Frequently Asked Questions

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1. VIRTUAL CHAT WILL HELP ANSWER MANY OF YOUR QUESTIONS!

This 24/7 service is designed with your convenience in mind. It will help in a pinch when we are busy or working with other clients. This service is NOT monitored by a live person.

If you don't get your answers here. Try entering specific key words in step 2 below.

For more information, text us @ 713-443-8999

KNOWLEDGE ISN'T POWER!

APPLIED KNOWLEDGE IS...

SO PLAN WELL!

2. USE THE KEY WORD SEARCH BELOW. . .

You may search for words such as the following:

Type: FDA

to find out if our pigments are regulated by the FDA.

Type: RED CROSS

If you donate blood regularly.

Type: BOOK

To find out how to book and manage your own appointment schedule..

Type: CANCEL

to find out why our cancellation policy requires a week's notice.

Type: BOTOX

to find out when it's safe to schedule your Botox Appt.

CLICK ON THE SEARCH SYMBOL to find information on topics like: PLANNING, CANCELATIONS, BOTOX, FDA, RED CROSS, BOOKING, ETC > > >

PLANNING

What is Permanent Makeup? Is Microblading a Tattoo?

Permanent Makeup, is cosmetic tattooing. Plain and simple. There are so many LABELS that all describe the same thing, that it all gets very confusing. I think everyone would agree that we all want natural looking permanent enhancements. If one person calls it MicroBLADING, another may prefer to call is MicroSTROKING. Powderfill brows are now called Ombre brows. But Ombre has a unique design, in that it's not an all one color saturated opaque look. It has more of an airbrush look to it... So don't be confused. Just bring in a photo of what your preference is or describe it to us verbally, and we'll do our very best to accomodate your requests... Now the big difference between COSMETIC tattooing and TRADITIONAL tattooing is the depth of placement of the color. And color choices are generally much softer. Cosmetic tattooing is also done more superficially, in order to only last a few years - as opposed to a lifetime. We want it to fade OFF before it can fade to UGLY! Wouldn't you agree? Many people don't realize how many benefits there are with permanent makeup. It can be beneficial to a wide spectrum of people, including both men and woman who are at least 18 years of age. Permanent cosmetic applications can also help to conceal scars on almost any part of the body.

What is Arnica Montana? When should I take it?

DOSAGE: 4-5 pills (NOT CREAM) HOW OFTEN: 4 - 4x per day (or as directed on bottle) STRENGTH: 30C is often recommended. DISSOLVE: 4-5 arnica montana pellets sublingually (under the tongue) every few hours for 3-10 days before their appointment, and following again for another two days. ARNICA MONTANA is a harmless homeopathic supplement available over the counter. It is claimed to reduce bruising and swelling after surgical and cosmetic procedures. We have noticed a difference in the skin when this supplement has been taken properly. We also recommend to discontinue taking of an aspirin-containing compounds for 10 days prior to your sessions also to decrease bruising. And if you are known as a "bruiser", we recommend ceasing the intake of extra vitamin E as well as garlic for a week before the treatment. IN RARE CASES... Some people may be allergic to this supplement. If you feel unusual headaches or any other symptoms, discontinue use. Instead, take Bromelain, another homeopathic medication, is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples and also said to reduce swelling, bruising, inflammation and pain after surgery. Eating lots of fresh pineapple helps too. (No canned pineapple). Some people question the scientific benefits of these supplements. So do your own research to reach your own conclusions.

How should I plan for a procedure?

YOU MAY REFER TO THE PLAN AHEAD PAGE ON THIS WEBSITE. Details are also recapped here for your convenience... The following information is just a basic guideline to HELP optimize the effects of your procedure, but it is not a guarantee. There are too many variables possible to be able guarantee a procedure. So proceed at your own risk and know that even if you follow these instructions EXACTLY, it does not mean you will have a perfect outcome. Some people follow NONE of the guidelines, and still end up with great results... but if you can, plan to plan. : ) {With that said, please don't think you can go swimming or take long hot showers, without loosing color!} 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE STOP USING RETINOID PRODUCTS on the area to be treated. START EATING AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE. 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE: Stop TANNING. Stop SMOKING. Most cigarettes contain carbon monoxide, which constricts oxygen flow to the cells, and prohibits effective healing. ALLERGY SKIN TEST - NO CHARGE

BOOK ONE NOW, IF YOU WANT ONE! You can either attend one of the monthly orientations to find out more about permanent makeup and get your test. If you elect to not take the test, you will need to sign a waiver.

