INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO YOUR  BROW, LIP and EYE LINER PROCEDURE

• No alcohol 24 hours prior to your procedure.
• No caffeine the day of- NO COFFEE!
• No blood thinners including pain killers for 24 hours before your procedure.
• No aspirin, ibuprofen or aleve on the day of procedure.
• No working out on the day of procedure.
• No sauna or tanning 1 week prior to the procedure.
• Discontinue use of fish oil or vitamin E at least one week prior to the procedure.
• No botox injections or fillers 4 weeks prior to procedure .
• No deep exfoliation, chemical peels or laser treatments 4 weeks prior to the procedure.
• No retinol products, accutane, acne treatments or salicylic acid 4 weeks prior to the procedure.
• No antibiotics  or steroids 4 weeks prior to the procedure.
• You cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Come with clean skin, no heavy creams, makeup or sunscreen day of your procedure.

FOR LIP PROCEDURES:

One week before the treatment:

• Before going to bed for at least 5 nights prior to the procedure, exfoliate lips with a natural scrub (sugar and coconut oil)
• Apply Vaseline or Bephanten lip cream (can be found on Amazon) after exfoliating the lips.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for hydration and improved lip surface.

*If you have ever had a cold sore in the past, make sure to go see your doctor to obtain antiviral medication prior to your procedure. Your doctor may prescribe Zovirax or Acyclovir. Please start taking your medication 5 days prior to your procedure and a few days after or as advised by your doctor. *

 

AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS for BROWS

Immediately after your appointment: You may begin to see lymph fluid surfacing on the brow area. Using extreme care, gently blot the treated area
with a clean tissue or a water wipe once every hour for the first 24 hours. NEVER SCRUB or RUB your new brows!  NOTE: If the oozing lymph fluid dries up on your eyebrows it will create massive scabs that can result in loss of pigment. DO NOT PICK AT THE SCABS!

Starting 1 hour after your appointment: Wash your eyebrows with a gentle cleanser or just with plain water and continue to cleanse morning and night for the next few days until the scabbing process begins, to remove bacteria and build up. With a dime sized amount of cleanser and a few drops of cold water, gently swipe in the direction of your brow hair. It’s a LIGHT swipe, just to help remove excess oil, oozing etc. Make sure you do not scrape off any scabbing. RINSE THOROUGHLY, BUT GENTLY. Cup your hands with cool water and rinse to make sure all cleanser product is removed. Be ready to dry immediately, we do not want to keep the brows wet for an extended period of time. GENTLY pat dry with a clean paper towel. Change your pillowcase. You do not want any previous body oils or cosmetics to rub in to your new permanent cosmetics. Please be advised that any pigment residue could stain your pillowcase for at least 1 week after your appointment.

Moisturize: After each wash it is very important to let the brows dry completely before you add the after-care moisturizer product, then use a sterile Q-tip and GENTLY dab (DO NOT RUB) the balm provided onto your brows.  Do not glob it on, a thin layer is sufficient and will still allow your skin to breathe.

Day 5-14 (scabbing, peeling/flaking phase): Once this process begins you can discontinue washing and keep moisturizing your brows. It is imperative to refrain from picking or scratching at the scabs. DO NOT sleep on your face, please try everything possible to refrain from rolling on to your face in your sleep. Failure to allow the skin to shed itself naturally will result in pigment loss.

 

WHAT TO AVOID DURING THE EYEBROW HEALING PHASE:

(10-14 days post procedure or until the end of flaking and sloughing):

• Avoid the sun and tanning beds
• Avoid touching of the treatment area except for when applying the post-care ointment with a cotton swab
• Avoid direct water pressure until healed
• No getting them wet other than the required washing mentioned. This includes shower, swimming, sauna, hot tub, etc. Minimize showers to 5 minutes and lower the temperature as much as possible to avoid steam. Do not allow soap or water stream to hit your brows. Lean back to wash your hair and rinse without allowing soap or water stream to touch your brows.
• No sweating, exercise, working out or hot yoga. The salt in sweat and the stress of heavy lifting can hinder the healing and reduce the pigment retention.
• No UV exposure or tanning beds.
• No laser light therapy and no facials for 30 days.
• No Makeup, Lotion, Face Wash, Serums,  Etc.
• No use of Neosporin or Petroleum based products other than healing cream.
• No threading, waxing or removal products.
• No anti-aging products or facial products containing alpha hydroxyls (ahas), retin-A, lactic or glycolic acids.
• Do not apply any anti-acne products (e.g. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, proactiv, etc.) Or lightening creams (skin bleaching creams) such as hydroquinone to the treated area while healing. Do not bleach, tint or dye the tattooed area.
• Avoid performing tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as garage or basement cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris and use of volatile chemicals for cleaning
• Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, as it may lead to slow healing of wounds
• Avoid driving in open air vehicles such as convertibles, boats, bicycles, or motorcycles
• Avoid hot sauna, hot bath, or jacuzzi.

