Introduction
Healing well after saline tattoo removal is just as important as the treatment itself. With Botched Ink®, the process is designed to be simple and gentle, quick drying, light scabbing, and clear aftercare that protects your skin while lifting unwanted pigment.
This guide explains what to expect during healing, how to look after your skin, and why Botched Ink® offers a smoother recovery than generic saline removal methods.
What is Saline Tattoo Removal? ➔
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TL;DR
Healing after Botched Ink® saline tattoo removal is simple and gentle. The skin dries within 48 hours, forms a thin, light scab, and flakes naturally after about a week. There’s no bleeding, weeping, or thick scabbing, just calm, predictable healing with minimal irritation and fast recovery.
Eyebrow Tattoo Removal: Saline or Laser ➔
Permanent Makeup Removal: Pigments ➔
Botched Ink® Saline removal healing & Aftercare
Saline Tattoo Removal Healing
These aftercare instructions are specific to treatments using Botched Ink® saline tattoo removal lightening serum. Please DO NOT follow this advice if your technician used salt and saline or any other brand of saline tattoo removal, Botched Ink saline solution works differently, and has a simple healing process
Please read the Botched Ink® aftercare instructions to prevent complications, and achieve optimum results for your microblading removal or permanent makeup removal
Botched Ink® vs LiFT Saline Removal ➔
The Drying Phase
First 48 hours:
After your technician has completed a saline removal treatment, the area is already drying out, with no weeping or bleeding . It’s important that you allow the skin to fully dry during the next 48 hours, no sweating or washing the area, and definitely no skin creams of any kind!
Drying out skin like this prevents any irritation or inflammation and will catch more lifted pigment in the dry skin scab, keep the skin in good condition, even improving any scarring. For lip liner treatments, during this drying phase keep lip movements small and to a minimum!
Any redness subsides or dries out within a few hours. Ideally do not touch the area for 48 hours, or with exceptionally clean hands. A Botched Ink saline tattoo scab can just look like dried out skin, don't expect visible thick scabbing with our saline solution
It is very important you follow all saline tattoo removal aftercare instructions to prevent complications
The Scab Phase
After 48 hours:
The treated area is now very dry, and a dried out skin scab will have formed, you might visibly see pigment in the scab! To make the scabbing process look and feel nicer, we can begin to use our prescribed aftercare, Cavilon barrier cream for good and faster healing
USE ONE SINGLE APPLICATION of Cavilon cream or one wipe, on and slightly around the scab. This single application will last for 3 to 4 days, leaving a soft film over the skin. Use too much and you’ll get a soggy scab and we don’t want that!
If you don't have Cavilon cream or film, please don't use anything else. Most other products are unsuitable to use on a scab, and we need a scab to form to pull out the unwanted pigment. Tattoo aftercare or vitamin e oil would cause problems rather a good and faster healing after a Botched Ink treatment, though may be recommended with other products or treatments
Now you can get the scab a little wet when washing and use a shower spray, though do avoid excessively wetting or rubbing the area. While the scab remains firmly attached, leave it! Gentle daily bathing the treated area will help naturally move things along
There is no need for additional aftercare like vitamin e oil, this is because Botched Ink does not cause irritation or inflammation during the removal process of microblading or permanent makeup. Many other types of saline tattoo removal do
Do not disrupt the scabbing process. If you attempt to remove the scab before it naturally heals away from the treated area. If you pick off a scab too soon, the skin beneath will still be raw and you’ll have an open wound! This is much harder to manage and may need medical advice and vitamin e oil on any redness or scarring
Because Botched Ink is a gentle treatment and healing, you'll be able to have new permanent makeup or microblading sooner than if there were a prolonged healing
Skin Prone to Hyperpigmentation
For those prone to hyperpigmentation, follow ‘The Drying Phase’ advice. After 48 hours the scab and surrounding skin must NOT be allowed to dry out or hyperpigmentation can occur. Re-apply a tiny rice grain sized amount of Cavilon cream every 2 or 3 days until skin returns to a normal colour
The Healing Process
Post scabbing and in-between treatments
Nothing is real for the first 0-8 weeks as the treated area becomes completely healed. After a saline tattoo removal treatment the milky colored healing skin clouds over old pigment, this means it may initially look like more pigment has been removed than actually has