MONTHLY ORIENTATIONS - $25.00 deposit is applicable toward your procedure!

These occur once a month and its a nice opportunity to come talk about permanent makeup and what it can and cannot do for you. Most all information is on this website, but it's fun to meet up.

Orientations are not mandatory. So if you want an Allergy Skin Test, but do not have any interest in the orientation, you can book a quick 10 minute test - free of charge

Latisse & All Lash Growth Serum Users: Stop using these products for a minimum of four (4) weeks prior to your eyeliner procedure. This also applies to touch up and or follow up procedures. They increase blood flow to the eyelid, which could cause migration of color. (smearing under the skin!) LASH EXTENSIONS: If you have your eyelashes filled in please try and schedule your eyeliner appointment at the end of your lash cycle. 1 WEEK PRIOR TO PROCEDURE: ARNICA MONTANA (Pills, not cream) should be started approximately a week or two prior to your procedure. Even if you're a tough cookie and feel you can handle it, still take it... because it's not just about pain relief.... Arnica helps control bruising, swelling and seems to help limit bleeding. Bleeding is not good for the outcome... Arnica Montana is a supplement that can be purchased at any Nutrition Store. It can also be purchased on Amazon.com Note: If you are allergic to Arnica, consume more of the following. Do this for at least a week or 2, prior to and after your procedure(s) to help prepare your skin for better results.

Extra VITAMIN C
Pineapple (fresh, not canned)
Bromelain
LOTS OF GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES. Do this for at least a week or 2, prior to and after your procedure(s) to help prepare your skin for better results.

HISTORY OF COLD SORES? If you have a lip procedure scheduled, be sure to ask your doctor for a round of anti-viral medication to be prescribed for you. Take half of the course just before your procedure and the remaining medication, after. If you can't get a prescription, you can start taking Lysine. 1000 mg in the morning, and 1000 at night for a few day prior to and after the lip procedure. 48 HOURS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE: Remove Lash extensions PRIOR to your eyeliner procedure, NOT in your car on the way to your eyeliner appointment. Wait at least 2 weeks to reapply your extensions. DISCONTINUE the use of the following products prior to any invasive procedure: NEVER discontinue PRESCRIBED medication with out first consulting with your physician. Alcohol - Because it thins the blood, and causes more bleeding. Caffeine - Because it increases the heartrate, causing more bleeding. Ibuprofen Motrin Advil Aleve Naproxen Asprin Fish Fish Oils Cayenne Pepper Ginko Biloba Green Tea Gensing Vitamin E or ANY facial oils. Oils fill up the skin and make it hard for color to settle in. Blood Thinners Exercise increases the heart rate, expands pores, and produces sweat. This can cause a loss of color retention. So FOR BEST RESULTS, please avoid any exercise within 1-2 days prior to your procedure and for 12-14 days following your procedure. If you must exercise, (and I know some of you WILL), you must be willing to accept the fact that your color may fade and follow up session may be necessary. If you are scheduled for a lip procedure start taking the antiviral medication. Plan to get a prescription from your doctor a few weeks in advance. DAY OF THE PROCEDURE WHAT TO WEAR: Wear something comfortable, that you don't mind getting stained. Pigment generally does not splash on clients, but occasional accidents may happen, and we can not be responsible for ruining your clothes if we ask you in advance, not to wear your best clothes to your appointment. You might also bring a pair of socks and a sweater if you get cold easily. But we also have sheets and blankets in case you need them. Some days, IT'S REALLY COLD in our office!

