Frequently Asked Questions

Micropigmentation is a term accepted worldwide to include pigment placement into the dermis of the skin for enhancement and correction. Other names commonly used include permanent makeup, and permanent or semi-permanent cosmetics; these all refer to the same techniques. However, micropigmentation does not include procedures intended to damage the skin, as in some forms of tattooing, that intentionally cause scarring. Micropigmentation is different from traditional tattooing as it does not go as deep into the skin.

If you are on blood thinners such as Coumadin, steroids such as Prednisone, chemotherapy or prophylactic chemotherapy, written medical clearance from your primary care provider will be necessary. If you are on Accutane for the treatment of Acne, a waiting period of one year is necessary prior to permanent cosmetics. If you have had a heart valve replacement, stents, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic fever or any heart condition, you may need to be pre-medicated.  Please consult your primary care provider first. If you have had an organ transplant, you are not a candidate. If you have had a joint replacement, you may require pre-medication and should obtain prior medical clearance. If you are an insulin-dependent diabetic, prior written medical clearance is required.

• Clients must be least 18 years of age to receive a permanent cosmetic procedure.
• Women who are pregnant or nursing are not eligible for permanent cosmetics.
• The America Red Cross does not accept blood donations for one year following a tattoo or micropigmentation procedure.  If donations of blood are a requirement in the client’s life, a permanent cosmetic may not be a procedure one should consider.
• Do not take aspirin, Ibuprofen or Coumadin for two days before and two days after procedure.
• Do not wear contact lenses during or following the procedure for 24 hours.
• If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), we advise you to contact your doctor to obtain the proper prescription medication to prevent such outbreaks.

Allergies to pigments are extremely rare; however, if they do occur, the pigmented area will appear red and swollen, and may itch. Clients who suffer from allergies of any kind must have a patch test prior to any micropigmentation procedure.

All needles are new/disposable and are individually sterilized and packed in a class 100.00 clean room using gamma radiation. A unique batch code is printed in each needle pack.

We use Noveau intelligent equipment, which provides state-of-the-art computerized technology. It is equipped and controlled by an Intel microprocessor chip. The intelligent central processing unit offers the most advanced features, which allow for the selection of pre-programmed settings for various procedures. Our medical equipment is safe by design against cross contamination. Fully disposable “single use only” applicator cartridges are used for your complete safety and peace of mind.

Inorganic pigments are used in permanent cosmetics; these have an extensive record of safety. They have guaranteed quality and are used in both medical and artistic fields. We use Noveau Contour and Face Inks pigment. They are iron oxide pigments, which are also MRI-safe. *Iron oxide has been one of the most commonly used coloring agents for cosmetics for over a century. It is also used in traditional cosmetics, foods, medication, religious ceremonies and skin protection. Iron oxides are safe, harmless and inactive.

• Have you had permanent makeup previously? If yes, we will need to know that you have not been tattooed with Premier True Concentrates between the years 2000 and 2004. If you have, we will require written documentation from your previous practitioner that this product was not used. The Premier pigment described can trigger an allergic reaction.
• Are you Pregnant or nursing? If so, please reschedule your appointment after your delivery and/or nursing.
• Are you scheduled for or considering vision correction surgery? No procedures can be performed one month prior to laser surgery and three months after.
• Have you recently had facial surgery, Botox, fillers such as Restalyne, Sculptra, or any type of lip augmentation? If yes, there may be a waiting period of six to seven weeks.
• Are you on blood thinners such as Coumadin, Steroids such as Prednisone, Chemotherapy or Prophylactic Chemotherapy? Prior medical clearance will be necessary.
• Are you on Accutane for the treatment of Acne? A waiting period of one year is necessary prior to permanent cosmetics.
• Do you have a heart valve replacement, stents, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Rheumatic Fever or any heart condition?  If yes, patients may need to be pre-medicated.
• If you have had an organ transplant, you are not a candidate.
• Did you have joint replacement? If yes, you will require pre-medication and medical clearance.
• Are you an insulin-dependent diabetic? Prior medical clearance is required.
• Do you have any dermatologic disorders such as Shingles, Rosacia, Eczema, or Psoriasis, and are they active? If they are active, patients must wait until they have calmed down.
• Do you have any medical condition that has you presently in the care of a doctor? If yes, patients may need medical clearance.
• If you have had a previous similar procedure, please describe the color that is remaining so we will know whether you need a touch-up or correction.
• Do you plan on going on a vacation (in the sun) in the next 2 weeks? Please let us know in advance.
• All permanent cosmetic procedures are multi-session processes.  You are required to come back for at least one touch-up visit before it can be determined that your work is complete. Touch-up visits are scheduled approximately in six week to three-month intervals.
• Be prepared for the color intensity of your procedure to be significantly brighter or darker, as well as larger and sharper, than what is expected for the final outcome. It will take time for this transition (one to two weeks for brows and eyeliner and six weeks for lips) based on how quickly the outer layer of your skin exfoliates.
• Since delicate skin or sensitive areas may swell slightly or redden, some clients feel it best not to make any social plans for a day or two following a procedure. Allow a minimum of one month healing from the time of any procedures for significant events. This reduces stress for all.
• Wear your normal make-up, and bring your lip or brow pencils to the office on the day of the procedure.

