Is cosmetic tattooing the same as permanent makeup?

Yes, cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation or PMU, is the process of implanting colour pigment in the first two layers of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles producing the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face.

Is cosmetic tattooing painful?

To ensure maximum comfort during the PMU procedure we use a topical numbing with 5% Lidocaine prior and during your procedure. Since pain tolerance and sensitivity varies individually, we can’t say exactly how it will feel for you. The procedure uses a smaller needle than traditional tattooing and should hurt significantly less. You may experience more sensitivity if the PMU procedure is performed during or near your menstrual cycle.

How do I book an appointment?

Appointments for permanent make-up can only be made via our online booking system. We do not book in person, over the phone, or via email. On the rare occurrence that you are for some reason unable to book online, please email Jenna@elevatelash.ca with your desired appointment time and we will make arrangements for you to e-transfer your deposit. Please note that we are a busy studio and as a result it is advised to book your cosmetic tattoo at least a month in advance.

What is the cosmetic tattoo process?

Pre Appointment: For best results, we recommend taking the following precautions prior to your cosmetic tattoo appointment:

• Stop using skin thinners (vitamin A, glycolic acids, exfoliation) 2 weeks prior to your appointment.

• Do not consume alcohol, caffeine or blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, Niacin, etc.) 48 hours before your procedure, to avoid excess bleeding.

• Avoid sun/ 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 tattoo pigment with it.

• Some cosmetic procedures should be completed prior to your brow tattoo: eyebrow waxing and shaping (2 days in advance), eyebrow tinting (1 week in advance), and cosmetic Botox or fillers (3 weeks in advance).

Appointment Day:

Consultation & Design: (30 min)

Please bring any photos of cosmetic tattooing, remember to look for pictures with people who have similar facial features as you do. We will work with you as artists to shape and design your cosmetic tattoo to elevate your natural features. We will then choose a pigment match based on your skin tone and hair color.

Numbing: (30 min)

We want you to be as comfortable as possible! Prior to the procedure, a topical anesthetic (5% Lidocaine ointment) is applied. We also layer an additional numbing agent during the tattooing…. We have actually had clients fall asleep during tattooing, so don’t get nervous!

Tattooing: (Duration dependent on service) Your tattoo artist will carefully implant pigment to subtly elevate your natural features (lips, brows or eyes) within the pre-designed and approved shape.

Post Appointment Healing: Expect your tattoo to appear darker for the first 3 to 5 days. After day 4 or 5, light peeling will occur, revealing lighter and softer impressions. The full, deep healing process takes 6-8 weeks; however, your visible top layers of skin will heal after 2 weeks. Your cosmetic tattoo will experience a few normal mild side effects (slight redness, itchiness and peeling), which clients compare to the feeling of sunburn. Long-term aftercare is crucial for the longevity of your cosmetic tattoo. Check out our AfterCare page for more information.

What can cosmetic tattooing do for my eyebrows?

Whether your brows are uneven and/or sparse... you’re looking for a low-maintenance or polished appearance, cosmetic tattooing can enhance your current brows arches. The benefits of PMU brows include:

• Hides scars & camouflages sparse areas

• Sweat and waterproof

• Semi-permanent, which allows adjustment to your brow shape as beauty trends change or as you age.

What is the difference between a lash enhancement and eyeliner cosmetic tattoo?

A lash enhancement cosmetic tattoo only places pigment within the lash line on the upper eyelid (meant to give the illusion of a fuller lash line and is similar to the look you get when there is a mascara at the base of your lashes but not actual eyeliner) whereas an eyeliner cosmetic tattoo is bolder and extends slightly above the lash line.

What is the difference between a full lip blush and a blended lip blush?

A full lip blush cosmetic tattoo produces soft healed results of a consistent color throughout the whole lip area whereas a blended lip blush focuses only on returning definition to the vermilion border of the lips with a very soft natural color gently blended into the natural color of the lip which remains unaltered in the inside of the lip.

What will my cosmetic tattoo look like?

Results will vary depending on skin type, lifestyle, UV exposure and the immediate and long-term aftercare of your new cosmetic tattoo. Once fully healed (after 6 weeks), the freshly tattooed color will reduce by approximately 40% to 60%. Patchiness and lightness can be perfected during your touch-up.

Will I need a touch up after my initial appointment?

Probably. Touch up appointments for PMU procedures should be made at the time of your initial procedure to ensure studio availability. Clients with fuller brows may not need additional touch-ups; however, clients with little or no natural brow hairs, or have corrected work, may need further density added. After we’ve achieved your desired brow, annual touch-ups are highly recommended to maintain the desired look of your permanent makeup.

How long will the final results last?

Cosmetic tattoo treatments are considered semi-permanent and will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-2 years. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results CANNOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any necessary changes. Multiple sessions are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 6-8 weeks after the initial appointment. Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing.

Can I get tattooed while I’m pregnant?

In compliance with Interior Health Authority recommendations, Elevate Lash Lounge Inc. - Nelson BC will not tattoo any clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you discover you are pregnant and have an appointment scheduled, please notify us so we can reschedule and make future arrangements.

Is it safe to get tattooed if I’m on Accutane?

No. We will not tattoo anyone who is on Accutane, as the medication places you at risk for hypersensitivity, scarring and hyperpigmentation. Your skin will need 12 months to normalize prior to getting permanent make-up or cosmetic tattooing.

Will cosmetic tattooing work well for me?

• If you have extremely oily skin, the hair stroke eyebrow technique will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdery than defined.

• If you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear more two-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally.

• If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner.

• If you are iron deficient or anemic, your pigment may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the PMU procedure.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed, we require photos submitted PRIOR to booking a first session appointment. Please note we cannot guarantee results for cover-ups on other cosmetic tattoo work. In some instances where the previous work is too dark, dense, discolored or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before our services will be considered.

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 also mix pigments to ensure the color blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair color.

The majority of our clients' tattoos stay true to color and lighten naturally over time; however, in some cases colors may fade to different tones according to the individual’s body response to the pigments.

Many factors affect these changes, such as lifestyle and iron deficiencies. 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 change is made at this time. Your eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a "powdered" look. This happens with all clients as the skin ages. To keep your hair strokes looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client.

Who will be the best candidate for permanent brow enhancement?

Those who are a little older with signs of hair loss issue otherwise, you might want to try other brow enhancements first.

You can listen to this podcast episode to know more about brow enhancements that will be right for you.

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