FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Permanent Makeup
PLEASE READ ALL POLICIES, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW TO ENSURE YOU ARE PROPERLY INFORMED. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT PRIOR TO BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT. THANK YOU! COSMETIC TATTOOING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ANY CLIENTS WHO ARE OR HAVE:

Pregnant or nursing (no exceptions)
History of Keloids or Hypertrophic scarring Diabetic (require doctor’s note)
Chemotherapy (consult your doctor)
Viral infections and/or diseases
Epilepsy Pacemaker or major heart problems
Organ transplant Skin irritations or
Psoriasis near the treated area
Flushed/red skin, Rosacea, Eczema, Dermatitis, acne in your brows, sun damaged skin sunburn etc.
Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
Accutane in the past year
Botox 2 weeks before and after appointment
Heart conditions, Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, Poor general health.
Any treatment, medication, or illness that compromises the immune system / healing would make you NOT a good candidate for cosmetic tattoo procedures.

*All clients must be 18+ for any tattoo service w/a valid photo ID

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please avoid caffeine and alcohol 12 hours prior to your procedure. It is also advised to avoid mulit-vitamins, vitamin E, fish oil/omegas and aspirin/ibuprofen a few days prior to your procedure unless directed by your physician. If you have any changes to medications from now until your appointment, please contact me so we can be sure there won’t be any negative effects to your procedure.
No chemical peels and/or laser treatments at least 30 days prior to your procedure.
No Sun Tan, increased sun exposure, or tanning prior to your procedure and during the healing process. Sun exposed/tanned skin will affect implanted color negatively. Please keep this is mind and schedule carefully during summer months.
You must NOT be using ANY anti-aging/ACNE products regardless if drug store or prescribed. Please avoid skin care products containing hydroxy acids and lightening ingredients (example: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, etc.) for at least three weeks prior to your procedure. Retinol and Hydroquinone MUST be discontinued for at least one month prior to your procedure.
Please purchase a bottle of fragrance free baby wash to cleanse your procedure during the healing process. I will supply your aftercare ointment (Aquaphor)

DO’S & DON’TS!

EYEBROW SERVICES

DO Hydrate. Drink at least 64oz of water and moisturize the tattoo areas prior to your visit.
DO grow your natural brows for at least 1-2 weeks if possible
DO wear your daily eyebrow makeup to appointment
DON’T wear heavy foundation/face makeup to your appointment
DON’T wax or thread within 24 hours of your appointment

LASHLINE SERVICES

DO Hydrate. Drink at least 64oz of water and moisturize the tattoo areas prior to your visit.
DO take vitamin C daily before your visit the earlier you start the better
DO discontinue ANY eyelash growth serums for at least 6 months or longer as these products cause adverse reactions to tattooing
DO remove eyelash extensions 1 week prior to your appointment. If any extensions are present your appointment will be rescheduled with and a NEW reservation fee will be required.
DO take oral Arnica/Bromelain tablets (found at most drugstores) 3 days before by dissolving pellets under your tongue 3x per day. This helps reduce possible swelling & bruising. As well as an antihistamine if you have watery eyes. Always consult with your physician for any questions
DO bring what you would normally take for a headache in case you need it for pain relief after your service
DON’T wear eye makeup to your appointment. If you’d like to show an example of what you wear, please bring a photo of your eyes with eyeliner
DON’T wear waterproof eyeliner or strip lashes 1 week prior to your appointment
DON’T wear contacts to your appointment. Bring glasses if needed and prepare to wear them for a few days.

LIP BLUSH SERVICES

DO Hydrate. Drink at least 64oz of water and moisturize the tattoo areas prior to your visit.
DO take vitamin C daily before your visit the earlier you start the better
- DO exfoliate your lips gently daily one week prior to your appointment
- DO contact your physician if you have any history of cold sores/ fever blisters/ herpes simplex. You will be required to obtain the proper prescription to prevent such outbreaks (1dose @ 1500 milligram day of procedure or as your DR recommends). Lip tattooing will activate the virus and spread. Medication is only a preventative and not a guarantee of an outbreak, so make sure you speak with your doctor
DO take oral Arnica/Bromelain tablets (found at most drugstores) 3 days before by dissolving pellets under your tongue 3x per day. This helps reduce possible swelling & bruising. As well as an antihistamine if you have watery eyes. Always consult with your physician for any questions
DO bring what you would normally take for a headache in case you need it for pain relief after your service.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Cosmetic Tattooing?