• How much hair do you have in your brow? For the best result, we work on the enhancement of the natural eyebrows.
• Any eyebrow tinting should be done no sooner than 48 hours before or two weeks after the procedure.

• Do you have a fever blister at this time, and have you ever had even one cold sore in your lifetime? If you are having lip procedures and have any history of cold sores/fever blisters/herpes simplex, you will be required to contact your physician for Valtrex to possibly prevent such outbreaks.  Many physicians prescribe 12 capsules of 500 mg. Your physician may prescribe that they are taken twice a day, two days before lip procedures and four days after. Be sure to ask for 24 to avoid two co-pays. This will include enough medication for your touch-up visit.
• Do you want full lip color, a liner with shading, or just a liner? Remember, we are offering three different types for lips procedures: Lip liner, lip blush, and full lips. Be aware of the different prices for each.

• Do you wear false eyelashes or eyelash extensions?  If yes, they must be removed before eyeliner procedure.  Reapply after two weeks post procedure.
• Do you use Latisse®? If yes, discontinue using at least one week prior to eyeliner procedure.  Resume Latisse® two weeks post procedure.
• How wide do you wear your eyeliner? Remember we are offering two different types of eyeliners, and they have different prices.
• Any eyelash or eyelash curling should be done no sooner than 48 hours before, or two weeks after the procedure.
• Have you made your arrangements for someone to drive you if you are having an eyeliner 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 feel comfortable. This is normally 24 hours after the procedure.

While these injected tones may initially simulate the exact color and tone desired, it will not always remain a perfect match.  Injected tones are constant, while your own skin tones will vary depending on exposure to cold, heat, sun and circulatory changes.  For example, if you tan your skin and had a scar camouflaged, your surrounding skin will be darker in appearance than the treated area.

All permanent cosmetic procedures are multi-session processes. You are required to come back for at least one touch-up visit before it can be determined that your work is complete. Touch-up visits are scheduled at approximately six-week to three-month intervals.

Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape, so to some extent, procedures do have flexibility in being altered. Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten during the healing process. The healing time is different for each individual and procedure. It is important to realize that often the new procedure represents something somewhat different. There will at times be color where there was no color at all, or very little. It takes time to became acclimated to a new look. Very often this applies to eyebrows which were sparse and unnoticeable before the permanent cosmetic brow procedure. Eyeliner color is more evident due to the contrast with skin color. Lip color can take up to six weeks to reflect the final color. CLIENTS WHO HAVE HAD PERMANENT MAKEUP PERFORMED BY ANOTHER TECHNICIAN WILL BE CHARGED THE FULL PRICE OF A NEW PROCEDURE--NO EXCEPTIONS. We strongly recommend doing the touch up for all permanent cosmetics procedures.

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How do I take care of my eyeliner?

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How do I take care of my Lips?

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*Areola Areola tattooing helps post-mastectomy clients regain a more natural appearance with realistic areola tattoos and scar camouflage. This is ideal for clients who have undergone surgery and have lost nipples. Paramedical permanent cosmetics give the appearance of nipples and areolas through clever shading techniques. The specialist draws on the areola using a custom blended pigment color that best matches the patient's coloring, shape and size to find the closet similarity. The procedure of nipple reconstruction has to be done more than one time, sometimes in two to three sessions, following up after one year. It all depends on the colors, how the skin heals, and how the skin accepts the pigment. FAILURE TO FOLLOW POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OR DISCOLORATION OF PIGMENT.

How is the procedure done?

• The position and size of the areola
• The depth of color
• Skin type and amount of scarring

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Who is, and who is not a candidate for skin Scar Camouflage?

• Healed and no longer pink or changing color: The scar should be at least 9 to 12 months old with stable color. If it is red or pink or still changing color, the tissue may still be healing. (Note: if you were under a physician’s care for the condition, ask your doctor if you can undergo micropigmentation skin color.)
• Smooth and relatively flat: Scar camouflage cannot disguise or correct extreme changes in skin surface irregularity, so please consult with a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to see if any type of medical treatment can first improve the skin texture.
• Without dark edges: Dark edges or borders around the scars indicate Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIHP) from initial trauma or surgery. It is possible that the scar camouflage process may increase the hyper-pigmentation and create a wider, darker border. (Note: The risk of this happening is usually greater with darker skin tones.)
• Not Allowed to Camouflage:  Port Whine birthmarks; spider veins; freckles; age spots; under eye circle; hyper-pigmentation; or unstable Vitiligo (not in remission). These can be improved with non-Micropigmention Medical procedures, such as: laser, sclerotherapy or medical peels. The physician will illustrate the best course of treatment for these conditions.