FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PARAMEDICAL TATTOO/PERMANENT MAKEUP FAQs
How does Ombré Microshading/Powder Brows/Ombré Brows differ from Microblading and why is it your preferred method?
- LESS INVASIVE: Ombré brows are achieved using a small machine, which disperses extremely fine dots of pigments into and across the skin in an airbrush or shading technique. Microblading uses a hand-tool that creates incisions or small cuts into the skin. Over time, repeated incisions into the same spots will cause trauma to the skin more quickly.
- LESS PAIN & BLEEDING: Ombré brows are less painful due to the airbrush-like application technique, which creates less trauma to the skin vs. the blading technique of microblading. The latter also creates cuts into the skin, thus more bleeding is involved. With ombré brows, minimal to zero blood surfaces during the procedure.
- LASTS LONGER: Results do vary based on lifestyle, skin type, health, preferences, etc., but an ombré e microshading session, using high-quality pigments, can last on average 2-3 years. Microblading, on the other hand, has a high likelihood of healing blotchy, spotty or with blurred strokes, thus requiring more frequent touch-ups, generating more long term wear and tear on the skin, eventually maxing out the skin’s lifetime capacity quickly. Like any injury to the skin, the body repairs the wounded area by building collagen fibers, creating a scar. Both treatments will eventually dull out the skin in this way permanently, so choosing the right method to save your skin integrity is critical.
- GREAT FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Ombré brows are great for any skin type, unlike microblading, which is not suitable for those with oily skin. Microblading on oily skin requires several touch-ups, which causes more trauma to the skin.
- STILL LOOKS NATURAL: While ombré brows have a more “filled-in” look, the healed results appear like softly shaded brow pencil or powder. Immediately after the treatment, ombré brows can appear more saturated and bold, however, brows will fade 30-40%, leaving a very soft finish and shape that will allow our clients to quickly groom their brows going forward.
Is the procedure painful?
Permanent makeup and paramedical tattoo procedures require a small needle or configuration of needles to be inserted into the upper layer of the dermis. A certain amount of discomfort is inevitable; however a topical anesthetic numbing cream can be used in most procedures for comfort prior to and during the entire appointment. The general consensus is that the pain varies from 1-4 out of 10. Personally, I describe the pain as more of an “annoying” discomfort and compare the discomfort level to that of fast tweezing.
What is the recovery period?
Clients may experience some redness right after the procedure which will usually go away within the first day. The pigment will initially appear a few shades darker, but the color will lighten by 30-40% during the healing process for a more natural appearance. Peeling and fading generally subsides after 10 days; however a full 6 weeks is required to allow all layers of the skin to go through the healing/recovery process.
How long do results last?
Most permanent makeup results last up to 3 years. A 6-8 week perfecting touch up is required, and some clients opt to have a color boost touch up 12-18 months post procedure, but this is not required.
Do I qualify for Permanent Makeup procedures?
Permanent makeup will not be provided to those under 18 (even with parent consent), those that are pregnant or nursing, those who are taking skin medications such as Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) and steroids, and to those who suffer from the following conditions –
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Skin diseases such as shingles, psoriasis, or eczema on the area of treatment
- Allergies to makeup
- Keloid disorder
- HIV/Hepatitis
- Skin Cancer
- Unregulated high blood pressure
- Taking blood thinners
If you have any of these conditions, a doctor’s clearance will be required to receive service. The client assumes all risks for proceeding with the procedure while knowingly having any of these conditions and failing to disclose them.
Why is a 6-8 week perfecting touch up required?
In most cases, permanent makeup and paramedical tattoo procedures are 2-step processes. Touch ups are done no earlier than 6 weeks of your initial procedure and no later than 10 weeks. It is imperative that you complete the touch up treatment. Without it, the results will most likely not be optimal. Color will fade significantly within 4 weeks as the skin heals, peels and fades. The touch up corrects any irregularities in the color tones and finishes the process. After a month and a half, the skin will have completely healed from the procedure. This means a new layer of skin cells have regenerated over the pigment embroidery, so it will turn out to be somewhere in the area of 30% to 40% lighter. Many individuals leave their first appointment worried that the pigment appears too dark; however, when their skin has healed the color should be flawless, or perhaps too light.
In some cases, the body thoroughly assimilates the ink, and the pigment absolutely vanishes. In different cases, due to an assortment of factors, including body chemistry, treatment, or sun exposure, the pigment may even change color.
