Prep & Aftercare
HOW TO PREPARE FOR, AND CARE FOR, YOUR COSMETIC TATTOO:
After Your Procedure:
( CLICK HERE TO JUMP TO PRE-CARE )
Appropriate Aftercare is one of the most important factors that will determine the results and success of your procedure.
Failure to follow these guidelines may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and may result in complications including excessive scabbing or swelling, increased discomfort, increased healing time, pigment migration, poor retention, discoloration, skin hyperpigmentation, scarring or infection.
In the unlikely event of an infection, immediately seek medical attention such as a doctor or pharmacist.
If you do not act in accordance with the Aftercare Instructions, your artist cannot guarantee, or be held responsible for, the results of your procedure or subsequent treatments. In some cases this may result in additional fees, and / or being denied future services at our facility.
Protect your investment!
Brow Aftercare:
Please be aware that permanent make-up is a 2-step process:
The initial procedure, and touch-up between 1-3 months. Your touch-up appointment(s) adjusts and perfects the color and the shape, and ensures proper pigment implantation and longevity is achieved. Occasionally more than one touch-up is needed to achieve the desired effect. Brows will heal 30-70% lighter and will appear softer. Final results differ from person to person. Medical and skin conditions, quality of the skin, age, lifestyle, immune system, sun and your aftercare, all affect your healed result.
Treat the area like an open wound, because it is. DO NOT TOUCH except with freshly washed hands. Follow basic hygiene practices such as keeping hair pinned back, frequently changing masks/pillowcases, cleansing if the area is accidentally touched, avoiding sleeping on the area, avoiding contact such as kissing or cuddling pets and activities that risk contamination such as gardening. After the scabs are gone, it is safe to touch again.
Every hour on the first day following your procedure, or more as needed, blot your brows with a damp cotton round or water wipe to remove lymph fluids your body may have produced. Then, apply a thin layer of healing ointment. This process will reduce the formation of scabs. Less scabbing = Better healed results.
On the evening after the procedure, wash your brows with cool water and a mild soap (nothing antibacterial, anti-aging, or anything with acids or other chemicals). Blot dry with a clean paper towel. Then, with a Q-tip, apply no more than a rice-sized application of provided ointment for BOTH. Sparingly cover brows, and do not leave them clumpy. If you have very oily or sensitive skin, you may be advised to dry heal or use water wipes to cleanse.
Repeat the process of washing the area with mild soap then applying a small amount of ointment twice a day, once in the AM and once in the PM, until the flaking is over, which is roughly 7-10 days.
DO NOT pick, scratch or rub the treated area. When cleansing, applying ointment or drying the area, use gentle dabbing motions only. Never wipe. Let your body naturally exfoliate the area and heal. Any premature removal of scabs can result in scarring or loss of pigment. You may use a clean spoolie to carefully comb any unattached flakes from your brow hairs.
No working out or heavy sweating for the first 5 days. After that, limit to no more than light sweating until fully healed.
Avoid swimming, hot baths, sauna, or steam rooms while healing. Keep your face out of the stream of water in the shower.
You may wear makeup, use oil-free non-mineral sunscreen, and wash normally after the dryness has subsided and skin has formed a healing layer at approximately 7-10 days.
No facials, Botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks. Check ingredients on all skincare products to avoid acids, acne treatments, retinoids, exfoliants, etc. in the treatment area.
For oily skin, it is recommended to use blotting papers during healing. Oily skin may push out more pigment and affect retention, therefore may require more frequent touch-ups.
No direct sunlight or tanning beds for 4 weeks until fully healed.
LONG TERM CARE
Use sunscreen to avoid fading.
If you are getting a peel, facial, laser, or MRI, advise the technician that you have had permanent cosmetics done.
If you choose to use retinol, chemical or acid peels, or any other exfoliating products near the treated area, know that it can result in premature fading. Your artist is not responsible for any additional touch-ups that may be required.
Plan to come in for a Refresher Appointment after 1-2 years on average, to define your shape and restore the color tone. This keeps your brows from losing their structure or shifting color. This can be needed more or less frequently depending on your skin type.
You are due for your Refresher if: Either the undertone has changed to an undesired shade, or the tattoo has faded about 50% since final healed results.
