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What is cosmetic tattooing?Cosmetic tattooing also known as ‘permanent makeup’ has long been used to enhance facial features. Permanent colour pigment implants give shape and definition and can be applied around the eyes as an eyeliner, on the eyebrows, as a lip liner or a full lip tint. These implants although called permanent last for 3-5 years, depending on your skin type and colour choice. Those with vision impairments or physical disabilities have also turned to permanent make-up as applying make up daily becomes a difficult task. Professional athletes, actors and models have taken advantage of permanent make up to ensure that they look their best at all times.
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How is cosmetic tattooing applied?Gently applied, a needle is used to shallowly insert the non-toxic pigment under the skin. The pigments are non-reactive and specially manufactured to be used on human skin. They contain no iron and do not discolour the skin. We have a very large range of colour’s to choose from. Many factors effect colour matching however the match is very close to the colour requested. Many factors can alter the end result of the colour depending on your skin pigment, acids, oils or neglect of home care instructions. All procedures are drawn on first with a pencil to your desired shape. Once the area to be tattooed is prepared it is cleaned with antiseptic, and a topical anaesthetic is applied to the skin. All machine parts and needles used are disposed of after each patient and all equipment is fully sterilised.
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What does it look like on the skin?It looks as if you applied a pencil; a little softer and more muted. The colour immediately after the treatment will be stronger, brighter and possibly darker than your desired colour. In most cases you lose approximately 30-50% of intense colour during the healing process within 5 -10 days, excluding full lip colour which you can lose up to 70% after the healing process, again that depends on the colour used, type of skin and if you have followed the home care instructions.
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Are the procedures painful?The answer to this varies, based on the individuals tolerance to discomfort, and the skills of the technician performing the service. The permanent cosmetic industry benefits from several methods available that assist with comfort management. There are various non prescription and prescription level topical anaesthetic cream, ointment and gel preparations. Also an option is having a doctor or dentist to administer local anaesthetic injections. We will discuss these methods to determine which are offered and which method is most appropriate for your procedure.
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How long will it take?Allow about 2 hours for each treated area, the retouch session often shorter duration. Occasionally only one procedure is required, most often two procedures are required, and rarely three procedure s are required. For this reason I believe that charging separately for each procedure is the fairest method for clients, that way you only pay for what you need.
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Can I go to work and resume normal activities after the procedure?Yes, you can although each client is unique. Generally, there is some slight swelling of the tattooed area. While eyebrows may show little to no after affect, eyeliner and lip procedures may produce some swelling lasting from two to twenty four hours. During the procedure, there may be some very minor bleeding and although very rare, some bruising. There is usually some tenderness for a few days. 
The immediate post-procedure colour is darker than you may expect during the 7 to 10 days of healing. A good recommendation is to plan your permanent cosmetic procedure when you have no special events to attend for several days afterward.
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Are permanent cosmetics really permanent?Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the colour is implanted into the skin and cannot be washed off. Even when faded, the pigment components remain in the body regardless of the external visual appearance of the tattoo. As with any tattoo, many factors will cause fading. The predominant reason for colour fading in a permanent cosmetic tattoo is the decomposition of pigments due to sun exposure. However, health conditions, medications, and facial products containing strong exfoliation and skin bleaching agents all can contribute to the need for maintenance. Precautions need to be taken with treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and some laser based treatments so as not to affect your permanent cosmetic colour will need refreshing each year or so.
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What is a ‘retouch’ and when do I need one?The tattooed colour or design may require adjustment after the initial procedure. The application of permanent cosmetics is a process. If additional work is necessary a follow-up visit should be scheduled. Follow up visits are best scheduled from four to eight weeks after the initial procedure and will cost AUD $100. After the initial and retouch visits are complete, the timing for your future colour refresher depends on your personal preference but is usually after 1-2 years. No one can really say exactly when you need or want a colour refresher, it is a personal preference and you will be quoted a special price for you retouch depending on length of time and work required.
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Important things to rememberIf you are nervous on the day, you can take a panadol/ paracetamol NOT nurofen as it is a blood thiner. This works on the nerve endings and is very helpful. Or alternatively panadeine or mersyndol which does the same and also helps you relax. It is important not to take any vitamin B or Aspro at least a week before any procedure.
For any lip treatment: If you have ever had a cold sore, even if it was over ten years ago it is very important to follow these instructions: Zovirax tablets need to be used at least 2 days prior too and after the treatment and a double dose is recommended on the day of procedure. Also if you feel a tingle like a cold sore will surface apply a cube of ice only on the tingled area to freeze the virus then apply Zovirax cream again only on the tingled area to avoid any spreading of the virus. This helps to prevent a break out.
Contact us today to book your free consultation and find out more.
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