Once the scabbing has naturally healed away, be conscious to treat the area gently, you could trigger the skin to over heal and get sore! No makeup, exfoliating, excessive sun exposure, sun creams or skin creams containing actives, some of these boost skin turnover which would make freshly healed skin sore
Botched Ink removal treatments are gentle when compared to other types of saline removal or laser tattoo removal. After the initial treatment you'll feel much more confident, knowing what to expect, when you
We'd also advise no chemical peels or hot tubs until at least 6 weeks after a treatment, when the healing and aftercare process has completed, but at this time you're also ready for another saline removal or lightening session
The Removal Process
Removing, improving or lightening pigment is a correction process which may take several sessions. After 3 treatments we’ll have a better idea how easily the pigment is removing and begin to plan a new permanent cosmetic procedure after your final saline treatment
Pigment can look darker before it gets lighter, this is because the pigment is being flushed up and out of your skin, ready for the next lightening session. Mature or saturated tattoos may initially respond slowly as we wake up the skin, and pigment misplaced in the deeper levels begins to surface
Brown pigment is made up of black, red, yellow, white and green. Black usually removes first, this can reveal other colours not previously seen. Brows can look warmer during the process if they contained red pigment
There's No Guarantee
Tattoo removal is a treatment with many variables, it can be a long process as only a percentage of the unwanted pigment is extracted each session. How much tattoo pigment is removed, or how many sessions are needed during the correction process, cannot be known or guaranteed. Complete tattoo removal may not be possible with saline tattoo removal, or indeed with laser removal
Failure to follow all aftercare instructions, or any additional personal advice given, may reduce the effect of the treatment, or result in undesirable problems such as hyperpigmentation, scarring, infection or inflammation
Problems During Healing
In the unlikely event you do not have an easy healing process, your technician cannot offer medical advice, however we, as the owners and developers of Botched Ink, can offer additional advice
If the advice below isn't what you need, or you need further support, you can message @botchedink directly on Instagram or Facebook, or use any of the contact forms on our website. If it's an out of hours emergency, you will be notified and given our emergency phone number
Swollen Eyes After Treatment
This can be a reaction for people who often swell post treatment, or get a lot of that clear liquid coming out of a wound. It can be alarming, but it's not typically anything to worry about
Botched Ink causes the skin to dry out so fully and so quickly, that the bodies natural healing response, lymph and swelling, has no escape route other than to swell the eyes. The swelling will be reabsorbed by the body over the next 12-24 hours. During this time it's advisable to be cautious with any food sensitivities as your immune system may be heightened
If you're a hay fever sufferer who typically needs additional medical support, it's best to wait until after hay fever season for your next treatment
Area Wet, Red or Sore
Botched Ink has been formulated to dry out skin in a matter of hours. Your technician will have made sure this has started, with no wetness on the skin as you leave their salon or clinic. You're advised during 'The Drying Phase' to allow the area to fully dry out for the next 48 hours
It's worth remembering that your skin has been saturated with a specially formulated salt solution, and salt is not only a preservative, but it's drying properties prevent bacteria growing
It is very important when healing your skin after a Botched Ink treatment, that the above aftercare is read carefully. If you used unsuitable products on the treated area during the healing phase, this is most likely the cause of wet, red or sore skin
If this is allowed to continue the skin may begin an overgrowth of new sore skin, a granuloma, which is difficult to improve without medical intervention
It's very tempting to keep apply cream to red or sore skin, but this is also likely to make matters worse, especially if the scab is still attached. You must allow the area to fully dry out, cleaning with a saline solution, one that you might use for cleaning piercings. Wet gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Keep the area exceptionally clean
Once the skin has fully healed, resume gentle care for the skin. You may need to use a scar repair cream if the area was wet, red or sore for any length of time, as residual redness may take up to six months to normalise
