Can I do saline permanent make up removal on chemo?

Ask our Nurses your questions
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I’m on Docetaxel now, just had 2nd cycle and 2 cycles left. Before chemo i did permanent make up brows but i hate them and can’t wait to remove them. Can i do saline removal when on docetaxel? I’m thinking week after chemo (2 weeks before next). I’m desperate for it.

This is the process

Saline permanent makeup removal uses a sterile saline solution to lift pigment from semi permanent makeup through the process of osmosis. A cosmetic tattoo machine is used to implant the solution into the skin, which causes pigment particles to be drawn to the surface and removed as a scab forms and heals.

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Would an aesthetic practitioner be willing to do it? We were told nothing involving needles during chemo due to the infection risk. But when I did the Look Good Feel better brows and lashes course they said semi perm makeup (and presumably removal) was fine as long as it was a reliable practice who used sterile equipment. You could ask your breast nurse team. My normal tattooist wouldn’t touch me while I was going through treatment. I ended up waiting and getting brows done after I’d finished treatment.

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Hi cassie25

Thank you for posting.

Chemotherapy drugs such as Docetaxel have an impact on the immune system making you more at risk of infection. Therefore, you are often advised to be cautious about cosmetic procedures which involve breaking the skin in any way.

As @greenqueen says, it is important to speak with your own breast care nurse or doctor. They can tell you if the procedure is safe whilst going through chemotherapy.

@greequeen also mentions Look Good Feel Better. They are a helpful source of information and support and help people going through cancer treatment manage the physical and cosmetic impact of treatment. They also run workshops on brow and lash care which you might find helpful.

You may be interested in our range of free supportive services. They include face to face and online courses and events.

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Best wishes,

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Breast Care Nurse

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