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Common Questions

WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOO EYELINER?

The method of depositing pigments into the dermal layer of the skin via machine using a single, or several tiny needles to enhance your physical appearance. Please be advised that cosmetic tattoo/permanent makeup is a two step procedure: The 1st Session then the 2nd Touch up Session; which is 1-2 months past your 1st procedure.  Plan on scheduling your Initial Second Procedure WITHIN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS. After three months will constitute as a retouch. Yearly touch ups are recommended thereafter.

IS COSMETIC TATTOO EYELINER RIGHT FOR ME?

COSMETIC TATTOO EYELINER/PERMANENT EYELINER IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ANY CLIENTS WHO ARE OR HAVE 

(*Consult with your physician. A release letter is advised before proceeding with your procedure.):

  • Under the age of 18

  • Pregnant or nursing

  • Undergoing Radiation or Chemotherapy

  • Hemophilia

  • Oral transplant.  See your physician for advice regarding pre-medication requirements

  • Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)*  See your physician for advice regarding pre-medication requirements

  • Pacemaker or Heart Disease*

  • Kidney Disease*

  • Diabetic*

  • Epilepsy* 

  • Hepatitis C

  • Refractive Eye Surgery* 

  • Ocular herpes* See your physician for advice regarding pre-medication requirements

  • Glaucoma*

  • Eye Floaters*

  • Cataracts*

  • Fainting Spells or Dizziness*

  • Keloids or moles in the treated area

  • Vertigo

  • Sick with cold, flu, viral infection

  • Abnormal Eye Conditions: Allergies, Blepharitis, Stye*

  • Recent eye surgery in the past 8-12 weeks

  • Eye infection should be completely healed before a cosmetic tattoo procedure 

  • Alopecia* Pigment colors used tend to pull a bit grayer than usual

  • Trichotillomania* Skin must be healed before a cosmetic tattoo procedure 

  • Accutane* Must be off of accutane for one year, no exceptions

  • Retin-A/Tretinoin in the past six months.  Rapid cell renewal products thin the skin

  • Facial injections in the past 30-60 days  Injectables may move around in the face while stretching for the procedure  

  • Unable to follow aftercare guidelines

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT COSMETIC TATTOO EYELINER RETENTION?

  • Immune System. When implanting pigment into the skin, the human body can react differently for each client. If the client has a very strong immune system, sometimes the pigment can be detected as an allergen and is rejected by the body. 

  • Lifestyle and Hygiene. Factors, such as sun exposure, peels or treatments, accelerate the cell regeneration process and decrease permanent makeup durability and pigment retention.

  • Pigment implantation.  By using several layers of pigment implantation, we can improve color intensity and pigment durability.

  • Health factors.  Different medications ones takes and health conditions can affect pigment implantation and retention.  Hypertension, antacids, thyroid and anxiety medication have been reported as interfering with permanent makeup either by affecting retention or shifting the pigment to an undesirable tone.

DO I NEED A CONSULTATION BEFORE MAKING AN APPOINTMENT FOR A PROCEDURE?

Only if you have a skin condition that you are concerned about or if you’ve had permanent makeup done somewhere else.

WILL IT HURT?

We make every effort to have our clients as comfortable as possible. Anesthetics are applied before, during and after the procedure. Everyone’s pain tolerance differs individually and we do our best to get you numb.

ARE THE PIGMENTS ORGANIC?

Purely organic pigments do not exist.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY COSMETIC TATTOO EYELINER APPOINTMENT?

  1. Procedures should be scheduled to allow ample time for healing before planned vacations and high-profile social events.

  2. Must remove eyelash extensions if any. 

  3. If you tint your eyelashes, have them done at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled procedure. It is recommended to wait at least 30 days to have them tinted after the procedure. 

  4. Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen unless medically necessary, 48-72 hours prior to your procedure.  Tylenol is fine.  

  5. Avoid alcoholic beverages within 24 hours prior to your procedure. 

  6. Avoid caffeinated or energy beverages within 6 hours of your appointment.   

  7. Your procedure site may be hypersensitive if you are on your menstrual cycle.

  8. We ask that children do not come along.

  9. Arrange for a driver if needed.  Expect the procedure to produce puffiness similar to that of someone with allergies and/or one who has been crying.

  10. Bring your eyeglasses to your appointment and remove contact lenses if any. Contacts may not be worn for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. 

  11. Come with a bare face, clean, and free of product and makeup. 

  12. You will be laying on your back for up to 2 hours without restroom breaks, please plan accordingly.

  13. Silence your cell phones. 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY COSMETIC TATTOO EYELINER APPOINTMENT?

 Appointments may take anywhere from 2-3 hours beginning with registration and consultation, then ending with after care instructions.  


Step 1: Numbing 

With your eyes closed, topical anesthetic is applied to your eyelid. While you numb, we formulate a color by mixing pigments that best suit your skin tone and skin type. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, it is removed and we may proceed with step 2.


Step 2: Drawing your Top Liner

Your natural eye shape, lid space and crease are highly considered to strategically map out the perfect shape.  Using a non-toxic gel pen we custom design proportional wings or wedges (if applicable) that frame and compliment your eyes.  Note that wing length varies depending on your natural crease. Latina Flick and Shaded Flick is not for everyone. Your approval is ensured before we begin the procedure. 


