Question 1

What is cosmetic tattooing?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic tattooing, also known as micro-pigmentation or semi-permanent makeup, is an advanced technique that enhances facial features by implanting pigment into the skin. It provides a natural, long lasting enhancement that gradually fades over time.

Question 2

How long does cosmetic tattooing last?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic tattoos are semi-permanent, lasting 1 to 3 years, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare.

A touch-up is required 6-8 weeks after the initial session to refine the shape and colour, while annual touch-ups are recommended to maintain optimal results.

Question 3

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

A topical anaesthetic is applied before and during the procedure to minimise discomfort.

Most clients find cosmetic tattooing to be quite comfortable, with little to no pain. Some even fall asleep during the tattooing process.

Please note that sensitivity may be heightened during your menstrual cycle.

Question 4

Will I swell?

Accepted Answer

Swelling is a completely normal reaction during and after the procedure.

Some individuals may experience more swelling than others, especially those with sensitive skin.

Swelling typically subsides within a few hours after the procedure or by the next day.

Question 5

I've had lip filler, is it okay to get lip blush?

Accepted Answer

Lip filler and lip blush complement each other.  
The hyaluronic acid in lip filler can help improve pigment retention for the lip tattoo.

It is recommended to wait at least 4 weeks before or after getting lip filler to allow it to fully settle before undergoing a lip blush procedure.

Question 6

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

A touch-up after 6-8 weeks is recommended to enhance pigment retention and ensure optimal healing.

To maintain the overall appearance of the tattoo, a touch-up every 12-18 months is suggested.

Question 7

Coldsores

Accepted Answer

If you have ever experienced a coldsore in your life, it is essential to consult with a doctor and obtain a prescription for antiviral medication before your Lip Blush appointment. You should take this medication as advised by your doctor before and after your procedure.

The tattooing process involves continuous friction on the lips, which can trigger a coldsore outbreak. An outbreak can significantly affect the healing process and the final results of your Lip Blush.

Even if you have never had a coldsore before, you may still carry the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) without knowing it. In some cases, the trauma from the procedure can cause your first outbreak. If this happens, visit your GP as soon as possible to get a prescription for antiviral medication.

Taking preventative measures will help ensure a smooth healing process and the best possible outcome for your Lip Blush treatment.

Question 8

Precare

Accepted Answer

Proper preparation ensures the best possible results for your cosmetic tattoo. Please follow these guidelines before your appointment.

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲: 
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinning medications (e.g: aspirin, ibuprofen) 24 hours before your appointment to minimise bleeding and swelling. 
- Do not take fish oil, vitamin E, or other supplements that may thin the blood at least 48 hours prior. 
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least one week before your appointment. Sunburnt skin cannot be tattooed. 
- Discontinue the use of Retinol, AHA/BHA, and other exfoliants near the treatment area at least one week prior, as they can affect pigment retention. 
- Stay hydrated and get a good night's sleep before your appointment for optimal healing.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵: 
- Exfoliate your lips gently with a sugar scrub and keep them moisturised for a few days leading up to your appointment. Dry, chapped lips may not heal well. 
- If you are prone to cold sores, please advise your local GP to prescribe an antiviral medication 2-3 days before and after the procedure to prevent an outbreak. 
- Avoid lip fillers for at least 4 weeks before your appointment.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗺𝗯𝗿é 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀: 
- Avoid waxing, threading, or tinting your brows at least one week before your appointment. 
- If you use Botox near the brow area, schedule your tattoo appointment at least 4 weeks before or after your Botox treatment.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 
- Stretch marks must be over 3 months old. 
- Avoid using self-tanners, tanning beds, or prolonged sun exposure on the treatment area for at least one week prior to your appointment. 
- Exfoliate the treatment area 2-3 days before your session to remove dead skin cells and promote better product absorption. 
- Keep the area moisturised daily in the week leading up to your appointment to ensure your skin is hydrated and in optimal condition. 
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your appointment to avoid friction on the treated area afterward. 
- If you have recently undergone microneedling, laser treatments, or chemical peels on the area, wait at least 4 weeks before scheduling your session.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 
- If your scar is less than 6 months old, you may need to wait before undergoing treatment. 
- For surgical scars, ensure they are fully healed with no open wounds or inflammation. 
- If you have a history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring, consult with a medical professional before proceeding.

By following these guidelines, you will ensure the best pigment retention and healing results.

Question 9

Aftercare

Accepted Answer

To ensure the best pigment retention, please follow the aftercare instructions as closely as possible.