 

ONCE EYEBROWS ARE HEALED:

Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and discolouration of the pigment. Once completely healed, always apply sunscreen (50 SPF or greater) on the treated area.

Wear large sunglasses and a hat for further protection. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly when in contact with chlorine.

Glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, and chemical face peel products and exfoliants must be kept away from the tattooed area as continued use could lighten the pigment.

If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your tattoo has healed, please inform the laser technician. Continue at your own discretion. Laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolour the tattooed area.

Once the treated area is completely healed, any changes or additions that need to be made can be done at your follow-up appointment no sooner than 6-8 weeks later.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE BROW PROCEDURE

Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker and bolder in colour and more sharply defined. This can last up to a week after the procedure while the initial healing process takes place. The treated area may feel a bit like sunburn afterwards but there should be minimal discomfort.

During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is some scabbing or flaking, do not pick, and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own.

The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the true colour of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much colour has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true colour, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 6-8 weeks that your touch-up/adjustment can be done.

Brow tattoos normally last 1-2 years depending on lifestyle, skin type and aftercare.

 

AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS for LIPS

Lips have very large blood supply. The percentage of pigment retention on the vermilion border (lip liner) verses the vermilion tissue (lips) is very different. Vermilion border will have much greater colour retention than the vermilion tissue. Lip pigmentation heals very different from the eyeliner and eyebrows. Due to the fact that the lips are constantly in motion (eating, drinking, talking), the healing process can be interrupted (Lip cracking, etc). It is highly advised to keep the lips moist at all times to prevent discomfort.

Change your pillowcase when you get home. You do not want any previous body oils or cosmetics to rub in to your new permanent cosmetics. Please be advised that any pigment residue could stain your pillowcase for at least 1 week after your appointment.

Day of the procedure: Lips will feel raw, swollen, tender, tight and dry after your treatment. Pat lips gently with a wipe or tissue to remove excess lymph fluid every hour or so on the first day. No kissing, rubbing or friction on treatment area. Apply ointment on lips several times a day. Keep lips moist at all times.

Day 2-7:  Gently apply a moisturizing lip ointment throughout the day and at night to prevent them from forming a crust.  This should be done for at least 5-7 days post treatment. Once the lips are no longer tender, they may become flaky. This is normal. Do not pick, scratch or rub your lips. Doing so can significantly reduce the amount of pigment that stays in the skin. Let the peeling and flaking happen naturally.

*If your lips feel painful and you notice large scabs  or bumps forming, you are likely developing cold sores and should seek cold sore treatment from your doctor right away. Cold sores will affect the healing process and will minimize colour retention.*

 

WHAT TO AVOID DURING LIP HEALING PHASE (First 2 weeks Post-Procedure)

• Avoid the sun and tanning beds
• Avoid touching of the treatment area except for when applying the post-care ointment with a cotton swab
• Avoid direct water pressure and submerged swimming until healed
• Keep lips and mouth as clean as possible to avoid bacteria and infection on the treated area
• Try to avoid spicy or acidic foods until healed
• Use a straw when drinking liquids
• Avoid make-up or other lip products other than the moisturizing ointment
• Avoid performing tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as garage or basement cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris and use of volatile chemicals for cleaning
• Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, as it may lead to slow healing of wounds
• Avoid driving in open air vehicles such as convertibles, boats, bicycles, or motorcycles
• Avoid hot sauna, hot bath, or jacuzzi

 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PROCEDURE

Lips heal in three stages:

Day 1-3: Colour is darker and brighter than anticipated. Don’t panic- just be patient.

