What is cosmetic tattooing?

Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation, is the process of implanting color pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face.

 

What is the difference between cosmetic tattooing and standard body tattooing?

The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.

 

Does cosmetic tattooing hurt?

A highly-effective, topical anesthetic liquid and gel are used for numbing before, during and after your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

 

How old do I have to be to get tattooed?

You must be 18 years or older.

 

Can I get tattooed if I am pregnant or nursing?

As a precaution, I do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

 

How long does cosmetic tattooing last?

Cosmetic tattoo treatments are considered semi-permanent and will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and may need a touch-up every 1-3 years. Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skintype will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary. Touch-ups are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring 2 visits. The initial procedure followed by a free touch-up procedure about 2 months later. Previously tattooed areas may require additional appointments.

 

How many treatments are needed?

For cosmetic tattooing, two treatments are usually needed, at least 6-8 weeks apart. Sometimes just one treatment is sufficient, but a touch-up appointment is offered just in case. With most procedures, the color looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second treatment, we will assess the colour retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment!

 

What factors will affect my cosmetic tattoo?

• Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement.

• The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds.

• The speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold.

• The choice of color: Some colors fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde color will fade quicker than a dark brown color.

• The area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure.

• Bleeding during the procedure: Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should not be taken prior to and following your appointment.

 

What should I do before my eyebrow procedure?

• If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment.

• You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire.

• If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them by shaving, not plucking.

• If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure.

• We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen.

• Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume.

• If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.

• It is highly recommended that you avoice SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and you will be charged $100 for rescheduling your appointment, last minute. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

 

How will I look immediately after? What is the healing process?

Your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal. Please review the aftercare recommendations HERE.

 

What should I do after the procedure?

Please see detailed aftercare instructions listed HERE. It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results. DO NOT rub or pick the healing area as the color will peel off prematurely, and avoid extreme heat and contaminated bodies of water (such as saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, pools, lakes, and places with hot humidity, etc.).

 

How will my cosmetic tattoo look in the future?

During your appointment, I will analyze your skin's undertone to anticipate how pigment colors will fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure color blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair color. The majority of my clients' cosmetic tattoos stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. ***There are some cases, however, where colors may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your follow up appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. Special formula alteration to correct the color and to prevent further color change is made at this time. Your cosmetic tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a "powdered" look. This happens with all clients as the skin ages. To keep your hair strokes looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client.

 

What should I know about long term care?

A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color soften faster. The pigment used is iron-oxide based. Your body absorbs it as mineral irons, so the color will lighten over time. You may need a touch-up every 1-2 years. The fading speed depends on your skintype, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure.

If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.

If you are planning to have laser treatments, tell your laser specialist to avoid the pigmented area. Laser may cause pigment to turn black.

 

Will cosmetic tattooing work well for me?

If you have extremely oily skin, the hairstroke eyebrow technique will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect.

If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment will fade sooner.

If you are iron deficient or Anemic, your pigment will fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.

 

Is the studio and equipment safe?

Absolutely! I pride myself in having an immaculate and sterile studio space. I only use single use, disposable needles and supplies. This means that the set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards. My station is thoroughly disinfected before opening and after each procedure throughout the day.

 

How do I book an appointment?

Appointments will ONLY be made via the online booking system and NOT in person, over the phone, or via email. Please note that a credit card is required to schedule and secure your appointment. This is to ensure that you are serious about your appointment and you will be charged a non-refundable fee of $100.00 should you no-show or do not cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment time. 

 

What methods of payment do you accept?

I accept CASH, Venmo (@carlymiles) and CREDIT CARD (VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/Discover) payments ONLY, no personal checks.