4. The Saline-Based Removal Process
Consultation and Agreement
The process commences with a consultation where the practitioner evaluates the brows, discusses the client's expectations, and explains the procedure. This includes potential risks and aftercare instructions. Setting realistic expectations is crucial due to variations in skin types and pigment used in the initial process, which significantly impact outcomes.
Inability to Predict Precise Results
Due to the diversity in individual skin responses and pigment chemistry complexities, guaranteeing specific results is nearly impossible. Factors like skin pH, hydration, and the immune response can influence the effectiveness of the removal.
Contract Signing
Typically, a contract is signed, with the client acknowledging potential risks. It's important to note that in many regions, insurance may not cover procedures involving certain chemicals, such as those in saline-based removal solutions.
Preparing the Treatment Area
Before the procedure, the area is thoroughly sanitized to reduce infection risks. Numbing cream or local anesthesia is applied to minimize discomfort, as the skin barrier's integrity will be compromised when applying saline solution.
Application of Saline Solution
A PMU machine with a sterilized needle is used to introduce the saline solution into the skin, similar to tattooing. High-sodium chloride saline disrupts osmotic balance, drawing water from surrounding tissues to dilute the salt concentration. Circular movements with relatively large needles (e.g., 3RL) are often employed to saturate the skin.
Osmosis Process
Osmotic pressure assists in dislodging pigment particles from the dermal layer, pushing them toward the epidermis. The efficiency depends on saline solution concentration and the original pigment's depth.
Scab Formation
After treatment, a scab forms, trapping the saline solution and dislodged pigment. Allowing the scab to detach naturally is crucial, as premature removal can negatively affect pigment extraction and wound healing.
Healing Process
Following scab shedding, the area requires time to heal. Complying with aftercare instructions, such as maintaining cleanliness and sun avoidance, is essential to prevent infection and facilitate optimal healing.
Additional Sessions
Due to factors like pigment age, depth, and color, multiple sessions spaced weeks apart may be required. Each session's healing response and pigment removal extent guide the need for additional treatments.
In summary, the saline-based removal process involves complex interactions of chemical reactions, skin physiology, and cellular responses. Experienced artists emphasize that while some pigmentations may seem easy to remove with saline, showing no visible effect after treatment, others that appear challenging can significantly lighten with saline-based removal.