What is Cosmetic Tattooing?
Cosmetic Tattooing, also called Semi-Permanent Makeup or Micropigmentation, is the process of implanting color pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of a tiny, sterile, disposable needle to produce the appearance of cosmetic 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 beauty enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve only iron-oxide based pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the technician to make changes to colour and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.
Does Cosmetic Tattooing hurt?
A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during 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.
What are the pigments made of?
The pigments used in Cosmetic Tattooing come in a variety of colors specially formulated with iron oxide, an ingredient safe for the skin. I do not use pigments made from organic ingredients, such as vegetables as they have a high risk of carrying bacteria and causing allergic reactions. Because color is implanted just underneath the dermal layer of the skin, the resulting shade is soft and muted, unlike regular cosmetic makeup that sits on the surface of the skin.
How long does Cosmetic Tattooing last?
The treatment is considered semi-permanent and will not wash off, however, it 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. I 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 eyebrows may require one or two additional appointments.
How many treatments are needed?
Two treatments are usually needed, at least 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 color 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 fades the pigment faster so sun block may be used 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.
What should I do before my procedure?
For eyebrows: If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please let me know. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. You may fill-in your eyebrows prior to your appointment if you wish so we can get a sense of what your daily makeup routine is like. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. We also request our clients avoid prescription blood thinners (if possible) for 24 hours prior to their appointment. This also includes Vitamin E, Aspirin and Alcohol
How will I look immediately after? What isthe healing process?
Your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and bigger than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Please view my detailed Aftercare instructions.
What should I do after the procedure?
We will provide you with aftercare instructions following your procedure. It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results. The most essential aftercare is to keep the treated area moist, 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, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, pools, lakes, places with hot humidity).
How will my Cosmetic Tattoo look in the future?
During your appointment, we will analyze your skin's undertone to anticipate how pigment colors will fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure color remains in the same tone. The majority of our clients' cosmetic tattoos stay true to color. 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.
What should I know about long term care?
A good sunscreen applied daily AFTER healing on the tattooed area(s) is needed to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color fade faster. The pigment used is iron-oxide based. Your body absorbs it as mineral irons, so the color will fade over time. You may need a touch-up every 1-5 years. The fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency, and if any chemical peels were done after cosmetic tattooing.
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.
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be made online by clicking on the BOOK ONLINE tab and selecting your city of choice. Please note that a deposit is required to schedule and secure your appointment and is deducted from the total price of your tattoo. This deposit is to ensure that you are serious about your appointment and is non- refundable (some exceptions may apply). If you miss your appointment, you will simply forfeit your deposit.
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