PAYMENT OF SERVICES: A deposit is required to reserve your spot on our calender. This is collected when you reserve a spot on our calendar, via a secure link to PayPal. You may also pay in full on line in advanc, or you may pay when you arrive at our office.
SAFETY: You will observe our strict sanitation and sterilization guidelines throughout the start, duration and completion of your services. After each client, surfaces are sprayed with a viricidal/germicidal agents. Disposable gloves are worn and changed any time we need to leave our work area. We only use new, sterile disposable needles, tubing and pen parts for each client. Following each procedure, disposable parts are inserted into properly labeled containers.
START OF PROCEDURE: During the numbing process, just lay back TOPICAL and relax. Once the procedure is started, additional topical will be applied as needed to help control discomfort. Although every person's pain tolerance is different, almost every client agrees that the procedures are much more tolerable than originally anticipated.
PAIN, ANXIETY AND OTHER MEDICATIONS: You should ask your doctor if there are medications that you can take, such as Benedryl, Tylenol, Zanax or Valium prior to this procedure to help you relax or control discomfort If you feel you need to. If you take any medication prior to your procedure, you will need to arrange for transportation home. If a person shows signs of intoxication from alcohol, we will have to cancel the service, and the deposit will BROW procedures generally produce minimal to no pain. EYELINER procedures normally cause more mental anxiety than true "pain". The tickling is far more annoying than "painful". For that reason, you may want to consider taking Antihistamines such as Benedryl, before the procedure as it may reduce swelling and help you relax. You may also ask your physician to prescribe Xanax for Acetomenephine (Tylenol) is normally sufficient to control any discomfort or occasional pain due to the procedures. * IF YOU TAKE ANYTHING FOR ANXIETY, YOU MUST BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU OR ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION HOME. LIP procedures are the most sensitive of all procedures. But most people are able to toloerate the inital pain whil But I assure you, I will give you a break as soon as you tell me to and will apply more numbing gel to help alleviate the pain when I resume treatment. Following the procedure, lips will sting a bit and feel sunburned for 12-24 hours . Then feel super chapped for the duration of the initial healing process. Once they peel, they will feel really tender, like baby skin. Continue to keep moisturized. PHOTOS: Mandatory Before and After photos will be taken for your client file. Consent to use your photos on our website, in marketing & training material and is required and given when you sign our consent form. We can make your photos "private" but you must state so on the consent form. OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS: If you wear prescription glasses, please bring them to the session. You will need to wear them home after the procedure. Do not wear contact lenses on the day of your procedure. If you do, you must bring a lens container and remove them, PRIOR to your appointment. Do not reapply them for about 48 hours after an eye procedure. Bring sunglasses to wear home. Eyes may be light sensitive. Do not dye or perm lashes for 2 days prior or for month after an eyeliner procedure. Do not use eyelash curler for about 2 weeks after an eyeliner procedure. If you have had any type of eye surgery, consult with the physician about how long you should wait before having a permanent eyeliner procedure. Never take sleeping pills prior to your procedure. They will NOT help you "relax"! While you might become sleepy, you could also become combative... and start swatting me away from your face in your sleep. Trust me on this. It happened! In the best interest of that client, I actually had to terminate the procedure and drive her home. TRUE STORY . . .

Is Allergy Testing Mandatory?

No. In fact, in 15 years, I have never had anyone present an allergic reaction to any pigment that I have implanted. I have witnessed two tests however, that were highly suspicious, so the clients declined service at my suggestion. Better safe than sorry! Even though its not mandatory, we still care and recommend getting a test. It may allows us to catch a potential reaction before pigment gets implanted in your skin. IMPORTANT: Since it's not required by law, it is up to YOU to book testing at least ONE WEEK prior to your first procedure with us. You will either be required to provide date of test - or - waive testing, prior to starting the procedure. SO START PLANNING ON SCHEDULING A TIME TO COME IN FOR YOUR ALLERGY SKIN TEST, IF YOU DID NOT HAVE ONE DURING A CONSULTATION. You may schedule a quick ten minute slot on any day that shows an availability. This 10 minute time-slot is free of charge, If we have free time to talk we will be happy to answer any questions. However, if we are busy, we hope you'll excuse us as we need to get back to work and not keep our current clients waiting. If you have a lot of questions, we would like to invite you to join us for the CONSULTATION ORIENTATION.