Lip Aftercare:
Please be aware that permanent make-up is a 2-step process:
The initial procedure, and touch-up between 1-3 months. Your touch-up appointment(s) adjusts and perfects the color and the shape, and ensures proper pigment implantation and longevity is achieved. Occasionally more than one touch-up is needed to achieve the desired effect. Lip Blush will heal 40-70% lighter and less vibrant and will appear softer. Final results differ from person to person. Medical and skin conditions, quality of the skin, age, lifestyle, immune system, sun and your aftercare, all affect your healed result.
Treat the area like an open wound, because it is. DO NOT TOUCH except with freshly washed hands. Follow basic hygiene practices such as keeping hair pinned back, frequently changing masks/pillowcases, cleansing if the area is accidentally touched, avoid sleeping on the area, avoid contact such as kissing or cuddling pets and activities that risk contamination such as gardening. After the scabs are gone, it is safe to touch again.
Every hour on Day 1 following your procedure, or more as needed, blot your lips with a damp cotton round or water wipe to remove lymph fluids your body may have produced. Then, apply a thin layer of healing ointment. This process will reduce the formation of scabs. Less scabbing = Better healed results.
Day 2 of healing and on, keep your lips moist with the healing ointment until your lips are fully healed. Do not wash them anymore until the scabs have exfoliated off. Any time your lips start to feel dry, reapply the healing ointment.
While healing, avoid kissing and opening your mouth wide. You will want to choose food that you can place directly in your mouth with a fork or spoon, avoiding foods such as hamburgers.
Avoid spicy and acidic foods and drinks during healing. Drink liquids, including water, with a straw until the flaking has stopped.
Swelling should go down within the fist 24-48 hours. After the procedure you may take Tylenol or Advil to help with the swelling.
Light bruising may occur, and is completely normal.
DO NOT pick, scratch or rub the treated area. let your body naturally exfoliate the area and heal. Any premature removal of scabs can result in scarring or loss of pigment.
Avoid swimming, hot baths, sauna, or steam rooms while healing. Keep your face out of the stream of water in the shower.
Once scabs have fallen off, you can then wear makeup and wash normally. Avoid drying/mattifying products like liquid lipstick for at least 14 days. Check ingredients on all skincare products to avoid acids, acne treatments, retinoids, exfoliants, etc. in the treatment area.
No facials, Botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks. If coming in for touch up please be sure to not have your procedure done within 2 weeks of your appointment as well.
No direct sunlight or tanning beds for 6 weeks until fully healed.
LONG TERM CARE
Use an SPF lip balm to avoid fading.
If you are getting a peel, facial, laser, or MRI, advise the technician that you have had permanent cosmetics done.
If you choose to use retinol, chemical or acid peels, or any other exfoliating products near the treated area, know that it can result in premature fading. Your artist is not responsible for any additional touch-ups that may be required.
Plan to come in for a Refresher Appointment after 2-4 years on average, to define your shape and restore the color tone. This keeps your lip tattoo from losing structure or shifting too cool-toned. This may be needed more or less frequently depending on your skin type.
You are due for your Refresher if: Either the undertone has changed to an undesired shade, or the tattoo has faded about 50% since final healed results.
Eyeliner Aftercare:
Please be aware that permanent make-up is a 2-step process:
The initial procedure, and touch-up between 1-3 months. Your touch-up appointment(s) adjusts and perfects the color and the shape, and ensures proper pigment implantation and longevity is achieved. Occasionally more than one touch-up is needed to achieve the desired effect. Eyeliner Tattoo will heal 30-40% lighter and will appear softer. Final results differ from person to person. Medical and skin conditions, quality of the skin, age, lifestyle, immune system, sun and your aftercare, all affect your healed result.
Treat the area like an open wound, because it is. DO NOT TOUCH except with freshly washed hands. Follow basic hygiene practices such as keeping hair pinned back, frequently changing masks/pillowcases, cleansing if the area is accidentally touched, avoid sleeping on the area, avoid contact such as kissing or cuddling pets and activities that risk contamination such as gardening. After the scabs are gone, it is safe to touch again.
After the procedure, a thin layer of ointment should be applied. For the first day, do not touch or rub the eyes. If you notice lymph fluid forming, you may lightly blot away. If the eyes are swollen or bruised you may ice them the first night by applying an ice bag or reusable eye gels with a clean, dry paper towel over it. Do not get them wet, and only ice for 10-15 minutes max.
Swelling should go down within 2 days. You may take Advil or Tylenol to help, but do not ice after Day 1.
You may use lubricating/calming eye drops to cleanse and relieve your eyes, but do not use a saline or sodium-based formula. Dab dry.
