PERMANENT MAKEUP FAQ
Before booking
Permanent Makeup or Micro-Pigmentation is a revolutionary cosmetic tattooing technique that involves semi-permanent pigmentation of the upper dermis by means of a tiny, sterile, disposable needle to produce the appearance of cosmetic makeup or to enhance the natural features of the face. The delicate and precise technique is intended to create hair-like strokes, pixel shading, fullness, density and texture to design and shape the targeted facial features, creating realistic effects and results.
The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking beauty enhancement. Body tattoos use ink, while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve iron-oxide or carbon-based pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the technician to make changes to color and shape over the years as clients’ natural coloring and facial features change.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Wants to improve the look of their facial features.
- Prefers a soft, natural look.
- Desires a fuller makeup look.
- Has alopecia or other hair loss conditions.
- Wants to save time and reduce the daily application of makeup.
- Not for those under 18 years old.
- Not for those who are pregnant or nursing.
- Not for those with allergies to latex, alcohol, pigment or numbing agents like lidocaine.
- Not for those with epilepsy, hemophilia, viral infections and/or diseases.
- Not for those with HIV virus and acute hepatitis.
- Not for those who have skin conditions on or near the treated area. This includes rashes, psoriasis, eczema, melasma, rosacea, shingles, varicella, open cuts, wounds, sores, scar tissue, etc.
- Not for those with blood-related issues where there are blood clotting disorders.
- Not for those with uncontrolled diabetes.
- Not for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Not for those who are prone to keloids.
- Not for those who are going through chemotherapy or have active leukemia – a doctor’s note is required to perform the procedure.
- Not for those who have sarcoma.
- Not for those who have a pacemaker or severe heart disease and/or artificial valves.
- Not for those who have had plastic surgery done in the treated area; please wait at least 3 months before scheduling an appointment.
- Not for those on Accutane or who have taken Accutane or steroids within the past 6 months.
- Not for those with thrombophilia.
- Not for those who are undergoing artificial insemination.
- Not for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Not for those with malignant disease.
- Not for those who have multiple sclerosis.
- Can’t be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs during the appointment.
We reserve the right to cancel your appointment and your deposit will be forfeited if:
• You are a no-show.
• You are more than 15 minutes late, as it is considered a no-show.
• You fail to give 7 days’ notice for rescheduling.
• You show up to your appointment without consent of previous work.
• You fail to follow the pre-appointment instructions.
Your appointment
• We start by consulting with you to understand the desired result.
• Next, we map the area to ensure facial symmetry and achieve the desired shape.
• We apply a highly effective topical anesthetic gel for comfort.
• We choose the perfect pigment color for you.
• We deposit the pigment in your upper dermis using a machine equipped with a super fine needle.
6 MONTHS PRIOR
• NO Accutane or Steroids
2 WEEKS PRIOR
• NO Botox • Fillers • Laser
• NO Peels • Needling • Exfoliators
• NO Retinol • Acid-Based Skincare
• NO Tanning Beds • Spray Tans • Sunburn
• NO Antibiotics • Vitamin A & E Products
• NO Lash Serums (Lash Line Service)
72 HOURS PRIOR
• NO Blood Thinners (i.e. Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin)
Brow Service:
• NO Threading • Waxing • Brow Tinting
Lash Line Service:
• NO Lash Lift or Tint
• Remove Lash Extensions and All Residual Glue from Lashes
12-24 HOURS PRIOR
• NO Alcohol
• NO Caffeine
DURING THE PROCEDURE
• NO Contact Lenses
Feel free to bring your earbuds along so you can enjoy listening to your favorite music, podcast, audiobook, or anything else that makes you feel comfortable during your visit!
Comfort varies from person to person. A topical anesthetic is used to help minimize discomfort, but you may still feel some sensitivity during the procedure. Let Mika know if you feel uncomfortable so she can pause and help you feel more comfortable.
Two treatments are usually needed, 6–12 weeks apart. Sometimes just one treatment is sufficient, but a touch-up appointment is recommended. With most procedures, the color looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second treatment, we will assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment.
Healing and aftercare
Follow Mika’s cleansing instructions and avoid rubbing, picking or applying eye makeup to the treated area during the specified aftercare period.
Read the full lash-line PMU aftercare instructions for cleansing, what to expect and activities to avoid.
• Day 1 • Brows will appear dark in color and slightly swollen.
• Day 2 – 4 •Your brows will start to itch and will appear thicker. Excess pigment will begin flaking away.
• Day 4 – 6 •Your brows may continue flaking and may look and feel dry. DO NOT PICK your brows; let any dryness fall off naturally.
• Day 10 •Your brows will appear much lighter in color. It will take 4 to 5 weeks for your brows to fully heal.
•Your brows may not heal perfectly after the first session. We will address any imperfections at your touch-up procedure (6 to 12 weeks after the initial procedure).
To avoid during healing:
• Picking, peeling, scratching the brow area.
• Do not apply makeup on the healing area.
• Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning on the brows.
• Avoid heavy exercise and sweating, swimming, sauna, jacuzzi or hot steamy showers.
• Avoid heavy water flow directly on your eyebrows. Allow no water to collect or sit on the brow area.
• Avoid tinting the brows for 3 weeks following the procedure.
Keep your brows clean, follow the cleansing and aftercare-product schedule provided by Mika, and avoid picking or scratching the treated area. The instructions also explain what to avoid during healing.
Read the full eyebrow PMU aftercare instructions for the first-day routine, days 2–7 and healing guidance.
The treatment is considered permanent and will not wash off; however, it will fade over time and may need a touch-up every 6 to 18 months. Frequency of touch-ups depends on several factors including the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and whether any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that results cannot be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will evaluate your skin’s pigment retention at your touch-up appointment and make changes if necessary. Touch-ups are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures. The initial procedure is followed by a touch-up 6 to 12 weeks later. Previously tattooed facial areas may require one or two additional appointments and rarely achieve results similar to those of clients with no previous tattoo work.
Mika selects pigments with your skin undertone and desired result in mind. As permanent makeup fades, its color and appearance can change, and results vary from person to person. At your follow-up appointment, Mika will assess how the pigment has healed and discuss any adjustments that may be needed.