How old do I have to be to get cosmetic tattooing?

You have to be 18 years of age to get cosmetic tattooing. According to Texas Law, the only way to legally have it done is to cover gang tattoos.

I have old permanent makeup tattoos on my brows. Can I still get microblading?

Yes, but each case is different. We do reserve the right to turn down a case if we feel that you are not a good candidate. In some cases, previous work may be too dark, dense, discolored or simply too scarred to be able to hold color well. In most of these cases, the stokes will not stay crisply defined. If your brows are previously tattooed, please TEXT us a photo to 713-443-8999 so we can evaluate your situation. Be sure to shine a light source on your face and get someone to help you take a clear picture if you are unable to do it yourself. If you can't see individual hairs, when you expand the picture, then we won't have enough detail to be able to determine by looking at your photo. All smart phones take high quality pictures. Proper lighting is required in order to make that happen.

Can I bring my child to the appointment?

We understand that life happens, and if your child is well behaved, then it's usually not a problem. However, we would prefer that you make other arrangements for your children.

EXPECTATIONS

Why does permanent makeup fade faster than body tattoos?

First of all, Permanent cosmetics are a form of cosmetic tattooing and should be thought of as being a permanent tattoo. They are just a little bit different than traditional tattoos on the body. All colors will fade overtime, however, body art generally fades at a slower rate than cosmetic tattooing. For one, most body tattoos are protected from UV rays from the sun by clothing. Also, body tattoos are applied much deeper into the skin and with heavier saturation than with permanent cosmetics. Cosmetic tattoos on the face, may fade faster because the application is lighter and there may be more sun exposure. Also, facial skin, which is much thinner, may influence the degree of color retention as well.
 

What if makeup styles change or totally go out of style?

NATURAL IS THE PERMETIKA WAY! And as long as we aim for a natural classic shape, you will be safe from the fads that come and go. With the eyeliner or lash enhancement procedure, your natural lash line is enhanced for a fuller, beautiful and natural result. My preference leans toward a more conservative, clean and natural look. Your specific look will be determined with a combination of your personal preference, my suggestions, along with a mathematical equation based on your own facial features.

Which methods are used at Permetika?

The methods used, will depend on the clients skin. If your skin is oily or very pourous, the (new) machine method is usally the best. But it doesn't look like overly saturated in color. It has more of an airbrushed effect to it. Fine hairline strokes are acheivable due to the machine's fine precision. But in certain cases, I also use a stippling technique as well as Microblading on those with fine, normal to dry skin.
 

What can go wrong with Permanent Makeup?

IF YOU COME TO PERMETIKA.... In most cases, NOTHING! If anything, your permanent makeup is a little too light at first. And remember, there is no way to tell in advance who will hold color well and who's skin will reject color... so we have to build upon it layer by layer as to never go too dark. So, my advice is to use permanent makeup as a crutch.. You want to look good with NO makeup on, this is true. But when you go out to dinner, you may want to add a bit more. So don't throw away all of or your makeup! IF YOU DO THE PROCEDURE TOO OFTEN, you can create excessive scar tissue. So don't schedule another visit until:

Your PMU fades to the point that the patterns are too light to follow
Your PMU has shifted to an unnatural looking color, it probably didn't happen overnight. TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHY the color may fade into an unnatural looking color as time passes, is this...

