Before & After Your Procedure

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY COSMETIC TATTOO PROCEDURE?

  • If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind feel free to bring photo examples.
  • If you plan to go on a vacation, it is best to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. Or get your tattoo after vacation.
  • 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 avoid 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 will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL MICROPIGMENTATION PROCEDURES

It is very important to follow these instructions carefully! Download them here. Color retention and proper healing can depend on your (10-14 day) home aftercare regime. For information about additional procedure specific aftercare instructions please click on the links above.
  • Wash your hands with soap and hot water prior to your procedure area.
  • Keep the area of pigment lightly moist with triple antibiotic ointment for the first 24 hours post procedure. Past 24 hours start using aftercare product or Vaseline 3-5 times daily for 10 full days. Always use a clean Q-tip (not your fingertips)
  • Keeping the pigmented skin moist with an oil base ointment will control the amount of drying and crusting. This will then offer aid to color retention.
  • Do not pick, peal, scratch, rub or traumatize the healing skin as this could cause scaring or removal of color. Do not touch the area with unwashed fingers, they have bacteria on them that will cause an infection, which will result in prolonged healing process, possible scarring and pigment loss.
  • No makeup, tinting of lashes or brows, sun, soap, sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming in chlorine pools or salt water for 7-10 days (until area is completely healed) post procedure and after all touch-ups.
  • Before bathing or showering, gently apply a heavy coating of Vaseline on the procedure area using a clean Q-tip. Keep your face away from shower head and avoid long hot steamy showers or baths. Continue this regime until the procedure area has completely healed (10 full days or longer if required).
  • Use a ‘sun block’ after the procedure area has healed to prevent future fading of pigment color.
  • Do not use products that contain AHA’s or Retinol A or similar lightening products on the procedure area (ex. Glycolic, Lactic Acids — check your product labeling). These products will fade your pigment color prematurely.
  • Try to sleep on a fresh, clean satin pillowcase while the procedure area is healing.
  • If you are a blood donor, you may not give blood for 1 (one) year following your any micropigmentation application (per Red Cross regulations).
If you have any questions or concerns, please notify your technician immediately. If you experience any itching, swelling, blistering or any other complications post-procedure, stop using aftercare product and call your technician immediately. You may be allergic to the ingredients in the product you are using. NOTE: Color will appear sharp and dark immediately after your procedure. This is because the color is sitting both on top and below the skin’s surface and blood has risen to the surface of the skin. Once the skin starts healing or flaking, the color will start to fade considerably, as it is then filtered beneath the skin. Expect approximately 30% to 50% of fading during the first 6-week period (depending on area of application) and the final color should not be considered for approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the final visit. Do not be alarmed if it appears as thou most of the color is flaking off. Some of it, along with crusting, will appear on your Q-tip — THIS IS NORMAL. What you will see is the superficial color coming off as it is shed during the natural healing process. A touch-up visit should be scheduled as soon as you pass the 6-week mark post procedure (and before the 8th week has fully ended). All micropigmentation procedures are a two-step process. Results are not determined until final touch-up application is completed.

PROCEDURE SPECIFIC AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

 

EYEBROWS

  • Apply a protective coat of Vaseline with a Q-tip until the skin is completely healed.
  • Do not touch, scratch, rub or pick at the dry skin forming on your eyebrows.
  • After the initial healing period, apply a total sun block that is waterproof 3-4 times daily to prevent fading.
  • Do not use products that contain AHA’s or Retinol A or similar lightening products on the procedure area.
  • General aftercare instructions listed above should be followed as well.

EYELINER

  • Do not use mascara or eye shadows for 7 days post procedure. When you do resume the use of mascara or eye shadow, purchase new products, the old cosmetics may have bacteria in them.
  • Do not use your eyelash curler for a few days pre and post procedure. Clean your eyelash curler with alcohol prior to reusing it to destroy any bacteria on it.
  • Do not wear your contacts for 24 hours post procedure, wear glasses.
  • Do not scratch or rub your eyes. Use an eyewash if eyes itch.
  • Do not pick on flaking skin.
  • General aftercare instructions listed above should be followed as well.

LIPS

  • If you have ever had chicken pox, a fever blister, or a cold sore, you must take Zovirax, Famvir or Valtrex or other anti-viral 3 days pre and 4 days post procedure to prevent the outbreak of cold sores. There are no exceptions to this rule!
  • For the first few days, drink through a straw, no citrus fruits and juices, do not eat greasy, salty, oily or spicy foods until your lips are completely healed.
  • While eating, do not wipe your lips excessively with a napkin or keep licking your lips — this will impede the healing process.
  • Be careful when brushing your teeth. Toothpaste may pull the pigment out of the lip vermilion. Also, do not bleach your teeth while your lips are healing.
  • Using products with Lidocaine in them will help to soothe the ‘chapped’ feeling.
  • Keep lips well lubricated for at least 2 weeks post procedure. (Vaseline is a good choice.)
  • After the initial healing period, apply a total sun block that is waterproof 3-4 times daily to prevent fading. (You may also use Vaseline or Chap-stick.)
  • No smoking while lips are healing!!
  • General aftercare instructions should be followed as well.