DO NOT pick, scratch or rub the treated area. Let your body naturally exfoliate the area and heal. Any premature removal of scabs can result in scarring or loss of pigment. You may use a clean spoolie to carefully comb any unattached flakes from your lashes.
After day 2, if the eye is dry you may apply a very thin layer of healing ointment with clean hands or a Q-tip. Avoid putting on an excess amount and do not get it in your eyes.
Avoid wearing contacts for 24-48 hours after your appointment. Avoid lash serums and extensions for one month after your touch-up appointment.
Avoid swimming, hot baths, sauna, or steam rooms while healing. Keep your face out of the stream of water in the shower.
No working out or heavy sweating for the first 5 days. After that light sweating is ok until fully healed.
Once scabs fall off you can then wear makeup and wash normally. Check ingredients on all skincare products to avoid acids, acne treatments, retinoids, exfoliants, etc. in the treatment area.
No facials, Botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks. If coming in for a touchup, please be sure to not have your procedure done within 2 weeks of your next appointment.
No direct sunlight or tanning beds for 4 weeks until fully healed.
LONG TERM CARE
Use sunscreen to avoid fading.
If you are getting a peel, facial, laser, or MRI, advise the technician that you have had permanent cosmetics done.
If you choose to use retinol, chemical or acid peels, or any other exfoliating products near the treated area, know that it can result in premature fading. Your artist is not responsible for any additional touch-ups that may be required.
Plan to come in for a Refresher Appointment after 2-5 years on average, to define your shape and restore the color tone. This keeps your eyeliner from losing structure or shifting too cool-toned. This can be needed more or less frequently depending on your skin type.
You are due for your Refresher if: Either the undertone has changed to an unwanted shade, or the tattoo has lost structural definition or significant depth of color.
Freckle Aftercare:
Please be aware that permanent make-up is a 2-step process:
The initial procedure, and touch-up between 1-3 months. Your touch-up appointment(s) adjusts and perfects the color and the shape/size/distribution of your freckles, and ensures proper pigment implantation and longevity is achieved. New Freckles can be added at the touch-up to build density. Occasionally more than one touch-up is needed to achieve the desired effect. Freckles will heal 30-60% lighter and less vibrant and will appear softer. Final results differ from person to person. Medical and skin conditions, quality of the skin, age, lifestyle, immune system, sun and your aftercare, all affect your healed result.
Treat the area like an open wound, because it is. DO NOT TOUCH except with freshly washed hands. Follow basic hygiene practices such as keeping hair pinned back, frequently changing masks/pillowcases, cleansing if the area is accidentally touched, avoid sleeping on the area, avoid contact such as kissing or cuddling pets and activities that risk contamination such as gardening. After the scabs are gone, it is safe to touch.
Every hour on the first day following your procedure, or more as needed, blot your freckles with a damp cotton round or water wipe to remove lymph fluids your body may have produced. Then, apply a thin layer of healing ointment. This process will reduce the formation of scabs. Less scabbing = Better healed results.
On the evening after the procedure, wash your freckles with cool water and a mild soap (nothing antibacterial, anti-aging, or anything with acids or other chemicals). Blot dry with a clean paper towel. Then, with a Q-tip, apply a THIN layer of provided ointment. Sparingly cover the freckles, do not over saturate them. If you have very oily or sensitive skin, you may be advised to dry heal or use water wipes to cleanse.
Repeat the process of washing the area with mild soap then applying a small amount of ointment twice a day, once in the AM and once in the PM, until the flaking is over, which is roughly 5-7 days.
DO NOT pick, scratch or rub the treated area. When cleansing, applying ointment or drying the area, use gentle dabbing motions only. Never wipe. Let your body naturally exfoliate the area and heal. Any premature removal of scabs can result in scarring or loss of pigment. You may use a clean spoolie to carefully comb any unattached flakes caught in hairs, etc.
No working out or heavy sweating for the first 5 days. After that, limit to no more than light sweating until fully healed.
Avoid swimming, hot baths, sauna, or steam rooms while healing. Keep your face out of the stream of water in the shower.
You may wear makeup, use oil-free non-mineral sunscreen, and wash normally after the dryness has subsided and the skin has formed a healing layer at approximately 7 days.
No facials, Botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks. Check ingredients on all skincare products to avoid acids, acne treatments, retinoids, exfoliants, etc. in the treatment area.
