Frequently Asked Questions
Before The treatment
General Questions
Q. What is permanent cosmetics?
A. Permanent cosmetics is a type of cosmetic tattooing which is also known as micropigmentation or semi-permanent cosmetics. The most common treatment available for semi-permanent makeup is eyebrows. The effects available can range from a natural enhancement to subtly improve the facial features to the imitation of make-up.
Q. What does the treatment involve?
A. An initial consultation will be used to discuss your requirements and help you decide on the result that will best suit you. Everything from your lifestyle, image, hair, skin tone and facial features will be taken into consideration. We will then custom blend colours to perfectly match your requirements –their skill as artists coming to the fore during the design stage.
The treatment itself regarding the tattooing involves gently implanting microscopic particles of pigment into the reticular layer of the skin.
Q. Will it look natural?
A. Yes, the healed result will look very natural once healed. Immediately after treatment slight redness and swelling can occur and the pigment colour can appear slightly darker, however it will fade up to 40/60% lighter once it has healed.
Q. How long will it last?
A. This varies from person to person because skin type, diet, genetics and environmental factors can all contribute to how long the pigments will be retained. For instance, sun bed use and sun exposure have a bearing on the pigment retention, but this can be prevented with proper protection. Sun Block sticks are recommended to be used particularly when in hot sun.
As a guide, it could be anything between 9 months to 2 years before a new treatment is required, although refresher colour boosts are recommended for maintenance during this time. Once the colour starts to change you will know that you are ready for your refresher colour boost.
We offer discounted colour boost rates from 6 – 18 months after the initial treatment. It is important to remember that permanent make-up is a “low” not a “no” maintenance treatment.
Q. What if I want to have cosmetic surgery at some point?
A. Whether you have had cosmetic surgery, or are considering it at some point in the future, that is not a problem. Lucy will always work to complement your natural contours and features. Due to the healing process, you will need to leave some time between having cosmetic surgery and permanent cosmetics. Please call us for advice specific to your procedure.
Q. What if I have medical issues?
A. A full assessment of your medical background will be made prior to the treatment. While there are some occasions when people are not suitable for permanent cosmetics –due to medical matters –this is fairly uncommon.
Q. Are there any risks involved?
A. Lucy adheres to the highest standards of health and safety. You can be assured that all risks are minimised and that you are in safe hands. However, because the treatment involves implanting pigment into the skin, that means it is invasive. While this is what provides permanent cosmetics with its long-lasting benefits, there are also some risks. As with any form of tattooing, these can include allergic reaction, undesired result or colour, misplaced colour, infection or scarring.
Q. Can I drink alcohol prior to my treatment?
A. It is advised that you do not drink alcohol the night before, or on the day of, your treatment. This can affect pigment retention.
Q. Should I bring my brow pencil?
A. Yes, it can be useful to see what colour tones you have been using for your brows.
Q. Do you do hairstrokes or block brows?
A. We specialise in ultra-realistic permanent cosmetics. For brows, this means we can imitate natural brow hairs – whether you have any left, or none. Alternatively, if you do want a block brow style that can also be achieved. We will work with you to achieve the perfect brow style for you.
Q. Can I have my brows waxed, then have a brow treatment?
A. Any waxing should be performed at least 48 hours before the treatment.
Q. Can I have electrolysis on my brows, then have a brow treatment?
A. You should wait a minimum of five days between having electrolysis and permanent cosmetics for brows.
Q. Do I have to have all my eyebrows shaved off?
A. No. We prefer you to keep your own brows – don’t even tweeze them before you come in as we like to work within your natural shape if possible.
The Treatment
General Questions
Q. Will it hurt?
A. Permanent cosmetics is far gentler than you might imagine. The specialist equipment that Lucy uses is refined, quiet and gentle. Many clients comment that the treatment is no more painful than having their eyebrows tweezed.
Q. How long will the treatment take?
A. Treatment times vary depending on how advanced or detailed the required result is. Although some treatments may take as little as 1 hour, you should set aside 2-3 hours for your appointment.
A second appointment to review the final healed colour is included in the price. This usually takes place around 4 -6 weeks after the initial treatment and takes around 1-2 hours.
Q. Will you need to remove any of my natural brow hairs?
A. Lucy will work with whatever brow hairs you have. It’s a common myth that brow hairs need to be shaved off for permanent cosmetics treatments. This is not the case at all. The only time brow hairs may need to be removed is if there is any errant growth which needs tidying up, either through tweezing or plucking.
After The Treatment
General Questions
Q. What will I look like straight after the treatment?
A. Brows treatments tend to look 40/60% darker in colour immediately after the initial appointment and can appear slightly darker over the next few days whilst scabbing begins.
Q. Can I wear make-up after the treatment?
A. You can wear mineral cosmetics immediately after the treatment, however, you need to wait until the treatment area has healed before wearing traditional cosmetics.
Q. Do I need to do anything special to look after the treatment whilst it’s healing?
A. We will provide you with aftercare instructions and a special aftercare balm for after your treatment if we feel your skin will need it, as aftercare differs for different skin types. Looking after your permanent cosmetic treatment as it heals is not difficult or time consuming, all you will need to do is follow our simple steps, but this is extremely important and will determine the way your brows heal.
Q. How quickly will it heal?
A. Everyone is different, but as a general rule the surface skin generally heals between 3-7 days after the treatment, and 10-14 days below the surface, so 14 days overall.
Q. Will I need to take time off work after my treatment?
A. Some people think that they may have to take time off work after the treatment, in fact, this is not the case unless you choose to do so. You should be able to get straight back to work immediately after your treatment.
Q. Can I donate blood after my treatment?
A. Current guidelines from the National Blood Service require anyone with permanent cosmetics to wait for 4 months after their treatment before giving blood.
Q. Can I have anti-aging injections or cosmetic surgery after my treatment?
A. This depends on the treatment you are considering and it’s location. You will need to take advice from your therapist or surgeon. It is important to remember that some of these procedures can alter the shape of your eyebrows.
Q. Can I have an MRI scan after my treatment?
A. If you have an MRI scan after having permanent cosmetics or a medical tattoo, you should inform the practitioner prior to the scan about your treatment, when you had it and the location. This should not prevent you from being able to have an MRI scan, but is information the practitioner will need to be aware of.
Q. Can I have laser hair removal after a treatment?
A. Laser hair removal can fade and change the shade of your brow treatment if you are having the hair removal in that area. Simply inform your laser technician that you are wearing permanent cosmetics prior to the treatment and they will act accordingly to accommodate for this.
Q. Is there anything I will need to avoid doing after the treatment?
We recommend that you do not apply make-up, expose the skin to extreme heat, cold or moisture, apply certain petroleum-based ointments etc immediately after your treatment. We will explain these requirements in full and provide you a printed copy of these aftercare requirements.
Q. Can I go on a sunshine holiday immediately after my treatment?
Strong sun can impact on the success of the result during the immediate healing phase. We recommend that you leave 4-6 weeks between your final re-touch procedure and your holiday.
Q. Will my brows look very dark after the treatment?
A. You should be prepared for the colour intensity to be significantly sharper and darker immediately after the treatment. This will subside and become lighter as the skin heals. This process can take up to 10 days.