RED + YELLOW + BLUE = BROWN PROBLEM: The loss of any ONE of these colors creates an unnatural balance. SOLUTION: Add back the missing color! If this keeps happening, there is a chance that your metabolism absorbs more of the missing color, than the other colors. The best case scenario is that all colors fade evenly and just get lighter as they fade off, but there is no way to guarantee this to happen. So if you step into the world of PMU, then you just need to expect maintenance over the years to come. SOMETIMES THE COLOR IS TOO DARK . . . Occasionally, colors may look too dark. If so, you should seek out a form of color reduction to remove some of the color. Then, reapply the needed color. BY TEXAS STATE LAW . . . We are no longer allowed to remove pigment by using a saline method. Removal must now be done in a doctor's office. Michael at MEDISPA INSTITUTE has a great reputation for laser work. I've sent many clients to him and they have all been happy with his work. He's very professional and knowledgeable. I took time off to meet with him personally after hearing about him from some of my clients. His number is 832-300-5593. Tell him CONNIE @ PERMETIKA sent you for 10% off of your initial session. Just remember... removal is not always quick and easy and could take multiple sessions to reduce the color to an acceptable state... he will advise you on all the details.

What is Migration?

Migration is the occurence of pigment moving under the skin to an unintended area. This does not happen often, but it can occur in the corners of the lips and eyes if not extremely careful.

I like my eyebrows the way they were when I first had them done. Can you make them stay that way?

No. The reason is a large percentage of the color sloughs off during the healing process and what's left behind is now covered by a layer of skin. This skin causes them to take on a cloudy appearance for a few weeks, then as the skin normalizes, the color will appear brighter, but will never look like it did when it was sitting ON TOP of your skin.

What factors affect my cosmetic tattoos?

The number one enemy is direct sun exposure. Sun block is recommended to prevent premature fading. Cell regeneration also is a factor. If you use products that are designed to exfoliate skin in order to turn over new cell growth, your tattoo will fade faster too if you don't avoid the areas when using those products. Blonde colors typically fade faster than darker colors. But darker colors have a tendency to turn blue over time. If this happens, you may need to seek color reduction or corrective services.

When can I throw my eyebrow pencil away?

Never... brow work is not intended to 100% replace traditional makeup. It is intended to be an enhancement. It helps you look BETTER without makeup, when done properly. But when you add a full face of makeup, you will want to add a little bit more on your brows as well.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Can I reset or cancel my appointment myself?

You may reset your appointment from the link provided in your CONFIRMATION EMAIL. This link will give you the opportunity to select a more convenient date. You may cancel your appointment by texting or calling our office, however, WE DO RETAIN A 25-100% BOOKING FEE DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF NOTICE GIVEN. For more details on these parameters, be sure to see the CANCELLATION POLICIES. If you need more time to think things through, simply move your appointment out to any future date at least 5 days prior to your appointment. . You can do this as many times as you need to, as long as suffiecient notice is given.

What is the cancellation policy?

All of us at PERMÉTIKA want to make sure that you understand what it takes, and all that it means when you book an appointment with us. Unlike a hair or nail appointment, it takes A WEEK OR MORE for clients to plan. When you reserve your place on our calendar, no one else can book this time and we cannot just call in another client to take your spot if you cancel or end up not showing up for your allotted appointment time. During this time, we purchase supplies and arrange our time to merge with you. Our business model relies on serious minded committment on both ends... therefore, we have put the following guidelines into place to prevent last minute cancellations and no shows and to help protect all parties involved:
* A NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE of 25% is built into your procedure price. * Permétika requires the following guidelines for postponing or cancelling an appointment: * NO SHOWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100% OF THE FEE - WILL BE FORFEITED! * Less than 5 DAYS NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25% OF THE FEE WILL BE RETURNED. * 5 or more DAYS NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75% OF THE FEE WILL BE RETURNED. Thank you in advance for understanding! Kindest regards, Connie & The Team @ PERMÉTIKA

How do I set an appointment?

For your convenience, our booking system is open to you 24/7, even on Weekends and Holidays! This saves us both a tremendous amount of time going back and forth, comparing calendars. Simply go to the BOOKING button on our website... read and agree with our Polices, and book your selected procedure, with the Artist of your choice. Once booked, we will accept your request at our first opportunity. This will launch a confirmation email. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL, THE APPOINTMENT DID NOT GENERATE AND YOUR RESERVATION WAS NOT SAVED. So refresh your browser and try again. Feel free to give a buzz if you think you are encountering technical issues on our end. Thank you in advance!

What is the best way to reach someone at Permetika?