Permanent Cosmetics, also called Semi-Permanent Makeup, Micropigmentation or Cosmetic Tattooing is the process of implanting colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis to resemble the appearance of cosmetic makeup or to enhance the natural features of the face.

Is it painful?

Most people experience minimal to no discomfort although this will vary according to each individual’s pain threshold. Various topical anesthetics are used before and during the procedure that will help keep you as comfortable as possible. Feel free to bring your own ear phones and music to relax and distract you.

Will cosmetic tattooing completely replace my regular makeup?

Hopefully- but in some cases, no. This completely depends on the individual. Cosmetic tattooing should be an enhancement, not a complete replacement for topical makeup. Healed pigment IN the skin will never fully replicate the vibrancy of color that topical makeup produces ON the skin. Many women are accustomed to bolder looks with makeup that cannot be successfully achieved without risking undesirable results. LESS IS MORE! The more your skin is packed with pigment particles, the less control you have over the color as your procedure ages with time. Soft and natural will always win!

What is the difference between Powdered/Ombre Eyebrows and Microblading/Hairstrokes?

The Powder/Ombre Brow technique creates a beautiful, soft shaded eyebrow that is suitable for all skin types. Depending on the clients desired results, this advanced technique can offer both a very soft/natural powdered look to a beautiful defined powdered look. This technique is my personal favorite because the healed results are natural and soft, yet still clean and defined… everything I think beautiful brows should be! Mircoblading, or the hair stroke eyebrow technique is the process where pigment is implanted into the skin to simulate actual hair. Depending on skin types, some clients may have crisp healed results while others may have a more powdery healed result. This technique often needs more maintenance, and as time goes on and more maintenance retouches are performed, the hair strokes will likely age to more of a powdery look in the skin. Throughout my experience as a permanent makeup artist and offering both powder and hair stroke style eyebrows, I have grown to favor the Powder Brow technique and have decided to stick to what I believe is the best for my clients… now as well as long term.

Do you take a client with existing cosmetic tattooing/microblading from another artist?

It depends on the situation. Please schedule a consultation.

Will I need more than one session?

Most likely. Everybody heals differently and results vary depending on skin type, skin health, lifestyle, general health, medications and skin care products used. If you have oily skin, textured skin (large pores, wrinkles, etc.) little to no brow hair or mature skin (40+) it may be a good idea to schedule your Retouch Appointment when scheduling your new procedure. Retouches are scheduled anytime between 6 weeks- 6 months post procedure. How often do I need a maintenance color refresh? This varies per person however on average, most clients refresh color every 1-3 years to maintain color.

How long does it last?

Color longevity will vary on your skin type and how well your skin retains pigment, color choice, time in the sun and daily skin routines (more exfoliating products, faster the fade). With facial skin, there tends to be more fluid circulation (oil, lymph, blood) than other parts of the body. Your face is also exposed to a range of elements daily—exposure to the sun, facial products used—the list goes on and on. All of these things cause ink to fade, hence the need to refresh color every 1-3 years.

How long does it take to heal?

Healing time varies from individual to individual. Usually, it takes about 7- 14 days for the exfoliation phase to finish and slough off. Your skin will appear to be healed after exfoliation but please take note that pigment takes some time to settle into the skin. Final color will be revealed between 4-6weeks. You will usually know around the 2 week mark if an additional session is needed.

What can I expect to avoid after the procedure?

Heavy exercise for 5 days. Direct sun exposure for 4 weeks. Hats and sunglasses are your best friend! Swimming in chlorinated pools, lakes, ponds, saunas for 10-14 days. Direct shower spray on procedure for 1 week. Pet grooming, gardening or anything that creates dust or dander for 7 days. Topical makeup directly ON the procedure until exfoliation/flaking phase has finished (around 5-10 days). Facials or skin care treatments for 3 weeks.

How will you choose my brow color?

Color is chosen based on your skin tone and your natural brow hair. Also, please come with your daily brow makeup applied so I can see what color and level of saturation you are accustomed to.

Do you have to shave off my own eyebrows?

No! Every attempt is made to retain all natural hair and integrate it into the design of the permanent eyebrows. In some cases, where shaping of the natural brow is required, a few hairs here and there may need to be removed to create a clean and aesthetically pleasing result.

Can you guarantee your work?

