FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
IS THIS A REAL TATTOO?
Yes. Permanent cosmetics, even Microbalding, is a "real" tattoo. Using a needle to create a control abrasion on your skin and deliver pigment action to the area.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
For the first Microblading, Brow, Areola, Eyeliner or Lip session, the entire visit should last about 2 hours, with 30 - 45 minutes of actual tattoo time. During this session, I will shape and style your makeup for their ultimate approval, then follow with pigment color selection. Once we are both satisfied with the choices, I will begin the procedure.
The client is responsible for scheduling a follow up visit for any necessary touch ups. The second session takes place at least 4-6 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 1 hour to complete.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?
The tattooed area will be slightly red after the procedure and the tattoo will appear dark. This is normal. The color will soften 20-30% in 5-7 days as your skin heals and repairs itself. In the following days, the tattoo will continue to be dark (may darken further) and you will notice slight scabbing, similar to a sunburn or carpet burn. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the tattooed area.
Again, the tattoo will soften in color as it heals. No down time is required after a tattoo procedure. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the tattoo to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in.
You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin may have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.
IS THE TOUCH-UP NECESSARY?
Not always necessary, but highly recommended. A touch up session after 4-6 weeks is a good idea as everyone heals differently and each outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted, shape, thickness, or more highlights, lowlights, and additional strokes can be added to brows. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your look to ensure it is perfect and retains the color for years to come. The cost of the touch up is $50.
CAN I GET MY TOUCH-UP SOONER THAN 4 WEEKS?
Touch up sessions should not be done earlier than 4 weeks after initial Microblading session as pigment color has not fully settled into the skin. Most importantly, this is to prevent scar damage as the tissue requires time to completely heal.
IS IT PAINFUL?
The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure I will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and will also reapply it during the procedure. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Benzocaine, Tetracaine and Epinephrine.
After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a sunburn.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Since my pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime, but you should get 5-10 plus years out of wear, depending on the procedure, your skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the tattoo freshness, a touch up is suggested as needed. Microblading will fade much faster due to the shallow nature of the application and may need to be touched up every 18 - 24 months.
WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
Tattooing is not suitable for the following candidates:
- Using Accutane
- Have heart conditions or using heart medications
- Have diabetes (will require a physician's note)
- Have skin disease or irritations
- Have had Botox in the last 2 weeks
- Have gotten a deep tan or chemical peels in the last 2 weeks
- Allergic to Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Benzocaine, Tetracaine or epinephrine
- Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note.
- Pregnant or nursing clients
-Areolas on reconstructed breasts less than 6 months post op
*I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE WHO I DEEM NOT SUITABLE FOR THIS PROCEDURE OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON, BASED ON MY OWN DISCRETION*
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?
We take all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment, new, pre-packaged needles and in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow our pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks or complications .Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. I suggest a pigment patch test* for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:
Topical makeup products
Gold, silver and nickel
Hair dyes
*PLEASE CONTACT ME TO INQUIRE ABOUT PATCH TESTS.*
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE IT?
As with all tattoo and/or cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. I always recommend clients do their research, understand the procedure and compare different artists' work and portfolio when making their decisions. I will do my BEST to shape and style your makeup to your satisfaction prior to the procedure. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Uneven appearance can be fixed during the touch up session. Pigment discoloration and color correction can also be fixed during the the touch up session. Microbladed brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch ups are done, however a base color will always remain visible in the skin.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION/MISSED APPOINTMENT POLICY?
Clients are able to cancel or reschedule appointments at anytime with a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to the appointment time, otherwise a fee will be charged, likely equal to your deposit. To book a session, you must provide a valid credit card that is in your name, or come in prior to the appointment with cash. A deposit of $50 will be made at time of booking. To cancel or reschedule, please email or call. Confirmation of cancellation will be done by email or phone. We reserve the right to refuse service to clients who have cancellations or rescheduling of appointments 3 times in a row.
WHAT ARE THE PRE- AND POST-CARE PROCEDURES?
In order to achieve the best results, it is best to follow the pre and post care instructions.
Prior to your procedure, clients are advised of the following:
- Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 72 hours.
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid sedatives
- Avoid tanning so we can assess your natural skin tone.
- No face scrubs or chemical peels at least two weeks prior.
- Feel free to come in with your makeup on so our technician can see the every day look you prefer. Reference pictures of shapes and colors are always welcomed. We will then work together to create the perfect tattoo!
After your procedure, clients MUST follow these instructions:
- Within 2 hours after the procedure, wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water. Lightly pat dry with a clean towel or tissue and using a new q-tip, re-apply healing ointment to the tattoo.
- Make sure to apply a light layer of ointment several times a day to your tattoo for at least 5-7 days.
- Do not over apply healing balm. Apply it and run it in like you would a lotion.
- Do not immerse tattoo area in water for 14 days. When showering, make sure to not let the water saturate your tattoo and pat it dry with a clean towel or tissue when drying off.
- Do not touch with your hands or apply makeup on the tattooed area for a minimum of 10 days. A newly tattooed area is an open wound, and introducing any bacteria can lead to an infection. While I take the highest precautions necessary, once you leave my studio the cleanliness of your tattoo is your responsibility.
- The tattooed area will feel slightly itchy as it heals and will start to lightly scab over. Do not peel or pick at the scabs as this can affect the outcome and pigmentation.
- Do not go swimming, soaking, tanning or into saunas for at least 14 days.
- No face scrubs or chemical peels at least 2 weeks after.