We are often busy with clients in the office when calls come in... For the fastest response, send a text to (713) 443-8999. Please allow 24-48 hours for a reply to voice and email messages. Then there's VIRTUAL CONNIE! She can help! This chat bot is fabulous! She works 24/7 (sort of like the REAL Connie) but a lot faster! And unlike a real human, she can manage multiple clients with ease! You can ask anything regarding permanent cosmetics, scheduling, pricing, procedures, etc... and she'll have an answer for you as soon as you hit SEND since she's already been preprogrammed to answer MOST of your questions. If she doesn't have an answer for you SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE with your question(s) and we'll get back with you as soon as possible... You can also continue to browse around here in the FAQ section for more answers as well... Thank you so much for taking the time to read... : ) Connie

How far apart are appointments spaced?

We like to allow your skin to fully heal to the deepest layers for at least 12 weeks before working in the skin again. In some circumstances, 8-10 weeks might work in a pinch.

Can I schedule all multiple appointments at one time?

Yes, we prefer that you do. This prevents having to wait too long for your next session. If you wait until you NEED it, there will more than likely be a wait. In the lucky event that you don't need a followup, we can bump the appointment(s) out to a future date. If you want to cancel, any deposits that are hanging in the balance will be refunded.

CANDIDATES

Who is NOT a candidate for Permanent Makeup?

YOU ARE NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE IF YOU ARE... PREGNANT or NURSING: You are NOT a candidate until after your baby is born and you are no longer nursing. Legitimate studios that are run by caring individuals have made strict policies against tattooing pregnant or nursing mothers. We all know that what you ingest, so does your unborn child. We also know that numbing cream gets into the blood stream, therefore this also passes through the placenta and can have an effect on the baby. And if you happen to have an unfortunate allergic reaction, there is no way to know how this will affect the development of the baby. Bottom line here is this... you should never take the risk of creating potential side effects, and a responsible studio would be wise to not take on this type of liability. UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE: If you are under the age of 18 years old, special circumstances may qualify with parental consent. But Texas State law only allows this IF you are attempting to conceal or cover a Gang Related Tattoo. This law does not allow children under the age of 18 to get a tattoo, cosmetic or otherwise. So this prevents young people from getting brows tattooed on in cases of Alopecia. This is good and bad. ON ACCUTANE, RETIN A: Topical Steroids thin the skin... Depending on the stage your skin is at, it may be too fragile to undergo a procedure. You should be free from steroids for a year. You should get clearance from your doctor before considering Permanent Makeup - or be clear from Accutane for at least one year. Clearance from Retin-A should be for at least 1 month. ON PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH MEDS OR TREATMENTS: That affect the dermal layer of the skin can affect the permanent make-up. ON ANTICOAGULANTS: If you are on any blood thinners, take aspirin or ibuprofen long-term, these can increase bleeding and bruising. This can affect the implantation of the pigment and increase your healing time. Multiple sessions are to be expeceted.  DO NOT DISCONTINUE WITHOUT DOCTOR'S APPROVAL. HAVE AN AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE: You should get clearance from your doctor before considering permanent makeup. DIABETIC: If you are TYPE 1 and insulIn dependent, you are not a candidate for permanent makeup. Healing could be compromised and take longer
than average. Otherwise, if you are Type 2 and your doctor feels your condition is under control, ask your doctor to provide a clearance letter stating that you are able to undergo cosmetic tattooing. Special care should should still be taken to prevent infection. HAVE GLAUCOMA: You may not have eyeliner. Increased intra ocular pressure combined with pressure placed on the eye to apply eyeliner could be damaging. It is important to have this condition under control and/or refer to your physician for further consent to the
application of eyeliner. MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE, ARTIFICIAL HEART VALVES, HIP, KNEE REPLACEMENT OR OTHER ARTIFICIAL JOINTS: Any person that requires prophylactic antibiotics before dental or other procedures will need to consult their physician for treatment prior to permanent cosmetics as well. HAVE ANY OTHER HEART CONDITIONS: Uncontrolled high blood pressure and poor general health would be of special concern, you will need to see your Physician and discuss the procedure to gain pre-approval. HERPES SIMPLEX: People who get fever blisters or cold sores are prone to an outbreak after lip procedures. Please consult with your doctor prior to having any lip procedure done as there are medications that can be taken before and after as an aid to prevent an outbreak post procedure. However, a prevention of breakout cannot be guaranteed.

