Emergency Removal for Botched Cosmetic Tattoos: What You Need to Know
So, you just got a cosmetic tattoo—maybe it’s uneven microblading or a failed lip blush—and now you're freaking out. Whether it's a shape disaster, too-dark pigment, or just not what you wanted, the good news is that you can fix it. The key? Acting fast.
At WrightLooks in West Hollywood, we specialize in emergency saline tattoo removal for bad, uneven, or undesirable cosmetic tattoos. If you’re regretting your new brows or lips, keep reading because time is of the essence.
Why Emergency Removal Works Best Within 48 Hours
The first 48 hours after getting a cosmetic tattoo are crucial if you want the best chance of removing it quickly and effectively. This is because the pigment is still fresh, hasn’t fully settled into the skin, and can be lifted before it becomes permanent.
With saline tattoo removal, we use a specialized saline solution to break up the pigment and draw it out through the skin’s natural healing process. When done ASAP, this method has a higher success rate of removing or significantly lightening unwanted pigment, sometimes in just one session.
Can You Just Scrub It Off? (Spoiler: No.)
Some people panic and start scrubbing their brows or lips raw, hoping to fade the ink. Please don’t do this! Not only will it hurt like hell, but it can also cause scarring, uneven pigment spread, and skin irritation.
Instead, seek professional emergency removal immediately. The sooner we treat it, the better the results.
What Happens During an Emergency Removal Session?
At WrightLooks, we follow a safe, non-invasive process to lift the bad, failed, or uneven pigment while keeping your skin’s integrity intact:
Consultation – We assess the area, determine the best approach, and discuss realistic expectations.
Saline Solution Application – A specialized saline removal solution is implanted into the skin using a tattoo machine (similar to how the pigment was originally deposited).
Pigment Lifting Process – The solution breaks down and lifts the unwanted color, bringing it to the surface. Over the next few days, the ink is expelled as the skin heals.
Healing & Aftercare – Proper aftercare ensures the best fading results and prevents scarring. We’ll provide full instructions on how to care for your skin post-treatment.
Is Emergency Removal Painful?
If you just had a microblading or lip blush procedure, the area is likely still numb from your original session, meaning you won’t feel much discomfort. However, if the numbing has worn off, the removal process may cause mild discomfort—but it’s 100% worth it to fix a bad or uneven cosmetic tattoo before it becomes permanent.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
For emergency removals done within 48 hours, one session can often lighten or remove most of the unwanted pigment. If more fading is needed, follow-up sessions can be scheduled. If the ink has already settled into the skin (past the 48-hour mark), multiple sessions may be required.
When NOT to Get Emergency Removal
While we can work with most situations, emergency saline removal is not recommended if:
The area is excessively swollen or infected.
It’s been more than 72 hours since your tattoo (it can still be removed later, but results may take longer).
Don’t Wait—Fix It Now!
A bad, uneven, or failed cosmetic tattoo can feel like a nightmare, but you don’t have to live with it. If you’re in West Hollywood or the Los Angeles area, contact WrightLooks immediately for emergency removal. The sooner we treat it, the better your chances of reversing the damage before it sets in.