QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Cosmetic Tattoo

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What is microblading?

Microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattoo that involves using tiny stainless steel needle wrappers (instead of a tattoo gun) that make up a small blade that deposits pigment under your skin. This technique is often used on the eyebrows to create extremely fine natural-looking hair strokes.  

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Is microblading painful?

The application can be a little uncomfortable for those who are more sensitive. However, there is an anesthetic applied to keep this to a minimum to where it is completely tolerable.

 

How does microblading work?

The pigment is applied with a specific tool that has a row of several fine needles to create thin hair-like marks in the skin. The artist will choose needles and the blade type accordingly. The pigment is bladed just below the epidermis and the shallowest part of the dermis, creating extremely fine natural-looking hair strokes as a result.

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How permanent is microblading?

Microblading is referred to as semi-permanent makeup as it does not wash away, however pigments are designed to fade over time and will require touch ups. Factors such as skin type, iron deficiency, pigment color (lighter colors fade faster) and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. For best results, it is recommended that you follow our aftercare instructions and touch-up your tattoo every 6 months to a year (or as needed). Touch-ups are normal and expected for cosmetic tattoo procedures.

 

Do I need a consultation prior to my microblading appointment?

No, but we do offer a 30 minute consultation if you wish to tryout an allergy patch test, discuss colors, shapes and/or the problem areas you would like to address. We suggest an allergy pigment patch test for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are allergic to topical makeup products, metals or hair dyes.

 

What if I am taking a blood thinner? 

Little bleeding is normal. Excessive bleeding, caused by blood thinners or a health problem, pushes the pigment out as quickly as it is being implanted. The artist will ensure a medical history form is completed in order to vet clients for contraindications. If you are on a blood thinner daily regimen, please contact your physician prior to booking your appointment. Prescribed medication is an absolute contraindication, in other words, permanent makeup should not proceed. 

 

I tend to get cold sores. Will it affect the procedure?

Please make sure you take your anti-herpes medication like Valtrex or Zovirax to help prevent cold sores two days before your appointment. 

 

Can I keep my own eyebrow hair?

Of course. Once you and the artist have decided on the best eyebrow shape, any hair within that shape can stay and will only make the work look more natural. Any hair outside the shape can be waxed or tweezed just as you would normally do with your normal brow maintenance. Any tweezing, tinting or waxing should be done at least 48 hours prior procedure.

 

Should I clean up my eyebrows before my appointment?

No need, we prefer that you let them grow in as much as you can. We will take care of the rest.

 

What will I look like right after the treatment?

Eyebrow and lip treatments tend to look darker in color immediately after the appointment. This will soften in a few days. Lips are likely to have some residual swelling and can chap.

 

Are activities restricted during the healing period? 

It is important to avoid saunas, facials, steam baths, activities that will result in extreme sweating, tanning salons, sun and chlorinated or salt water pools for a minimum of a week and preferably two weeks after the procedure. 

 

Why are pigments so intense when first implanted? 

Like wet clothing is darker before drying, pigments look brighter and darker immediately after they are implanted into the dermal layer of the skin. Increased blood flow to the treatment area is one reason for the more intense colors.  Another is that the pigments are made up of liquefied powder particles. During the first couple days into your healing process, the body gradually absorbs the liquid allowing the pigments to return to their original dry condition.

 

What happens during the touch-up?

The touch up is recommended 4-6 weeks after initial treatment.  During your touch up, the artist will fill in missing hairs, add or make hairs longer or just achieve a darker color.

 

How safe is microblading? 

Microblading is considered a safe procedure, according to The American Academy of Micropigmentation. We follow the strictest sanitation and safety standards when handling our single-use sterilized needles, disinfect our tools and treatment room before and after every appointment and apply barrier film to protect all surfaces from contamination during a procedure. By conducting our procedures in this manner we feel that our clients' health and safety have been safeguarded to the highest standards. After leaving, it is then the client's responsibility to care for the procedure strictly adhering to the post treatment instructions, assuring normal healing and the prevention of an infection.

 

Are there any pre-existing conditions that interfere with consideration for a microblading treatment?