You will most likely lose pigment in the areas where the blister(s) or sore(s) occur.

AREOLA CLIENTS: You must be off Chemotherapy/Radiation treatment for at least 4 to
6 months. I only do the procedure on clients that are more than 1 YEAR from the surgery. Failure to follow this rule could result in the breakdown of healing skin. Which will make you more prone to infection, create MORE scar tissue, which will make future procedures even less effective. No exceptions on this one. A surgical report may be requested. KELOID OR HYPERTROPHIC SCARRING: Persons with tendencies for this type of scarring have the same risk with tattooing also, although it is not likely. The risk is mainly in the torso area and extremeties. In extreme vulnerability, we may decide together to do a patch test to insure that you do not scar in this manner.

YOU MUST WAIT IF YOU'VE RECENTLY HAD:
EYE SURGERY: If you have had Lasix, Cornea repair etc. you will need to wait at least 6 months before I will do permanent makeup on
your eyes. SCARS from surgery or injury must be healed for at least one year prior to service. BEST results come from scars that are LIGHTER than the surrounding skin. We cannot work on scars that are red, purple or brown.  
POTENTIAL RISKS & CONTRAINDICATIONS TO COSMETIC TATTOOING: Permanent cosmetic procedures are considered to be skin invasive and therefore you may experience some discomfort. This may vary according to each individual's pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. However, keep in mind that there are different methods available to help with pain management, including various topical anaesthetics. Your skin should return to normal relatively quickly as any side effects such as swelling or redness is generally mild. Allergic reactions to permanent cosmetics are quite rare. You may request a skin sensitivity test in an invisible area beforehand to see how your skin responds. I routinely recommend a sensitivity test as part of the treatment, however you have the right to decline. Needles inserted too deeply in the skin can cause bleeding, spreading of pigments, and damage to hair follicles. Scarring is very rare, but possible. If proper hygiene and sterilization guidelines are followed, micropigmentation should be very safe with few risks. It is advisable not to pick or rub the treated areas to minimize the risk of causing uneven results or possible infection. YOU KNOW THE STATE OF YOUR HEALTH BETTER THAN ANYONE:
If you have ANY medical issues that you feel MIGHT be would be a contraindication, then I suggested you get clearance from your doctor. Patients who have epilepsy, diabetes, hemophilia or a heart disease of any kind should have a physicians approval prior to any cosmetic tattooing procedure.

Who is a candidate for permanent makeup?

Do any of the questions below, describe a situation similar to yours? If so, give us a call!

* Would you like to carve off a few minutes from your hectic daily routine? 

* Do you have sparse or non existent brows or lashes? 

* Do you spend hundreds of dollars on products annually? 

* Would you prefer to not be seen without makeup? 

* Does your lipstick creep up your lips onto your face throughout the day? 

* Do you have vision impairment that makes applying your makeup difficult? 

* Do you have trouble applying your own makeup regularily? 

* Are you starting to experience severe balding or a receiding hairline? 

* Want your makeup to stay put if sweating at the gym or swimming at the beach? 

* Does your lipstick vanish after a meal? 

* Have you undergone an areola reconstruction? 

* Do you hate having to fuss with it yout makeup throughout the day? 

* Do you have vitiligo that has been stable for at least 7 years? 

* Do you have a brow scar that you'd like to be less noticable?  

* Do you have sparse eyebrows or even no eyebrows at all? 

* Would just like for your features to be slightly enhanced without looking made up? 

* Are you allergic to traditional cosmetics? If so, we can test you for a reaction to our pigments. 

* Is it difficult to apply makeup due to Arthritis, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc...? 

* Would you like to redefine your facial features? 

* Are your areolas too light? 

