Cosmetic Tattooing

What is Cosmetic Tattooing?

Cosmetic Tattooing is also known as Micropigmentation and is a process where iron oxide pigments are deposited into the dermal layer of the skin to create a natural looking, permanent alternative to make up.

Pigments can and will fade over time therefore colour touch-ups will be required. Generally permanent cosmetics last between 18 months to 5 years, although this will depend on the many variables. Injected tones may initially simulate the exact colour and tone desired, they will not always remain a perfect match due to changes in your natural skin tone.

What can Cosmetic Tattooing achieve?

• Replace lost colour and definition in the lips and brows
• Improve or correct lip and brow shape
• Convenience of not having to apply make up
• Great for those with visual difficulties when applying make up

Contra-indications (Reasons why Cosmetic Tattooing may not be suitable for you)

• Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
• Dermatitis or infection in the area to be treated
• Pregnancy
• Keloid scars
• Abnormal wound healing

How many sessions do I need?

Most procedures require one treatment visit and one touch-up visit before it can be determined that your work is complete. A touch-up visit is scheduled after 4-weeks to allow for healing time and the true colour to be seen. The results of your procedure may be limited to the following factors: a) Medication – advise the therapist of any medication currently being administered, b) skin characteristics – dryness, oiliness, sun damage, thickness, colour, chemical damage, skin care c) natural skin undertones blending with pigment colours, d) personal pH balance of skin which changes from visit to visit, e) alcohol intake and smoking, f) post treatment care.

What does it feel like?

Eyebrow procedures will feel uncomfortable initially, then once the skin is broken a topical anaesthetic is applied which significantly improves comfort levels. A lip block is administered for all lip procedures which can be uncomfortable though this then provides complete comfort during the actual treatment.

How does my skin look after the treatment?

• Varying degrees of redness and/or swelling occur
• Lip procedures can cause significant swelling for 1-2 days
• The colour intensity of your procedure may be significantly sharper, brighter, darker or even completely different than what is expected for the final outcome. (This will take time to settle)
• The true colour isn’t evident for approximately 4 weeks after the procedure

Potential complications:

• Reactions to the pigment or anaesthetics are extremely rare and a patch test is offered upon request
• Your body may reject the treatment and the pigment may not hold in the entire area or just in patches
• Infections and scarring are rare but possible if post care instructions are not adhered to
• Herpes simplex outbreaks generally occur after lip treatments if you are prone to cold sores
• Colour and or shape could be slightly different than expected

Skin Preparation:

• It is best not to make any social plans for a day or two following any procedure
• Please do not wear any make-up to the office on the day of the procedure and bring your lip or brow pencils
• Any tweezing or waxing should be done at least 48 hours prior to the procedure - electrolysis no less than five days before. Do not resume any method of hair removal for at least two weeks.
• Any eyelash or eyebrow tinting or eyelash curling should be done no sooner than 48 hours before or two weeks after the procedure.
• Do not wear contact lenses during or immediately following the eyeliner procedure. Remember to bring your glasses. You may resume wearing your contact lenses as soon as your eyes return to their pre-tattooed condition.
• If you are having lip procedures and have a history of cold sore / herpes simplex, you will be required to contact your physician 5 days prior to your procedure to obtain the proper prescription medication to prevent such outbreaks.
• Refrain from the use of alcohol, Aspirin, Aspirin-containing medications, Ibuprofen for 7 days before and at least 2 days after any procedure. Refrain from judgement altering drugs for at least 24 hours prior to any procedure. No medication should be discontinued without first consulting your physician.

Cost

Patient After-Care for Cosmetic Tattooing

Now that you’ve had your first treatment, there are a few simple steps for after care that you will need to follow: Immediately following the procedure you may resume normal activities, however, using cosmetics, excessive perspiration and exposure to the sun on the treated area should be avoided and all other after care advice adhered to. Proper care following your procedure is necessary to achieve the best results. Keep in mind that in many cases some unevenness of colour is to be expected. This is the purpose of the touch-up visit. Please review the following directions and refer to them as necessary. If during your healing process you have any queries or concerns, please contact your therapist.

• Immediately after treatment of the eyebrows and lips, pat gently, every few minutes for the next couple of hours, with the cotton pads provided to you to prevent immediate crusting.
• The treated area may feel tight and tender after the procedure and there may also be mild to significant swelling which generally lasts 24 – 48 hours. Ice packs protected with a cloth may be applied as necessary to reduce swelling. Sleeping slightly elevated helps alleviate swelling sometimes seen the morning after eyeliner procedures.
• Wash your hands before touching any treated areas. Cotton-tipped applicators may be used to gently cleanse the eye area. Do not expose the area to dirty or unsanitary conditions. Wearing glasses outdoors is a good way to protect new eye liner from dust etc. that can stick to healing agents. Apply recommended healing agents sparingly to eye area.
• Keep the treated area moist at all times for 2 weeks after the procedure. (We recommend using Bepanthen) Some itching is normal during the healing phase. DO NOT PICK, PEEL OR SCRATCH the treated area or your colour may heal unevenly and you risk scarring and infection.
• No make-up is to be applied over or immediately next to the treated area until all the crusting has come off. After any eye liner procedure use new mascara and do not use an eyelash curler for 2 weeks. Any eyelash or eyebrow tinting should be done no sooner than 2 weeks after treatment.
• Do not expose your healing skin to direct sun, tanning beds, direct shower spray, hot water, skin creams, ointments or lotions other than what you have been instructed to use for 2 weeks following your procedure.
• After a lip procedure, do not be alarmed if the colour looks significantly different to the colour you desired, as the pigment will take time to blend with your own natural skin tones. The final colour is not evident until 4 weeks after the procedure. Keep your lips moist at all times and avoid spicy foods or heat. If using medication, continue as prescribed.
• Keep away from anyone with a virus, cold, infection etc to prevent contamination of the treated area.

Long Term Care

1. Use a good sunscreen daily – even the lips require protection. Sun exposure will fade your permanent cosmetics and may cause irritation even years later.
2. If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform your physician of your cosmetic tattoo.
3. If you donate blood, it is a Red Cross policy that you must wait one year after any tattooing procedure.
4. Use of Glycolic acids, Retinoic Acid or Tretinoin is not recommended over the treated area as this will fade your permanent cosmetics.

If you have any concerns or questions please call the office