For oily skin, it is recommended to use blotting papers during healing. Oily skin may push out more pigment and affect retention, therefore may require more frequent touch-ups.
No direct sunlight or tanning beds for 4 weeks until fully healed.
LONG TERM CARE
Use sunscreen to avoid fading.
If you are getting a peel, facial, laser, or MRI, advise the technician that you have had permanent cosmetics done.
If you choose to use retinol, chemical or acid peels, or any other exfoliating products near the treated area, know that it can result in premature fading. Your artist is not responsible for any additional touch-ups that may be required.
If you want to keep up with your Freckles rather than letting them fade out, plan to have them redone every 1-2 years on average. This can be needed more or less frequently depending on your skin type. Occasionally as freckle tattoos fade, the color may shift more cool-toned or less vibrant, and a refresher appointment may be desired to color-correct them.
You are due for your Refresher if: Either the undertone has changed to an undesired shade, or the tattoo has faded about 70% since final healed results.
Body Art, Areola Tattoo
& Scar/Stretchmark Camo Aftercare:
Please be aware that tattoos are often a 2-step process:
The initial procedure, and touch-up between 1-3 months. Your touch-up appointment(s), if necessary, will adjust and perfect the color and the shape, and ensure proper pigment implantation and longevity is achieved. Cosmetic Tattoo techniques frequently require at least 1 touch-up, while traditional decorative tattooing may only need a single initial appointment if no significant pigment was lost during healing. Final results differ from person to person. Medical and skin conditions, quality of the skin, age, lifestyle, immune system, sun and your aftercare, all affect your healed result.
We highly recommend the use of Saniderm healing film following body-area tattoo procedures. Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo bandage that can be left on for up to 7 days after application, and is generally safe for those with skin sensitivities and adhesive allergies. This will be applied for you following your procedure.
The film allows the skin to heal from the inside out reducing the risks of scabbing, drying out, contamination, friction, or water damage; providing better healed results and a more comfortable healing process.
Saniderm is water-tight and as a result, some ink may ooze out of the skin and inside the bandage and distort or obscure the appearance from the outside. Do not be alarmed, this excess ink will wash off when the film is removed and does not affect the appearance of your actual tattoo.
After 7 days, or if the Saniderm begins to come off before then, remove carefully under cool running water. Find an edge and SLOWLY pull the film away from the body in the opposite direction, being careful not to remove any scabbing prematurely, or otherwise damage your skin (which could potentially lead to pigment loss or scarring).
Once the healing film is removed, cleanse the area with a mild soap, pat the area dry with a clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of healing ointment or lotion.
For certain large or difficult areas that Saniderm will not work for, or if your bandage is removed in the first few days of healing and not reapplied, you will want to gently cleanse the area with a mild soap, pat the area dry with a clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of healing ointment.
Reserve heavier healing ointments and balms such as A&D and Aquaphor for the first 2 days post procedure, and switch to a lighter healing lotion formula such as Cetaphil or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotions until the exfoliation has stopped.
Continue to keep the area clean and regularly moisturized for at least 14 days post-procedure. Check ingredients on all skincare products to avoid AHA/BHA acids, acne treatments, retinoids, exfoliants, etc. in the treatment area.
For Stretchmark and Scar Camo, it may be preferable to use a gentle hyaluronic acid or peptide serum during the first 2 weeks of healing to stimulate collagen production. Discuss recommended healing serums and supplements for these procedures with your artist.
No working out or heavy sweating for the first 5 days. After that light sweating is ok until fully healed.
Avoid swimming, hot baths, sauna, or steam rooms while healing. Keep the area of the stream of water in the shower if it is not covered by Saniderm. Avoid soaking/submerging the area for extended periods for 14 days.
No direct sunlight or tanning beds for 4 weeks until fully healed.
LONG TERM CARE
Use sunscreen to avoid fading and pigment degradation.
For procedures such as Stretchmark and Scar Camo, use sunscreen and avoid UV tanning indefinitely. Tanning may cause camouflage tattooing to appear lighter than the surrounding skin. Your skin will tan, but the pigment will remain the same shade lighter shade, highlighting the area you had camouflaged.
If you are getting a peel, facial, laser, or MRI, advise the technician that you have tattoos.
If you choose to use retinol, chemical or acid peels, or any other exfoliating products near the treated area, know that it can result in premature fading. Your artist is not responsible for any additional touch-ups that may be required.