Day 4-10:  Sloughing and flaking begins and colour will lighten by up to 50%. Lips may appear pale. There is extra pigment trapped in the epidermis that sheds off in the first week, then the actual healing begins. As skin encapsulates the pigment area, it may appear very opaque. This is normal. As the natural healing proceeds, dead skin cells will slough off in about 1-2 weeks.

Day 10-28: Lips are done peeling, colour is light. You may return to normal routines. Lips will continue to heal for up to 6 weeks. Every week more colour will surface, it is important to continue keeping lips moist to get the best colour at the end of the healing phase.

Week 6-8: Your lips are healed and you’re feeling unstoppable! Just add some lip gloss and go! These pigments can last a few years , depending on the skin tone and intensity of the colour that is used. Lighter skin tones will not hold the colour as long as darker skin tones and may require occasional touch-ups to prolong the results of the procedure.

 

AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS for EYE LINER

Day of the procedure: Expect the colour to be harsh as it is approximately 30% darker than it will be when it’s healed. It will also appear slightly larger and thicker due to swelling. Pat eye lids gently with a wipe or tissue to remove excess lymph fluid every hour or so on the first day. If swelling persists beyond 48 hours or becomes worse, or if the eyes become inflamed (red, itchy, watery, etc.) please seek medical attention. Please call us if this happens. This is a very rare occurrence, but it can develop in patients with extremely sensitive eyes.

After 24 hours, clean the treated area daily with mild warm water and non-alcohol soap. Apply soapy solution on a sterile gauze and blot 4 to 5 times to clean. Then blot completely dry. Use patting motions only. No Scrubbing. No rubbing. No wiping. No scratching. Make sure the area is completely dry because germs love moisture! Apply the provided aftercare product on the clean and dry treated areas. Place the product on the scabs that are beginning to form. You should apply 2 to 4 times daily until completely healed. If you place the product on the area and it is not dry, this may cause irritation or an infection, and could lead to color loss.

Day 2-3: Your colour will darken temporarily as the pigment oxidizes and thin scabs will form. You may wake up slightly puffy but you can remedy this by sleeping on an incline or applying a cool compress. Your eyeliner will feel tight and dry, but not painful. Continue applying the moisturizing ointment with a cotton swab in thin layer 2x to 4x a day. Please apply the aftercare product gingerly and don’t cake it on. However, try to cover the protective scabs completely. Try to put it directly on the scabs. The skin must be able to breathe to heal. Too much product may actually fade the pigment. It is specifically meant to put on the scabs and to keep them soft so they stay on longer. Pat, and do not rub, the ointment on the area with a with a Q-tip. If you put too much on, then blot off the excess ointment with a sterile gauze. If your scabs become hard and rope-like, they can fall off in big chunks and take the ink with them. Soft scabs that flake off on their own are the key to successful ink retention. Do not try to rush the scab-flaking process.

Day 3-10: Continue applying the moisturizing ointment throughout the day as needed. Your eyeliner will begin flaking until there is no scabbing left. You can stop using ointment when you have no more scabs. This can last 4 to 10 days, but sometimes as long as 14 days. You want to allow healing and scabbing to shed naturally. Some itching is normal as the skin begins to flake. Once all scabbing has finished flaking, it is common for the colour to appear lighter than it will eventually heal. This lighter colour is only temporary as your freshly healed skin is hiding the true colour underneath. Over the next several weeks your eyeliner colour will bloom.

WHAT TO AVOID DURING EYE LINER HEALING PHASE:

• Do not scrub or rub your eyes
• Do not wear contact lenses after the procedure for 24 hours.
• Avoid the sun and tanning beds
• Avoid touching of the treatment area except for when applying the post-care ointment with a cotton swab
• Avoid direct water pressure and submerged swimming until healed
• Do not sleep on your face
• Keep treated area clean at all times
• Do not wear mascara or makeup on your eyelids for at least 14 days. Do not use old tubes of mascara.  Replace old tubes with new ones. Old eye makeup can contaminate wounds.
• Do not use saline eye drops for 14 days post-procedure
• Do not heat up body temperature (no exercising, hot showers, saunas, jacuzzi, steam etc) for 14 days post procedure
• No Latisse or lash extensions for 4 full weeks after procedure
• Avoid performing tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as garage or basement cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris and use of volatile chemicals for cleaning
• Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, as it may lead to slow healing of wounds