To say you won’t feel anything would be untrue. However it is my goal to make you comfortable and to assure the least amount of discomfort. The less you feel also means better the results. Pain induces adrenaline and histamine response which increases blood pressure to the area which is opposite of what I want.

I have a certification in administering local anesthetics, understand the chemistry and years of clinical experience so have a deep understanding of the process and how to make you comfortable.

Pain is also relative to each individual and can be influenced by stress, caffeine or hormonal levels. However, I use the best anesthetics and do not rush the process of making you comfortable. Most clients say in the beginning while preparing the area, it feels like tweezing hair, and then sometimes at the final end point it will start to feel sore. This is also relative to the area: eg. brow is least sensitive, eye next and most sensitive is lip area.

For medical or facial aesthetic tattooing, I use only pigments composed of iron oxides which naturally oxide lighten fade or seem to dissolve away and lift as the skin turns over with time. Pigments are only deposited superficially 0.5mm to 1.5 mm of the skin so it looks natural as well and avoids pigments stuck down below shadowing up through the semi translucent skin giving the old traditional “tattoo look”. Average length of time ranges from 1 - 3 years is the short answer.

The main reason the treatment is done in two stages 4 to 6 weeks apart is to allow no room for error and approach very conservatively in design and color. Typically at minimum an hour is spent consulting with you. I do not rush through communication, measurements, drawing or design work. Brows especially are extremely unique for each client. I will not proceed until you are comfortable and approve the color and design.

This process is art and can be done in layers. Treatment can be ultra conservative first session if there is any question of being too dark or dense in texture. Please note: Nothing I do is created to follow trends. This is a classic enhancement with your own bone structure and unique skin texture in mind.

Initially it will be dark, edges hard and bladed strokes seem bold but typically clients feel like it looks better compared to when they were using topical makeup. There is a dry flaky two-week period while skin heals. The overall shape and borders softens and appear to shrink about 10 percent. The color lightens and becomes less dark. The overall saturation or intensity softens 30-50% depending on the colors used and amount of pigments implanted.

Generally the first week is the darkest. Day 3 to 5 scabbing begins and becomes dry, itchy and naturally sheds over day 10-14. The third week may have a slight ghost or waxy appearance as the epidermis still is healing. Essentially, think of a time you may have got a superficial scratch on your face. You know how the skin heals and what it looks like. Now add the color we deposited underneath that layer.

Important: Do not pick during healing as the intended pigment deposited maybe lifted out from the skin leaving your result with patches with no pigment.

When color starts to lighten to the point you are repeatedly wanting to cover with topical makeup, it may be time for a one touch-up tattoo appointment to refresh the design and color. Otherwise the other option is to continue to let it disappear completely. The timing widely varies from 6 months to 2.5 years depending on the saturation of pigment deposited and one’s own skin and exposing elements.

Yes, the pigments I choose come from the highest quality, most reliable reputable source in the industry. I use insoluble non-toxic naturally occurring iron oxides or metal salts essentially. They are not affected by physical or chemical surroundings so perfect for a stable facial aesthetic tattoo. There are artists who use small molecule black carbon pigments which is totally safe but I choose not to risk the chance of spreading in the skin and fading to blue gray.

When the iron oxide fades it looks more natural or unnoticeable. This is an artist decision. I chose to only use iron oxides and nothing that fades to red or blue which I have seen coming from clients for correction (Red brows are scary!). I have also seen misleading marketing information using word “organic” with what we typically associate meaning natural and void of chemicals, BUT they are actually synthetic “organic” chemicals. While yet safe, I choose not to use these as it does not give the best long term result for the type of art I want to provide or that I am comfortable with.

Hair color can change rapidly from season to season and this is not a concern. When determining correct shade for brows I identify the temperature of the undertone of the skin as well as the temperature of the complexion. If one has dark features dark eye color I can make the brows denser. For someone lighter colored less dense. However you can choose if you desire more cool warm or neutral tone.

Brow hairs can be dyed if desired or deepen with makeup but the pigments selected for your skin will give you a natural shade that will look good with any hair color you choose.

For the first 48 hours it is best take it easy and keep it clean as the skin’s protective seal is being formed. Mild exercise is okay the first week but nothing strenuous causing a sweat or increased blood pressure or inverted upside down poses. It is important to keep treated area out of direct shower spray, salt water, saunas, lake or pool water for the first 7 to 10 days.

It is best to avoid alcohol 24 hours prior and 24 hours after procedure. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and would have increased bleeding and swelling.

Tattoo reactions may occur from days to years after the placement of a tattoo just like anything else, but this occurrence is very rare and topical patch tests have poor predictability. Usually those who have developed sensitivity or allergies to topical makeup are good candidates for permanent cosmetic tattoo.

The correct answer is no. There is no logical reason why this would pose a problem during breast feeding but it is recommended to avoid permanent cosmetics during this time. The purpose of this is to leave to room for analyzing whether the tattoo would be a related cause of something.

If the cancer history is recent or occurred on the area of treatment, consult with the physician first to see if you are a good candidate. Anyone undergoing radiation or chemotherapy or any aggressive treatment would need to postpone treatment until cleared by your physician.

Physicians may request to wait 6-7 weeks following these injections. For brow region it does not change shape of your brows due to following your hair pattern and following bone structure. It does not pose a problem. However if patient is in doubt and brow hair cannot be seen it is best to wait at least 2 months after injections for brow area. For lips it is inconclusive if multiple injection sites cause scarring which could impede desired results from tattooing.

It is advised to wait one year after treatment before pursuing any permanent cosmetics.

Advise your physician or technician of the area tattooed to avoid or shield the area. Occlusive barrier like petroleum ointment is helpful to repel any chemical exfoliators or lighteners.

30 days after or before procedure sun exposure, it is advised to keep sun to a minimum. Hat, sunglasses and of course a good mineral based sunblock at all times, but remember 50 percent of rays are reflected off the ground and more intense around water, snow, and higher elevation. It would be best to schedule procedure after if you know you will be out in the elements a lot.

Tattoos generally have not been posed a problem with MRIs. Pigments contain iron oxides may cause a warming or tingling sensation but generally cause little to no irritation but always advise to consult with a physician. If screening the cerebral region best to avoid eyeliner procedure as may render unreadable around the eye area.