyebrows were something that I wanted. It’s truly shocking that a qualified practitioner would even think that a client, whose first time it was having microblading, would want such eyebrows. Her judgement was extremely poor
I would also say that half way through the procedure, she could have shown me what the eyebrows looked like. At that point, less damage would have been done and I would have not continued on with the tattoo
Did you let the microblading artist know you were unhappy?
I did. The practitioner apologised multiple times. A few days later, I asked for refund. Instead of talking responsibility, she instead blamed me
What made you decide to have Botched Ink Vs Laser Removal?
Immediately after getting the tattoo, I researched ways to remove them. I first found laser tattoo removal, but after reading about hair loss and scarring, I decided it wasn’t for me. I then found out there was saline tattoo remove and that it could be done in emergency cases. I went on to find practitioners who offered this service and found Eva’s salon
Eva was very concerned and attentive and wanted to make sure I had them removed sooner rather than later. It put me at ease knowing that something could be done to remove the tattoo
How do you feel now, after Botched Ink® microblading removal?
I feel so much better now that I have had my first session. Compared to how dark and thick they were, they are now faded and I feel more confident. It’s a massive improvement and am looking forward to my second session.
These photos show the improvement 16 days after the Botched Ink® emergency tattoo removal treatment. Amani's skin is still healing, but you can see how little inflammation is caused when using our solution
From Eva, the Microblading Removal Technician
Can you describe your initial contact with the client
I received a phone call from Amani in the evening. She said I had my brows nano bladed yesterday and I need a removal. I said come in tomorrow evening
Then she sent a picture over and I called her saying come in tomorrow morning at 9am as I knew the earlier I get her in the better result I would achieve. So got up in the morning early to open before opening hours as I felt so sorry for her
I couldn't believe my own eyes when I saw her eyebrows! She basically didn't have words to explain her feelings. She just said, I still can't believe I have this on my face. She walked in with a wig covering her full forehead and she was going to wear it until the crusts are all gone
The removal was slightly uncomfortable for her as the nano blading was still fresh. I explained her everything from A to Z and felt like she was so desperate poor thing. 2 weeks later I followed up with her and she was over the moon with the result of removal.
How do you feel, being able to help clients with Botched Ink saline removal?
Having a solution for clients like Amani feels powerful! Seeing amazing results and positive feedback from clients just blows my mind
Botched Ink has helped my business in such a way where I don't have to say to clients sorry I can't help you because I now have a solution for those who need an emergency eyebrow tattoo removal and also an effective solution for those who have walked around with horrible eyebrows for a while. Thanks Lisa! It was a pleasure doing the course with you!
Fully Healed After Emergency Microblading Removal
Healed after one Botched Ink® emergency saline solution tattoo removal treatment
Amani says " A little bit of pigment remains. It’s mostly a subtle, faded grey colour. My eyebrows cover the tattoo, it’s just the front part that is still a little bit visible." and thanks us for giving her the platform to spread awareness about botched tattoos. She's consulting with her technician about having a second treatment
Update: Amani was happy after the one Botched Ink emergency removal treatment, and decided the leave the remaining pigment as it looked more natural
Emergency Saline Removal FAQs
What is emergency saline removal?
Emergency saline removal is a procedure carried out within 48 hours of a microblading or permanent makeup treatment. Botched Ink® can lift fresh pigment safely before scabs form, helping prevent long-term unwanted results and making corrections easier.
Why does Botched Ink® sometimes use needling for emergency removal?
Botched Ink® can be gently needled into the skin using a pointillism technique to reach and release pigment more effectively. Unlike generic saline tattoo removal methods that only soak the area, this technique helps the skin dry faster and reduces inflammation.
Is needling during removal safe, or does it cause scarring?
When performed correctly, Botched Ink® needling is gentle and surface-level, designed to avoid trauma or scarring. Because it’s a second procedure within 48 hours, the skin may appear red or heal more slowly, but permanent marks are rare. Most problems come from using the wrong products too soon, not the removal itself.
How is Botched Ink® different from other saline tattoo removals?
Botched Ink® differs from generic saline tattoo removal because of its gentle technique, faster healing, and advanced formula.
- Application: Light needling for precise pigment access
- Healing: Quick-drying for thin, controlled scabs
- Formula: Advanced ingredients that support skin healing and comfort
What’s the aftercare for emergency saline removal?
After emergency saline removal, the treated area must stay dry and protected while the skin heals.
Aftercare steps:
- Keep completely dry for 48 hours
- Don’t pick scabs
- Use the recommended barrier (Cavilon)
- Avoid skincare and makeup for at least 2 weeks (longer if sensitive)
Saline Tattoo Removal Healing ➔
Can Botched Ink® remove older microblading too?
Yes. Emergency removal only applies within 48 hours of the initial treatment, but Botched Ink® saline tattoo removal is also effective on healed or older permanent makeup. Older work usually needs multiple sessions to reach your desired result.
Is emergency removal painful?
Most clients find Botched Ink® emergency removal very tolerable. With topical numbing cream, there’s only mild stinging that fades quickly. Because the skin dries fast, discomfort subsides within minutes, unlike generic saline methods that leave a wet wound.
How much does emergency microblading removal cost?
Costs vary by technician and location but are usually similar to a standard removal session, around £100–£150 per treatment. Multiple sessions may be needed if pigment remains after healing.
Why not use laser for emergency removal?
Laser should never be used on fresh microblading. It’s extremely painful, risks burns and scarring, and doesn’t target all pigment colours. Botched Ink® works across all pigments and skin types, and is much gentler on newly treated skin.
Where to Go From Here
If you’ve read this far, you already know what sets Botched Ink® apart, gentle, effective saline tattoo removal designed for both results and skin health.
For clients: Ready to remove or lighten unwanted brows? Find a Botched Ink® technician near you. Our "Find a Tech Map" connects you with trained professionals worldwide.
Botched Ink® Techs Near You ➔
For professionals: Thinking of offering saline tattoo removal in your clinic? Enrol in our online training or in-person model class. You’ll learn the Botched Ink® method directly from the brand that created it.
Saline Tattoo Removal Training ➔
Botched Ink® is more than just a solution in a sachet, it’s a system built on education, support, and trust. Whether you’re a client or a tech, you’ll always have guidance every step of the way.
Thank you for reading!
Lisa Henning
Owner and developer of Botched Ink®
The Author: Lisa Henning
Lisa is the owner and developer of Botched Ink®, an industry leading saline removal brand offering comprehensive online and in-person training, and our exclusive Botched Ink® saline removal solution.