 

• Pregnancy

• Breastfeeding (treatment is possible, though anesthetic will not be possible)

• On keloids or if you have tendency to keloid, birthmarks or moles.

• Diabetes

• Serious diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders (doctor's note is required)

• Circulatory disorders (doctor's note is required)

• Any bleeding disorders (doctor's note is required)

• You're taking blood thinning medication

• Currently on Accutane or other strong retinoids (must wait until 6 months after treatment ends)

• If any skin diseases symptoms or irritation appears on the area.

• You've recently had Botox or Disport treatment (must wait 2 months)

• You have a broken capillary in the eyebrows area

• If you have a sunburn.

• After waxing (must wait 3 days)

• After chemical peels (must wait two weeks)

 

Could I be allergic to the pigment?

Allergic reactions to pigments have been reported, but they are very rare. If you have other skin sensitivities, we recommend an allergy patch test to safeguard against allergic reactions to pigments or topical anesthetics. Unlike body tattoos, which are made using carbon based ink; cosmetic tattoos are made using iron oxide based pigments. These pigments are safe to use and are created to slowly fade over time. The pigments we use do not contain organic material (i.e. vegetables) as these have a higher risk of causing allergic reactions. Final determination is the responsibility of the client. Please book our consultation appointment or contact us if you would like to schedule your allergy patch test.

 

I have and existing cosmetic tattoo done elsewhere, can you fix it?

If you have an existing cosmetic tattoo please text and send us with a few close-up photos so we can determine if we can help. (703-209-1004)

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What if I don't like the design or color after the procedure?

We believe that communication is key and unless you are completely happy we do not proceed. During the procedure, you are ultimately the one in control of both of these important decisions.  The artist starts by using what is called the golden ratio, your facial features, and some measuring, to draw the perfectly shaped eyebrows for your face directly on your skin for you to see. Following the measurements, you will be provided with several pigment colors to choose from, all of which are complimentary to your skin tone. And lastly, you will have multiple opportunities to direct the path as the procedure is happening. It is vital that you approve of all design work (color & shape) before the artist proceeds. The most common issue is with slight patchiness. This sometimes does occur and is easily adjusted when you come in for your follow-up visit in about 4-6 weeks.

 

Why are future touch-ups necessary?

Factors such as skin type, iron deficiency, pigment color (lighter colors fade faster) and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. Also, changing health conditions, smoking, medications, anti-aging products, and hormonal changes all can have an effect on your pigment retention. You should keep your follow up visit since it helps prolong your investment. For best results it is recommended that you follow our aftercare instructions and touch-up your tattoo every 6 months to a year (or as needed). Touch-ups are normal and expected for cosmetic tattoo procedures.

 

Do the results change for different types of skin?  

Yes they do. Skin cells turn over more frequently on oily skin types causing the color to fade quicker than drier skin types resulting in more frequent touch-ups. If you have oily prone skin we suggest exfoliating up to 7 days prior to your appointment for best results.

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Dose SMP looks fake?

For most, the reason they are looking to receive scalp micropigmentation is that they want to achieve an ultimately natural look. ... So does scalp micropigmentation look fake? No, it doesn't – not even slightly. However, there are caveats if you want to achieve a hairline that is indistinguishable from that of a real one.

Is SMP same as tattoo?

It is very easy to understand why people consider SMP to be nothing but a hair tattoo. The reasons are as follows : Both SMP and tattoos are administered using a handheld machine that has been fitted with a microneedle. They both implant pigment underneath the skin's outer layer.

Does scalp micropigmentation looks like real hair?

Scalp micropigmentation is not hair transplantation. While it creates a realistic buzz-cut style, ink pigment is not the same as an actual hair follicle. Allowing hair to grow too long in some areas can create texture that disrupts the uniform look of SMP.

Can you wear a hat after scalp micropigmentation?

After treatment it is common to notice slight redness on the scalp for 2-3 days post session. This redness subsides quickly and most clients return to work either right away or within a couple days. Clients are also allowed to wear hats or headwear should they feel the need.