Unfortunately, no. How the skin will react is different for everyone and many factors have to be taken into consideration. Skin type, age, lifestyle, general health, skin care products used, etc. all play a key role in your results, which is why it is important to know that more than one session may be required. Everyone heals and accepts the pigment differently. I provide the same service for every client but retention is dependent on your skin and lifestyle. Please know your face is just as important to me as it is to you and I will act in accordance with my experience and expertise to give you my absolute best. Having said that, there are no guarantees in any body modification. Please be 100% sure before modifying your face as this is an elective procedure.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW

When you leave the studio your brow tattoos are intact. There ARE NO GUARANTEES made as to how your body will heal them. If they fade or do not take well- that is the result of YOUR skin, general health, your lifestyle, etc. This is not a result of the technique or the technician. NO one knows how the clients skin will heal. This is a potential risk all clients take when consenting to a cosmetic tattoo procedure.
Permanent Makeup is an art, NOT a science. Clients results will vary and using a pencil or powder will/may still be needed.
If you are out in the sun a lot, have oily skin, use anti-aging creams, retin-A/retinol products, acidic cleansers, have professional skin care treatments, regular chemical peels, or exercise frequently, your permanent makeup WILL fade prematurely. The better you take care of the treated area and follow the provided aftercare, the longer it will last.
Nobody’s face is symmetrical and being realistic with your expectations is key. Cosmetic tattoo design and placement will always slightly differ from one side of the face to the other. Facial bone structure always has a dominant/protruding side or be bit little higher. Hair growth patterns and density rarely match. Please know that every action is taken to ensure the best possible outcome.

FOR ALL ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS BEFORE BOOKING YOUR APPOINTMENT PLEASE CONTACT ME AT Seanntorrence@gmail.com.

After Care:

After care instructions will be reviewed at your appointment. Healing process: Day 1-3 After your tattoo session is finished, you are now in the healing process. Your tattoo will start intensifying in color for the next few days as it heals. For some it will be INTENSELY dark. Please be ready for that. Day 4-7 Your tattoo will be itchy, flaky, and/or peeling off. Day 8-10 itching will lessen and it may fade or lose pigment up 40-60% causing unevenness. Tattoo will have a muted tone after they peel. At the second session I will tattoo anything that is missing. Please note, I can not guarantee your final result. Different skin types hold pigment differently and dissipate at different rates. You may be required to due an additional session. Long Term Care: After your final session is done and you are completely healed please use a good sunscreen to prevent sun exposure from fading your tattoo. If you are planning a chemical peel, laser procedure or an MRI scan, please inform the technician of your permanent cosmetics. You may not be eligible to donate blood for one year post application. Infection is a possibility. I practice strict hygiene standards to minimize the risk of infection. I use disposable one-time use sterile needles from sealed packets. All safety precautions are use to prevent cross contamination.

Medical tattooing FAQ

Does it hurt?

Normally, the client does not feel any pain. Each case is different though and depending on your particular surgery there may be some small amount of sensation but it usually is minimal or mildly uncomfortable.

How long do I have to wait after surgery to have the procedure done?

We require a minimum of 5 months to pass after the date of your final surgery and/or nipple reconstruction.

I had nipple reconstruction... can I still get tattooed?

Yes, although there are occasions when the pigment does not take well on the reconstructed nipple. The reconstructed nipple as well as the area around it can still be tattooed, but follow up visits may be needed to ensure adequate pigment retention in that area.

How long does the procedure take?

It typically takes 1.5 -2 hours. This includes consultation and pigment matching. The actual tattoo time is about 15-30 minutes for each side. Unilateral clients can take slightly longer due to increased time mixing pigment and trying to match the color of the existing areola.

Bring a Bra or Camisole to wear after your procedure to help hold the bandages in place.

How long does it take for the tattoo area to heal?

Healing times can vary... usually it takes 7-10 days.

How long will the tattoo last?

The tattoo will last a lifetime. Some slight fading may occur over many years time, but will be minimal. Normally we try to tattoo the area lighter rather than darker, so it's possible that a touch up visit may be required... remembering that we can always darken the area but we can not lighten it prior to completion. Thus, lighter is always better than darker.

Do you use sterile needles and equipment?

YES! All of our needles are single use and sterile. All equipment that touches the skin is disposable. Ink is poured into disposable caps that are not reused and all surfaces are covered with a protective barrier to avoid cross contamination. We go above and beyond industry standards to insure your safety and ours.

Can I use my insurance to pay for the procedure?

Unfortunately no. SeAnn is not a health care provider, and not able to bill insurance directly. She will provide you with an itemized receipt, that some clients have submitted to insurance for reimbursement. We are unable to guarantee that they will cover this, but we will help in any way we can.