The only allergy risk with Botched Ink is if you're allergic to aloe vera, and your technician will have covered this during your initial consultation and client forms. However there is a risk you can have a reaction to the tattoo pigment, see next section
Area Itchy or Little Bumps
This is the start of a reaction, most likely to the tattoo pigment. Pigment that's been safely held in the skin, still degrades over time, and tattoo removal is releasing the pigment from its safe place. This is slightly different from a pigment allergy, as you would have experienced that when you first had the microblading or permanent makeup
The reaction is most likely the bodies histamine response and it's probably around 6 weeks after your treatment. You need to stop the histamine reaction within a few days, otherwise your urge to scratch the itch can cause even more problems, especially if you start applying the wrong kinds of cream
You stop a histamine reaction by taking anti-histamine tablets, take a full 14 days dose to be sure. Only use a histamine cream if the skin is still fully intact
Your Next Treatment
A second treatment can be carried out after 8 weeks, a third after 12 weeks. Please don't rush your skin, it needs to settle. Further treatments are assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on how your skin has healed during the process
You will notice continued lightening over the weeks and months between session, and maintaining the quality of your skin is our ultimate goal, especially if you're looking to have another permanent cosmetic procedure
Saline Removal Healing FAQs
How long does it take for saline removal to heal?
Most clients heal in 7–10 days, when the scab naturally sheds. Full skin recovery takes 6–8 weeks, which is why repeat sessions are spaced at least 8 weeks apart.
What do brows look like after saline removal?
Immediately after treatment, brows appear dry and slightly red. Within 48 hours, a thin, light scab forms, often showing pigment beneath. As it flakes away, brows may look lighter, patchy, or slightly cloudy while new skin heals. This softens over several weeks, revealing a clearer result.
What are the side effects of saline removal?
Mild redness, tightness, or swelling are normal for the first few days. With Botched Ink® saline tattoo removal, irritation is minimal because the skin dries quickly instead of staying wet. Most issues happen only if aftercare isn’t followed — like picking scabs, using creams too early, or re-treating before the skin has healed.
What are the stages of saline tattoo removal healing?
Drying phase (0–48 hours): Skin dries quickly, no bleeding or wetness.
Scab phase (2–7 days): A thin, dry scab forms with pigment visible inside.
Shedding phase (7–10 days): Scab flakes away naturally.
Healing phase (2–8 weeks): New skin clears, tone evens, pigment continues to fade.
Why leave so long between removal sessions?
We leave 8–12 weeks between sessions to let the skin fully heal and rebuild its strength. This rest period ensures your technician can carry out a complete, effective treatment each time. Treating too soon risks irritation, trapped pigment, or uneven results.
Why do my brows look darker after saline removal?
This is a good sign. Pigment that was deeper in the skin has surfaced, making it easier to remove during the next session. As fading continues, the colour often evens out, many clients simply want a lighter or corrected result rather than total removal.
How many saline removal sessions will I need?
During your consultation, your technician will review your tattoo history, number of treatments, top-ups, and pigment type. Most clients should plan for a course of three saline tattoo removal sessions to assess how easily pigment lifts. From there, the next stage can be tailored to your skin and results.
Conclusion
Healing after saline tattoo removal doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful. With Botched Ink®, the process is designed to be gentle, predictable, and skin-friendly — drying quickly, forming a thin scab, and letting pigment lift naturally.
Every client’s brows and pigment history are different, but what stays the same is our focus on skin health first, results second. That’s what makes Botched Ink® stand apart from generic saline methods.
Where to Go From Here
If you’ve been through the healing process and want your brows lightened further, the next session can usually be carried out after 8 weeks. Healing properly between sessions gives your skin the best chance to release more pigment.
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.
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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 ➔
With Botched Ink®, you’re never left guessing. From first treatment through healing to final results, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Thank you for reading!
Lisa Henning
Owner and developer of Botched Ink®