FAQ & Before / After Care
FAQ
What is Semi-Permanent Cosmetics?
There are a range of names used in the Cosmetic Tattooing industry: semi-permanent, permanent makeup, Cosmetic Tattooing, micro-pigmentation. These all mean the same application of cosmetic pigments being deposited into the dermal layer of skin, giving the illusion of traditional makeup, mainly for Eyebrow, lips and eyeliner.
How are Semi-Permanent Cosmetics Procedures performed?
Various tools are used to implant pigment into the skin. These tools range from a traditional tattoo machine (coil machine), to a pen-type (rotary or digital-rotary machine), or a non-mechanized manual device. The process includes an initial consultation, the pigment application procedure, and at least one finishing procedure where adjustments to the colour are made.
Is the treatment painful?
The answer to this varies, based on the individuals tolerance to discomfort, and the skills of the technician performing the service. The semi permanent cosmetic industry benefits from several methods available that assist with comfort management. There are various non-prescription and prescription level topical anaesthetic creams, ointments and gel preparations. Sometimes the technician will suggest the option of using a doctor to administer local anaesthetic injections. Your technician will discuss these methods with you to determine which are offered and which method is most appropriate for your procedure.
Which techniques do you use for hair strokes- Machine or Micro Blade?
We use a high end Nouveau digital machine or disposable hand tools, depending on the style that you have agreed on in your treatment. Hand tools are for Microblading (Feather touch Hair Stroke) and machine method for all other styles and services.
How long will it last?
This varies from person to person because skin type, diet, genetics and environmental factors can all contribute to how long the pigment will be retained.
As a guide, it could be anything between one to five years before a new treatment is required, although refresher colour boosts are recommended for maintenance within this time. Once you notice the colour starting to change, this is a good indication that you are due for a colour boost, which keeps your cosmetic tattoo refreshed. Oily skin types may not be a good candidate for microblading and may need to consider another style or method.
It is important to remember that cosmetic tattooing is “low” not a “no” maintenance treatment.
Which technician should I choose?
First, choose a technician by considering training, experience, portfolio and compliance with local and state laws. A consultation prior to scheduling a procedure provides the opportunity to gauge your comfort level with the technician and the facility and equipment to be used. You need to feel comfortable with your choice of providers. Times of procedures vary according to the procedure
Is it safe?
In Queensland, we practice and enforce infection control practices and sterilization guidelines. All technicians must hold a current SKIN PENETRATION LICENSE. If proper guidelines are met and your technician is well trained in the procedure being performed, semi permanent cosmetic procedures should be completely safe. So few pigment reactions have been reported that many physicians suggest that a sensitivity test is not necessary, especially since allergic reactions do not occur immediately upon first exposure to a particular substance. With health standards in place, the possibility that you would have serious medical problems as a result of the semi-permanent cosmetic procedure is remote. You, too, have a role to play in your own safety. You must comply with the post-procedural instructions to help reduce any associated risks from contaminations of the newly pigmented area.
Can I resume normal activities after the procedure?
Each client is unique. Generally there is some swelling of the tattooed area. While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lip procedures may produce more swelling lasting from two to seventy-two hours. During the procedure, there may be some bleeding and although rare, some bruising. There is usually some tenderness for a few days. The immediate post-procedure colour is darker than you may expect after five to ten days of healing. A good recommendation is to plan your semi permanent cosmetic procedure when you have no special events to attend for several days afterward.
How long will a procedure take?
Treatment times vary depending on how advanced or detailed the required result is. Although some treatments make take as little as 1 hour, you should set aside 2-3 hours for your appointment.
How quick will it heal?
Everyone is different, but as a general rule the surface skin generally heals between 3-7 days after the treatment and 10-14 days below the surface. After eyeliner we do not advise driving, in case your eyes are a little swollen or watery immediately after the treatment.
What will I look like straight after the treatment?
Eyebrows and eye liner treatments tend to look darker in colour immediately after the appointment, while lip colours can look more intense. This softens in a few days. Lips are likely to have some residual swelling and can chap, looking dry and flaky. There may be some slight swelling after eyeliner treatments but this is usually limited
What is a 'touch-up' / Colour boost and when do I need one?
