I do skin camouflage to cover microblading - are these saline removal scars or pigment? (Photos)

Question

I tried to do skin camouflage to cover old microblading which did not work out. I then proceeded to do saline removal twice on the area, the second of which made my skin extremely red and pink. This is after about 3 months since the second saline removal. Also every time I shower the area becomes extremely red. I am not sure if the red/pink is from the oxidation or scarring. Please help.

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience &mdash; it’s understandable to feel concerned, especially when the skin doesn’t seem to be healing as expected after multiple attempts to correct microblading.
Based on your description, several factors might be contributing to the ongoing redness:
Post-inflammatory erythemaThis is common after repeated skin trauma (like camouflage pigment and saline removal). It can leave the skin pink or red for weeks to months, especially in sensitive areas like the brows.
Superficial scarring or vascular changesIf the skin barrier was damaged, blood vessels may become more prominent, leading to redness that flares during heat (like showers) or physical activity.
Residual pigment oxidationIn some cases, pigment particles can oxidize or shift in color during removal attempts, contributing to a persistent reddish or pinkish hue.
At 3 months post-treatment, ongoing redness may still be part of the healing process, but if it’s not improving or getting worse after heat exposure, it’s worth considering:
A consultation with a dermatologist or laser specialist experienced in tattoo removal
Potential treatment with vascular lasers (like pulsed dye laser or IPL) to reduce redness
Barrier-repair skincare with gentle products like ceramide-rich moisturizers or niacinamide to calm inflammation
I hope this helps bring some clarity to your healing process. Seeing a provider in person will give you the most accurate guidance on next steps.
&mdash; Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

Oliver Pope Simmons, MD, FACS · Answer

The area to me looks like inflammation. I would use an over the counter topical steroid and give it a month or two longer. if it doesn't subside, probably seek the advise of a dermatologist in the area. Oxidation would NOT change with getting in a hot shower. This is due to increaser blood flow from an inflamed scar. The hypertonic/salt solution may still be causing some inflammation in the area. The longer you stay inflamed, generally the greater your risk of post inflammatory hyper pigmentation.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Treating erythema (redness) after a saline tattoo removal with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or laser therapy can be effective in reducing redness and promoting skin healing. Here's how these treatments can help:
IPL therapy uses multiple wavelengths of light to target pigment and blood vessels in the skin. It can help reduce redness and promote collagen production, which aids in skin healing. IPL treatments are typically spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. Q-switched lasers, such as Q-switched Nd:YAG or Q-switched alexandrite lasers, can target specific pigments in the skin without damaging surrounding tissue. These lasers break down pigment particles, including those contributing to redness, leading to gradual fading of erythema. Multiple sessions are usually required for noticeable improvement.
Before undergoing IPL or laser therapy for erythema after saline tattoo removal, it's essential to consult with a expert dermatologist .They can assess your skin type, the severity of the erythema, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Additionally, they can discuss potential risks and side effects associated with these procedures, as well as provide post-treatment care instructions to optimize results and minimize complications.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD 
Realself Hall of Fame 
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Shah Facial Plastics. This is a great question. I recommend treating the area of concern with a Pico laser. However, I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

Hi there, 
You may find that Picosure laser could benefit to break down the tattoo ink, it’s faster and more effective then other traditional lasers. With fewer treatments needed and less damage to the surrounding skin. If the area still remains red/pink, you could consider having some IPL post Picosure as this works by targeting the haemaglobin in blood vessels helping to reduce visible redness. Hope this information helps. thanks and take care.

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. I have been offering laser microblading removal for over 7 years. Saline injections don't work and only frustrate people.The red/brown pigment is not easy to treat and not every practice would have the tight tool.This is what will happen:If you treat it with Pico laser Red ink tool, the ink will instantly disappear or potentially turn yellow and then you just need another session to remove yellow, but the pigment will be gone. :). easy I see it all the time in the office.
Have a beautiful day. Best. Dr.Anna Avaliani, NYC

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

It is hard to evaluate a patient with only pictures, but it seems like pigment from your prior tattoo... It's important to have a right dermatological assessment before getting any laser procedure done. If this is pigment from your prior tattoo, PICO can help a lot getting the tattoo off. If your skin is irritated, it is important to asses that first.

Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD · Answer

These photographs are not in focus, so it is hard to understand what is going on. However, it seems that there is some inflammation present, and you may need a prescription to calm it down. You may also need some treatment for the acne around the inflammation, as this may be driving it. If blemishes persist after medical treatment, a gentle resurfacing laser may be used. In our office, we use the Lase MD Ultra fractional laser, which successfully treats pigmentation and blemishes with little downtime (a few sessions may be needed). Please let us know if we can be of assistance; our contact details are in the profile.

I do skin camouflage to cover microblading - are these saline removal scars or pigment? (Photos)

Answers (9)

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