Step 3: Micropigmentation (first session)

At this point the anesthetic is absorbed and we are able to begin creating your eyeliner tattoo. Depending on the skin sensitivity, we may not be able to make the liner as thick as you desire in the first sitting. The tattoo process will develop a wound and the body immediately initiates the healing process.  The appearance of your eyeliner will change during this process and modifications of the design if any may be determined during your follow up procedure.


Step 4: Micropigmentation Follow Up (second session)

Six to eight weeks after your first session, your tattoo receives a touch up to improve pigment saturation and color & design (shape or thickness) modifications if any.  Although your skin is healed, wounds reach their maximum strength in three months to a year depending on surface area and depth, and your skin may be more sensitive on the second procedure because of this.  Healing time after the procedure is similar to your your first initial post procedure. Note that this procedure is a process, often requiring multiple applications of color to achieve desirable results and 100% success cannot be guaranteed.

WHAT ARE COSMETIC TATTOO EYELINER DO’S AND DONT’S?

Proper care following your procedure is necessary to achieve the best results.  Your tattoo artist will provide and review a step by step ‘how to care for your cosmetic tattoo’ straight after your procedure.  


After your permanent cosmetic procedure, slight redness and irritation of the area should be expected. Depending on your skin sensitivity, swelling of the area may persist.  This can be remedied by applying a clean cold pack or bag of ice over the area in 10 minute intervals. Keep the area clean, free from dirt and oil. 


Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before tending to the area. Wash the area twice a day with water and a mild fragrance free soap such as:

Dial Antibacterial Soap or Neutrogena Fragrance Free Facial Bars. 

Gently pat the area dry with clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of After Inked® Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare 3-4 times daily maintaining a thin, moist barrier protecting the are at all times. Repeat this for 5-7 days following the procedure. 


Applying an excess amount of After Inked® may cause an infection. 


Do not apply any healing agents to the area, as they may strip the applied pigment. 


Do not apply any type of glycolic acid or exfoliation products as this can severely damage or irritate the skin during the entire healing process. 


DO NOT peel, rub, or scratch your skin at anytime. This WILL cause damage and compromise your results as well as possibly cause severe scarring. 


Do not apply makeup directly on top of the treated area. If you wear makeup around the area, remove it with water, a fragrance-free soap or petroleum jelly.  Avoid makeup removers or harsh cleansers. 


Avoid putting your face directly into the shower spray. 


Aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity should be avoided for the first 48 hours. 


No swimming until the area is completely healed.  Salt water and chlorine can case the pigments to fade or change in color. Furthermore, pool water and ponds contain microorganisms that may cause an infection.  


Stay away from animals and gardening during the first 7 days after the procedure.


No facials, Botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.


Avoid sleeping on your face during the first 7 days after the procedure.


You cannot give blood for one year following your procedure (per American Red Cross). 


Stress, lack of sleep, power diet, a compromised immune system and smoking may increase healing time. 


Please understand that the final color is never the same as the pure pigment color applied. The true color is visible after about the 28th day healing period; 45 days for mature skin or depending on the medical profile of the client.  Keep in mind that in many cases, some unevenness of color is to be expected. This is the purpose of the touch up visit and only at this time, can your tattoo artist determine what corrections or pigment modifications may be required. 


In rare cases the pigment could migrate under the skin. 

WHAT IS THE COSMETIC TATTOO EYELINER HEALING PROCESS AND WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Immediately following your procedure and for the first few days, eyeliner will appear 20-40% darker, prominent and more solid than your actual healed results. 
Day 1: You may experience slightly puffy to swollen eyes, heavy lids, light sensitivity and bloodshot pupils. Your eyes may feel more swollen than they appear. Please try to sleep in an elevated position to help reduce swelling through the night.
Day 2:  Eyes will be swollen and perhaps “crusty” upon waking.  The swelling will dissipate throughout the day upon increasing blood circulation.  Avoid heavy lifting, physical exertion, crying and salt intake.
Day 3:  Eyes will be less swollen but skin will still feel tight.  The lash area may fell tender if touched.
Day 4: Your eyelids will begin to itch. This is normal.  DO NOT scratch or pick! The top layer of the skin (string like pieces) will start to shed and you will see a loss of color.  This is due to excess pigment peeling away as the upper layer of the epidermis rejects it.  
Day 5-6: Your skin is now exfoliating and will shed evenly if left alone. Blinking helps to eliminate the small pieces of pigment and epidermis which has detached.  DO NOT scratch or pick! The color under the exfoliating skin will continue to appear light util the epidermis takes on its more transparent characteristics.
Day 7: Shedding should be complete. You’re safe to resume back to your normal lifestyle. 
Day 30-40: Now is the time to critique your eyeliner, the tattoo has healed.

WHAT IS THE LONG TERM CARE?

  • Use a good sunscreen.  Sun exposure will fade your permanent cosmetic procedure

  • If you are planning a chemical peel, laser procedure or an MRI scan, inform the technician of your permanent cosmetics. During a MRI, cover the tattoo area with a cold compress to avoid any burning sensation.

  • The use of Retin-A/Tretinoin or any other rapid skin exfoliation products used regularly on the eye area will cause the permanent makeup to fade. 

Cosmetic Tattoo Eyeliner FAQ: FAQ
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