The touch-up is an opportunity for your artist to settle any of the progressions that may have happened. It’s also an opportunity for your permanent makeup artist to make any little corrections or changes. Also, before you ask, yes, even changed ink color can be rectified!
Will I still need to have waxing or threading done after my microshading or nano brow procedure?
One of the objectives of permanent eyebrows is to eliminate the need for frequent trips to the salon for waxing or threading. During the procedure, every attempt is made to capture as much of your brow hair in the permanent brow treatment as possible. Any stray hairs left will be razored at the time of service. Because you will now have a permanent defined brow shape, you will be able to remove any stray hairs by razoring or plucking yourself as they grow back.
SALINE REMOVAL FAQs
Do I Qualify For Saline Removal?
The simple answer is, anyone that has had poor permanent makeup or small tattoos that they want removed from their bodies may qualify for laser removal. That said, there are certain people who will be poor candidates for saline removal –
- People taking blood thinners/bleeding disorders may bleed lightly during this procedure and should consult with a doctor before proceeding.
- People with skin irritations near the area such as sunburn, severe acne, eczema or psoriasis would be extremely sensitive to the procedure and it will be painful, resulting in poor retention. If they have this issue when they come in for an appointment they will have to reschedule for when their skin returns to normal.
- People using acids, anti-aging, acne and retinol products – These will make them bleed more and make them very sensitive. These should be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to the appointment.
- People who have used accutane within the last year as this compromises the skin and therefore makes it unsuitable for tattooing procedures.
- People with a history of keloid scarring may POSSIBLY be candidates, assuming they’ve had tattoos with no evidence of keloiding. As with any injury, it’s possible they could develop keloiding.
- People with uncontrolled auto-immune deficiencies – Lupus, Alopecia, etc.
- Pregnant women are not candidates due to the chance of an infection during after care which could harm the baby or cause pregnancy complications.
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy will need to wait until their treatment is complete and they are healthy.
Why Saline Removal Over Laser Removal?
Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. In some cases, such as with black ink, laser can be very effective at lightening color. Lasers are among the most common tools used to remove tattoos. Lasers can be extremely painful and cause scarring. When used on the face, there are limitations for removal, such as near the eyes. Also, it can change eyebrow hair color permanently, and/or cause hair to temporarily or permanently fall out. Lasers can also make cosmetic tattoos darker instead of lighter.
Finally, if someone desires to have another tattoo or cosmetic procedure after removal, sometimes they will be unable to do so over lasered skin. This is because sometimes the skin will no longer accept pigment after being lasered.
TOOTH JEWELRY FAQs
Does tooth jewel application procedure hurt?
The procedure is similar to placing an orthodontic bracket (braces) on a tooth with no drilling involved. It is totally painless.
How long does the tooth jewel application procedure take?
Tooth jewelry application takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes depending upon how many gems.
Will I feel the crystal on my tooth?
The tooth jewelry is small in size (only 2mm and some slightly larger). Initially something on your tooth will feel different, but a few days after the application you will get used to the new feeling. Because of the small size, the jewelry will not rub and irritate the inside of your cheek or lips.
Is the tooth jewelry only for women?
All genders find tooth jewelry appealing. There are many different designs which appeal to everyone.
How long will the jewelry stay on my tooth?
A tooth jewel applied according to our instructions on a natural tooth will last anywhere from
- 6 months up to 24 months for the crystals and rhinestones.
- 6 months – 12 months for the gold charms & real diamonds (due to the extra weight on these specific charms)
How do I remove the tooth jewelry when I no longer want it?
Our tooth jewelry is 100% reversible. If you would like to remove it, it can be removed by your dentist. The tooth will be polished to remove any remaining bonding material.
Will the tooth jewelry harm my tooth?
When properly placed on a natural tooth, the tooth jewelry will not damage or harm your tooth.
Does tooth jewelry obstruct regular brushing?
The presence of the tooth jewelry will not affect your dental hygiene; however, it is recommended not to use an electric toothbrush for the first 24 hours after the jewel has been attached.
What if the jewel falls off and I swallow it?
Our jewelry has no sharp edges, and if swallowed will basically come out “the natural way.”
Can I still have my teeth cleaned by my dental professional after getting tooth jewelry applied?
Yes. You can, and should still have your teeth cleaned by a dental professional as you normally do. Our tooth jewelry will not cause a problem for the hygienist cleaning your teeth. The area underneath the jewel is sealed like a filling and will not let bacteria in. The hygienist can easily polish around the jewel.