The tattooed colour or design may require adjustment after the initial procedure. The application of semi permanent make up is a process. At least one follow-up visit should be scheduled to determine if additional work is necessary. Following up “Finishing” visits are scheduled from four to six weeks after the initial procedure. After the initial and follow up visits are complete, the timing for your future colour refresher depends on your personal preference but is usually at the one year anniversary. No one can really say exactly when you need or want a colour refresher, it is a personal preference and I have a special price for yearly touch-ups. Often, the traditional makeup test is the guide. That is, when you find yourself using traditional makeup to ‘touch up’ your semi permanent cosmetics, it is time for a colour boost visit.
Before and After Care
Before Procedure Care
All Treatments
Please avoid taking blood thinning medications (aspirin) or fish or krill oils 7 days before procedure.
Do not wear makeup on area being tattooed.
Lip Treatment
One to two weeks before Lip Treatment
If you are having any Lip Tattoo procedures performed and have previously suffered from Cold Sores or Mouth Ulcers it is essential that you consult with your GP prior to treatment. Lip Tattoo treatment may aggravate this condition and cause an outbreak. Your GP must provide you with a script for Anti –Viral Medication (this may include Valtrex, Famvir or Zovirax) which is to be taken prior to your appointment. L-Lysine tablets will also be beneficial as a preventive treatment.
Please exfoliate by brushing your lips gently with a toothbrush 1 day prior to the appointment. This will also stimulate blood flow and improve collagen in the lips. The aim is to improve recovery from any side effects of your Treatment. Also apply Moisturiser to lips prior to appointment to keep them hydrated.
Eyebrow or Eyeliner Treatment
Forty eight hours before tattoo procedure (eyeliner and eyebrows)
Please do not tint your eyelashes or eyebrows prior to an eyebrow or eyeliner tattoo procedure.
On the day of your procedure (eyeliner and brows)
Please do not wear contact lenses or makeup of any kind on eye area. Delicate or sensitive skin is susceptible to puffiness, redness and swelling.
Not Recommended for Cosmetic Tattooing Procedures.
Anyone with any conditions that result in taking blood thinning medications such as Warfran
Anyone with Type One Diabetes or uncontrolled Type Two Diabetes.
Anyone with low levels of iron
After Procedure Care
All Treatments
Post – procedure instructions & information
Avoid important social plans or strenuous activity for a few days after treatment.
Please do not go swimming for at least 10 days following treatment.
Do not wear makeup on area for one week following treatments as this may affect tattoo pigment.
Only use the aftercare cream provided or recommended by your therapist.
Do not have laser or facial treatments until cosmetic tattoo site has finished healing.
Colours will appear darker and then soften after a few days.
Use aftercare cream in a thin film 3-4 times a day or whenever area is dry use for 7 days.
Do not touch unless applying after care.
Do not pick or scratch tattoo.
Do not use paw paw cream on any tattoo areas.
Please re-book for your perfection visit in 4-6 weeks time.
If the area is red or swollen use an ice pack for no more than 5 mins at a time.
Eyebrow or Eyeliner Treatment
Do not wear contact lenses for two (2) days following treatment.
Do not have an eyebrow or eyelash tint for two (2) weeks following treatment.
Do not wear eye makeup or fake eyelashes for one (1) week following treatment.
Please buy new mascara/eyeliner to prevent cross infection.
Do not use after cream unless you are very red/swollen (always keep away from eyes).
Rest eyes immediately after treatment.
After your Permanent Cosmetic procedure, slight redness and irritation of the area should be expected. However, heavy bleeding and inflammation should not occur. Depending on your skin sensitivity, swelling of the area may persist. During the healing process, every morning and evening, wash the area with a mild cleanser. Avoid harsh cleansers, such as exfoliators and acid-based products. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel and apply a thin layer of your aftercare cream. Neglecting to moisturise the area daily with a thin layer of the aftercare cream, will cause scabbing and loss of pigment. If scabbing or peeling occurs, remember to not pick the treated area.
Products we recommend:
– Vitamin A and D Cream ( which we supply)
– Bypanthan nappy rash cream ( available at the chemist)
Products NOT Recommended:
– Any products with active ingredients – (vitamin A and C, AHA’s, BHA’s, Glycolic, Lactic or Salicylic Acids)
– Neosporin
– Medicated lip balm
– Exfoliating products
– Lip plumpers
– Aquaphor