* Have you lost hair due to alopecia or cancer treatments? 

Can I get a tattoo if I am pregnant or nursing my baby?

This is a firm no. But we do look forward to helping you when you are no longer pregnant or nursing! (REFER TO: WHO IS NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE SECTION FOR DETAILS).

COST/TIME

How long does a procedure take?

The initial procedure will generally take approximately 2 hours. Touch up procedures usually do not require as much time.

How much does it cost?

Just as in many other industries, higher cost often equals higher quality! A Permanent Makeup Artist who recognized their value, is probably one who is also using proper sterilization and sanitation procedures, good equipment, and has a professional facility. All of these factors incur considerable costs, per procedure. Please refer to the PRICING tab to get specific cost on each procedure. Depending on where you go, the average price range falls between $750-$1500 per procedure, for an experienced artist.
Advanced work in scar camouflage or hair simulation may start with a base fee and additional hours are normally charged at $150-$250 per hour since it may be difficult to predict the time needed to complete the service. If you are price shopping, just remember... this is your face. You may be able to find a good artist at a better price. Just be sure to ask to for a face to face consultation to make sure the facility is clean and professional. Another tip is to request to see the photos in their camera. Don't depend on just what they show you on line. You want to make sure that this person has a history of producing excellent results, consistently. The reason I say this is, SOME cases are super easy - others are more difficult. You don't want to sign up with someone who only has a good track record of working on easy clients... especially if you end up be the one who takes more expertise.

How long should I wait between sessions?

We prefer to wait at least full 8-12 weeks before breaking the skin again.
OUTER HEALING: The outer layer of the skin is considered to be completely healed within about 7-10 days, or when the area has stopped peeling, and has returned to normal.  INNER HEALING: The tattoo only APPEARS to be fully healed. This is because the body heals from the outside toward the inner layers. Which is why we cannot work again in the same area again until 8-12 weeks later. To do so would create tissue damage resulting in excessive scar tissue. Excessive scar tissue makes future results more difficult to "take" and certainly even more unpredictable. The longer your wait, the more collagen has been produced, which ends up holding subsequent sessions, better. So the optimal time for a followup visit is about 2-3 months, post procedure. Just long enough for the skin to heal well and the color to settle in, but not too long - because we don't want you walking around longer than you have to with a gap in your brow!

How long does Cosmetic Tattooing last?

The answer to this question varies... how many combinations of skin/lifestyle/habits are there? Too many to count. So IN GENERAL, all treatments could last 1-2(+) years if done very lightly. Heavier treatments could last a lifetime. So be careful who you pick to make permanent marks on YOUR face.

Can I expect my appointment to run on time?

Morning appointments are almost always on time, unless we encounter unforeseen circumstances. However, if your appointment is set in the afternoon, it would be best to view your appointment time - as a TARGET time. We appreciate your arrival on time, to keep things running as smoothly as possible. but unfortunately - we cannot always return the favor. We allow about 2 hours per procedure. But SOME TIMES, things don't go as well as we hope. For example... if we have two difficults cases back to back, we may be running late - and there is nothing we can do about that. We certainly will never rush someone out - due to running behind. Please understand, that these procedures that we do are not as easy as hair cuts, botox or a nail appointment. We offer encounter obstacles such as having to create a masterpeice out of thin air... and emotions... and long stares in the mirror.... So we would like to politely ask that when you schedule with us, please do not schedule any other important appointment on the same day, on the heels of your cosmetic tattoo appoint. We all want to go home on time, so we understand and we do try to stay on schedule. It's just hard some times. Just know that we promise to take great care of you, when it's your turn in the chair. Our goal is to create amazing things, for every single person and we hope you can be patient with us.. especially if you know this in advance. Thank you for your understanding! : )

SAFETY

What are your Sterlization & Sanitation Practices like?

THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ONE CAN ASK! Because if you're not used to acting like you're working in a OR, it's really easy to make a really bad mistake. And while you're learning, if you don't have an eagle eye watching you and helping you catch the errors, you'll probably be making a lot of bad mistakes along the way. But we do not fe

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