FAQ’S, Details and Contraindications

How permanent is permanent makeup?

Although micro pigmentation has the name permanent make up, it requires touch ups. Cosmetic tattooing is considered semi-permanent as it does not wash away, however pigments are designed to fade over time. Factors such as skin type, iron deficiency, pigment color (lighter colors fade faster) and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. For best results it is recommended that you follow our aftercare instructions and touch-up your tattoo every 6 months to a year(or as needed). Touch-ups are normal and expected for cosmetic tattoo procedures.

*Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals, and follow-up appointment is recommended at 4-6 weeks where we can assess your pigment retention and make any changes necessary. People with lighter hair, correction work or sparse eyebrows may require more than one follow-up to reach their desired look at an additional cost.

Do I need a consultation prior to permanent makeup?

We do advise client to book a consult prior to the procedure so the artist can answer any questions you may have and we can review your history (health, medications, prior permanent makeup procedures). If the consult is an extreme inconvenience, please contact us so we may forward you the appropriate paperwork. We may request photos and a phone consult.

What does the procedure involve?

We only use single use needles and sterilized pigments made in the USA.

Your artist will discuss the shape which would be most flattering for your face as well as the color which will harmonize with your skin’s undertones. Our artists are very skilled at blending pigment for a client’s skin tone. They will show you some before and after photographs to give you an idea of how the procedure can transform and give youth to your facial features.
The artist 'pre-draws" your new eyebrow using brow pencils and mapping tools to get precise measurements for your facial structure. No-ones brows are the same.

Because client comfort is the utmost importance to us, numbing agents are applied prior and during the treatment process. "Pre-drawn template" is followed with use of our custom mixed specialized pigments. Your appointment takes around 90-120 minutes and our clients describe the sensation as 'like having your eyebrows tweezed"
Artists will usually schedule 2 to 3 visits to give you the perfect result. During the second or third visit the color can be adjusted, made warmer or cooler if skin chemistry demands it. Our artists work conservatively, so she will increase the width of the brow or eyeliner as sessions progress. This can give a client time to adjust to the look of having their facial features refreshed with color.

How painful is it?

A topical anesthetic is applied prior and, if needed, during each procedure to numb the epidermis and help ease any discomfort. Every client is different, some will feel vibrating or scratching, and some will feel nothing at all.

What is the recovery time?

Some clients may experience slight swelling or bruising and is usually not noticeable. Most can return to normal daily activities right away. Healing period is about 7-10 days. Some peeling or flaking may occur. This is COMPLETELY normal as the skin is going through a healing process.

What can I expect after the procedure?

Each procedure behaves differently after its application. You will see various changes occur within the next few days/weeks. Immediately after the procedure is done your make-up may look like it has been stamped onto your face - and will be much too dark. This is normal. You can expect also swelling and redness caused by the procedure, which should diminish over the next day or so. It is extremely important that post instructions are followed to guarantee the results you've just invested in. Aftercare ointment must be applied on the treated area once a day. But since wounds need air to breathe, the application should be thin, not thick. Once the area has healed, there is a much greater chance that the permanent makeup will be too light or too subtle. But just remember, this is because by applying it more conservatively in the beginning, changes can be more easily made later, without being traumatized with too much. It is much easier to add pigment than to remove it. This is the reason I require 1-2 follow-up sessions. The touch-ups are fast, easily tolerated and recommended to perfectly balance your outcome. Within 7-14 days this artificial look will give way to a more naturalized and softer look. It is impossible to accurately evaluate what the final result will be until this "naturalization" process occurs. Several hours after application, they will appear much darker and thicker than they will in a week or two. The shape may even appear to be somewhat distorted; don't worry. Brows may scab over and have a "Groucho Marx" appearance for a few days, but when fully healed, there are soft beautiful brows underneath. Make sure to let it heal naturally, DO NOT PICK at it or your brows will not appear uniform. If you have any concerns about any reactions you are experiencing please contact me. Due to varying degrees of difficulty of applications associated with skin texture, wrinkles, scarring, anti-aging laser treatments, medications, smoking, sun or tanning bed exposure and use of hydroxy acids, and we cannot guarantee "perfect" results in two visits. Therefore, if irregularities in pigment color develop from the above mentioned conditions, additional procedures may be necessary. These conditions also affect the longevity of the permanent cosmetic, causing some persons to require maintenance sooner than others.

If this is permanent makeup why are future touch ups necessary?

Because there are always issues that affect the appearance of your procedure. The number 1 culprit is sun exposure! Also, changing health conditions, smoking, medications, anti-aging products, and hormonal changes all can have an effect on your pigment retention. You should keep your follow up visit since it helps prolong your investment.

Why does permanent makeup fade faster than body tattoos?

First of all, Permanent cosmetics are a form of cosmetic tattooing and should be thought of as being “permanent”, the same as one thinks about traditional tattoos on the body. Traditional body tattoos do fade, however, generally at a slower rate due to several different factors. For instance, body art is generally covered up with clothing most of the year and is not excessively exposed to the UV rays which fade cosmetic tattoos on the face. Also, the skin on the body is much denser as compared to facial skin, which is much thinner and again, influencing the degree of color retention. Listed are some other factors which cause permanent makeup to fade: body chemistry; cellular turnover - rejuvenation, etc.; anti-aging products applied directly over the permanent makeup; choice of color applied (i.e., lighter colors will fade quicker than darker colors); and exposure to sunlight (hence the suggestion of wearing an SPF over your permanent makeup)

Is this process considered safe?

Yes. It is a safe process. But only if conducted by a trained professional that is educated and follows the proper sanitation and sterilization procedures. To ensure peace of mind to each of our clients, we open a sterilized tool and a manufactured sealed sterilized needle at the beginning of the procedure. The used needle is placed in a Sharps container when the procedure is completed. In addition, I sanitize all areas the client will come in contact with while in my treatment rooms and I apply barrier film to protect all surfaces from contamination during a procedure. By conducting our procedures in this manner we feel that our clients' health and safety have been safeguarded to the highest standards. After leaving, it is then the client's responsibility to care for the procedure strictly adhering to the post treatment instructions, assuring normal healing and the prevention of an infection.

If proper sterilization and sanitary guidelines are met, permanent cosmetics should be completely safe. These guidelines include the following:

MOST IMPORTANTLY:
* All Needles should be new and sterile for each client.
* Other machine parts should also be pre-sterilized and disposed of in a sanitary manner.
* Other equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner.
* Gloves should be new for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
* The technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of environmental safety requirements.
* Barrier films/chair coverings should be used for each patient or the non porous chair should be wiped with a sterile solution between
clients.
* The room or treatment area should be in an area free from other contaminants.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that either renders a medical treatment inadvisable under any circumstances or increases the risks involved in carrying out a medical procedure.

Absolute Contraindication:

Hemophilia or other clotting disorders

Blood thinners on prescription.

Relative Contraindications:

Insulin dependent diabetes (increased risk of infection & slow to heal) (requires medical clearance in writing)

Topical Allergies

Blood thinners like Aspirin or Vitamin E