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: 
- Hands must be clean before coming into contact with the tattoo. 
- Avoid touching the area with unclean hands. 
- No water, sweat, or steam on the treated area for at least 7 days. 
- Avoid swimming, saunas, and excessive sweating. 
- Apply the provided aftercare balm as directed to keep the area hydrated and promote healing. 
- Avoid picking, scratching, or peeling the scabs, as this can cause uneven healing and pigment loss. 
- Avoid makeup, skincare, and active ingredients (e.g: retinol, AHA/BHA) on the treated area until fully healed (7-14 days). 
- Expect scabbing, flaking, and slight itchiness, this is a normal part of the healing process. 
- Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for at least 4 weeks. 
- Use SPF once healed to maintain pigment longevity.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵: 
- Avoid friction and kissing for the first 48 hours. 
- Avoid spicy and oily foods for the first 7 days. 
- Aim to use a straw while drinking beverages for the first 7 days.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗺𝗯𝗿é 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀: 
- 3 hours post-procedure: Gently clean excess lymph fluid and blood by gently tapping the area with a clean cotton pad or water wipe.

Healing takes about 6-8 weeks, with a touch-up recommended after this period for the best results.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: 
- The treated area may appear red, swollen, or slightly irritated for the first 24-48 hours. This is normal. 
- Avoid using fragranced items on the treated area. Make sure to use fragrance-free soap or antibacterial soap on the treated area until healed (30 days). 
- Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at the treated skin. 
- Allow any flaking or light peeling to shed naturally. 
- Keep the area clean and dry for at least 24 hours. 
- No hot showers, saunas, swimming, or excessive sweating for at least 48 hours. 
- Apply the provided in-house oil blend as instructed to support skin recovery. 
- Avoid tight clothing over the treated area to prevent irritation and allow proper healing. 
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 4 weeks post-treatment. Use SPF 50+ once healed to protect the skin. 
- Hydrate your skin daily with a fragrance-free moisturiser to maintain results.

Question 10

What to expect during the healing process

Accepted Answer

Here is what to expect during the healing process.

𝗟𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 
Please note that for Lip Neutralisation, during the healing process, the lips will go darker before becoming lighter. This is due to post-hyperpigmentation, which is a completely normal reaction for those richer in melanin.

Days 1-2: 
- Lips will appear bold, bright, and slightly swollen, this is completely normal. 
- Lips may feel tight, dry, and sensitive.
Days 3-5: 
- Scabbing and peeling will begin. Do not pick or peel the flakes, as this can lead to uneven healing and pigment loss. 
- Lips may feel extra dry, apply the provided aftercare balm as instructed. 
Days 6-10: 
- The peeling will subside, and lips may look lighter or patchy, this is part of the process. The colour will continue to develop and settle over the next few weeks.
Weeks 2-4: 
- The colour may appear faded or barely visible, this is temporary. 
- Pigment will slowly resurface as the skin fully regenerates. 
Weeks 6-8: 
- Lips are fully healed, and the true colour is visible. 
- A touch-up is recommended to perfect the shape and colour.

𝗢𝗺𝗯𝗿é 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 
Days 1-2: 
- Brows will appear darker, bolder, and more defined than expected. 
- Slight redness or swelling is normal. 
Days 3-7: 
- Scabbing and flaking will begin. Do not pick or scratch, as this can cause pigment loss. 
- Brows may feel dry and itchy. 
Days 7-14:
- Brows may appear lighter or patchy as the skin regenerates. Some areas may look uneven, but this will improve over time. 
Weeks 4-6: 
- The colour will begin to resurface and even out. 
- Full healing is complete, and the final colour is more natural and soft. 
Weeks 6-8: 
- A touch-up is recommended to refine the shape, fill in any areas that didn’t retain pigment, and ensure long-lasting results.

Question 11

Contraindications

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic tattooing is generally safe - however, certain conditions may prevent you from undergoing the procedure or require medical clearance beforehand.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂: 
- Under the age of 18. 
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding. 
- Have an active skin condition in the treatment area (e.g: eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, cold sores). 
- Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
- Are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 
- Have uncontrolled diabetes (as it can affect healing and pigment retention). 
- Have a blood disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g: aspirin, fish oil, ibuprofen). 
- Have an autoimmune disease that affects healing (e.g: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). - Are prone to hyperpigmentation. 
- Have a viral or bacterial infection (e.g: flu, cold sores, COVID-19). 
- Have had lip filler within the last 4 weeks (for lip blush procedures).

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂: 
- Are taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) or other strong acne medications (must wait at least 6 months after finishing treatment). 
- Have a heart condition or use a pacemaker. 
- Are on steroids or immune-suppressing medication.

If you are unsure whether you are a suitable candidate, please consult with your doctor before booking your appointment.

Everything you need to know