COSMETIC TATTOO

 What is Cosmetic Tattoo ? 

Cosmetic Tattoo for eyebrows and lips is a semi-permanent tattoo that creates hair-like strokes with the use of a manual pen or tattoo machine  containing very small needles and a soft blush effect to the lips enhancing their colour.  These needles implant pigment into the basal layer (bottom layer) of the epidermis. You will often hear methods such as hair strokes, feathering, 3d-6d, embroidery, etching , powder fill, combination brows, ombre and lip blush. Here are some other common questions:

How long does cosmetic tattoo last? 

The results of the procedure vary with every client and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Various factors can determine how well the pigment will retain – such as amount of pigment implanted, the client’s skin-type, immediate aftercare, the client’s skin care regimen and medical history.

Who is a candidate for cosmetic tattoo?

One common misconception about cosmetic tattoo is that it is only for individuals that have severe hair loss. Although these clients can benefit from the service immensely, anyone looking to add depth and colour will find great value in tattooing. It’s also a great choice for those wanting to correct their brow shape after years of follicle damage from various epilation methods. Or in the case of lips , it is especially beneficial to clients with a natural darker lip colour that want to make them look more pink , or for clients with very little natural colour that want them enhanced. The tattoo will also make lips look larger , fuller and more defined on the outline.

Why is cosmetic tattoo only semi-permanent? 

Traditional methods of permanent makeup consists of implanting pigment to the dermis. The dermis is live skin made up of blood vessels, sebaceous glands, sweat glands and nerves. Since this layer of skin is alive, it usually retains pigments permanently. In microblading, pigment is deposited right above the dermis into the basal layer of the epidermis. Because the cells of the basal layer continuously divide, the pigment is then broken down and eventually migrates to the surface causing the pigment to fade away.  

PRE PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake the night before, as well as, the day of your procedure. Some discomfort and increased pain sensitivity will occur during your menstrual cycle.  If you would like to take pain medication, we recommend Tylenol as it will not thin your blood. If you are prescribed other medication’s that cause blood thinning such as aspirin or ibuprofen, please let us know prior to booking your appointment.    We want you to be as comfortable as possible. Please come to the appointment how you normally wear your makeup a daily basis. This will help you and your artist create a brow that suits your vision of beauty. It is not necessary to have your brows shaped waxed or threaded prior to your appointment. It will be nice to see how and where your hairs actually grow. If you insist, 48 hours prior and at least 10 days after will be recommended.  

If you normally tint your eyebrows with hydrogen peroxide it is recommended that you do this at least 10 days prior. If you continue to do so after you've had this procedure it will cause premature fading. If your skin is constantly inflamed or acne-prone, please contact us for a consultation to determine if this procedure is right for you. 

Your skin is the canvas from which pigment is deposited. If your skin is compromised, the pigment will not retain well and is more prone to an infection after each application. If you are on any type of acne medication (accutane) you are not a good candidate for this procedure. To be considered you have to be off the medication for at least 1 year.   We cannot proceed with the procedure if there is any type of facial break out, rash, inflammation, abrasion, blemish, bruise or sunburn. Please let us know if you have any concerns with your skin prior to your appointment. 

-Per our studio policy, failure to inform us prior to your appointment will result in the loss of your deposit. A new deposit will be required to rebook your appointment.  

-Refrain from taking any supplements such as fish oil (omegas) or multivitamins a WEEK prior to your appointment. Multi-vitamins may increase inflammation or facial swelling during the procedure. 

-Refrain from any skin treatments i.e. facials and skin care treatments i.e. lightening, resurfacing, anti-aging, anti-acne type products for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. 

-Skin treatments will interfere with the healing process of your permanent makeup and may cause unpredictable results.   

-We recommend refraining from working out 24 hours prior your appointment. It is also highly recommended to refrain from working out at least 7 days AFTER your appointment. Increased blood flow will heal your brows prematurely and result in poor pigment retention.  

-Eyelid Surgery or any type of face-lift surgery should be done at least 6months before your appointment. It can slightly change the shape of your brows once all of the swelling subsides. Your shape can be adjusted but please consider that it will require more time and money spent. 

-Facial treatments such as chemical peels or injectables i.e. Botox, fillers can be done 4 weeks before or 4 weeks after our procedure. These treatments can interfere with how your brows heal and can cause unwanted results. Please plan ahead accordingly. 

AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS  

Everyone heals differently, which means it may not be perfect the first session. 

-Please be patient as it is normal to need two sessions to achieve the desired results. 

-Your brows or lips should start peeling after the 3rd day and finish around the 7th day.  

-Sometimes it will take a bit longer to fully heal due to dry skin or sensitive skin, but not sooner than the 3rd day.  If there is any redness or swelling it will dissipate within 24 hours.  

 -FOR THE NEXT 7 DAYS: Please wait the total duration of this time as the results of the healing process will adapt accordingly to the conditions of your lifestyle. Keep the area clean by washing with freshly washed hands and mild soap. Do not use a washcloth or sponge to remove soap. Simply wash with water. 

-Do not use acne cleansers, astringents or anti-aging products. 

-Use a QTIP to apply a thin layer of ointment throughout the span of the day. A light “chapstick” amount of ointment to coat your brows should be enough. Avoid a “lipgloss” amount as it may be too much and unnecessary. 

-Ointment should also be applied before and after taking a shower and/or washing your face. Use a QTIP and refrain from touching your brows with your hands. Do not scrub, rub or pick at the epithelial crust that forms. Allow it to flake off naturally up to the 7 days of healing.  

-After the 10 days, you may use ointment (on a Q-tip) and rub off in a circular motion. Avoid recreational water activities such as saunas, hot steam showers, swimming. .. Allergic Reaction or Infection: It is rare, but there is a chance of allergic reaction or infection. If there are any type of irritation, rash, or bumps stop using the ointment. You might be allergic or using too much of the ointment. 

-At anytime you are uncomfortable please visit your physician for further information. 

-IF you had lip blush ensure to mouthwash after eating with alcohol free mouthwash for the first 3 days and apply ointment as often as desired Lips will have swelling for the first 24-48 hours and will subside within the first week. 

ONCE HEALED

 Maintenance appointment is suggested every 12- 18 months on average Daily hot steam showers feel great but unfortunately can cause dehydrated skin and inflammation/cellular breakdown. An active lifestyle and oily skin are more prone to premature fading and brows will require more maintenance.