Although technically “permanent”, both cosmetic and traditional body tattoos may occasionally benefit from a Refresher after 5-10 years or if significant fading, blurring or color changes have occurred.
Saline Removal:
Please be aware that removal is a multi-step process:
Saline Removal works by bringing pigment molecules to the surface of the skin where the body can naturally remove them. This process may take several sessions as the pigment moves upward in the dermis, and requires careful healing periods in between sessions. In some cases as the pigment gets closer to the surface of the skin, it may cause the tattoo to temporarily appear darker. The skin must heal a minimum of 6 weeks in between sessions. As with all tattoo removal methods, is important to strictly follow the aftercare to avoid permanent damage such as scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Treat the area like an open wound, because it is. DO NOT TOUCH except with freshly washed hands. Follow basic hygiene practices such as keeping hair pinned back, frequently changing masks/pillowcases, cleansing if the area is accidentally touched, avoiding sleeping on the area, avoiding contact such as kissing or cuddling pets and activities that risk contamination such as gardening. After the scabs are gone, it is safe to touch again.
The skin immediately following the procedure may be red and may weep fluid for the first few hours. This fluid helps to continue to push pigment out and will form a scab which will further remove pigment. Redness within the treated area becomes brown as the skin dries out. The treated area must be allowed to fully dry out over the next 48 hours. For most people the area is touch dry within the first few hours.
If the skin isn’t allowed to dry out quickly, you will not get the best results. Sterile saline wipes can be used to gently remove excess oil. For lip area treatments, keep mouth movements small and to a minimum during this phase. Do not use any other aftercare products during the initial drying-out stage. Don’t get the area wet or sweaty for 48 hours.
After 48 hours the treated area will be very dry, and a light scab will have formed. You may see pigment visible in the scab. You may apply ONE SINGLE APPLICATION of A&D ointment (no substitutions) on and slightly around the scab. This single application will last for 3 to 4 days, leaving a soft film over the scab. You may now get the area a little wet when washing and showering, but DO NOT rub the area. After any wetness, gently hold a clean tissue on the scab to dry it out. No excessive sweating, soaking, saunas, swimming etc. until the scabs are completely gone.
Depending on the area treated, the scab will remain firmly attached for 5 to 14 days. Excessive movements are likely to crack the scab, which is not ideal for easy healing. Do not attempt to remove the scab before it naturally heals away from the treated area. For eyebrows, a scab held in eyebrow hair not attached to skin may be gently removed with a clean spoolie. At no time can you pick off attached scabs, you will cause scarring.
No direct UV exposure (sun or tanning beds) for the first 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, use sunscreen on the treated area for a minimum of 6 weeks to avoid UV damage or scarring.
You may wear makeup in the area after the scabs have fully self-exfoliated.
Do not use acids such as AHA’s/BHA’s, exfoliants, retinoids, and acne products on the treatment site for 6 weeks. No Facials, chemical treatments, microdermabrasion, etc. during this time. This allows the skin to heal to avoid hyperpigmentation and scarring. Check ingredients of all skincare products.
After the scab heals off the pigment and/or skin may look visibly lighter, darker, pinkish or different for the first 1-8 weeks. These are not considered results, it's your skin healing and the remaining pigment settling.
FOR SKIN PRONE TO HYPERPIGMENTATION
For those prone to hyperpigmentation, follow the “drying out” instructions for the first 48 hours.
After 48 hours the scab and surrounding skin must NOT be allowed to dry out or hyperpigmentation can occur. Re apply healing ointment every 24 hours until skin returns to a normal color.
THE REMOVAL PROCESS
If the treatment is to be done as “Emergeny Removal” it must be administered within the first 72 hours of a fresh tattoo (the sooner the better). Otherwise 6 weeks healing time for the tattoo is needed before treatment.
Your second treatment can be carried out after 6 weeks. Treatment cycle is 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and repeated as required. We allow a longer healing time if the skin has not yet returned to a normal color.
Removing/improving/brightening pigment is a process which may take several sessions. Mature or saturated tattoos may initially respond slowly. After a few treatments, we'll have a better idea how easily the pigment is removing. Pigment may look darker before it gets lighter, especially if was implanted deeply. Pigment that's closer to the surface removes easier.
Brown pigment is made up of black, white, yellow, red and green. Black pigment usually removes first, making other colors more visible. Grey brows may look browner, or warmer colors may begin to show.
Tattoo removal is a process with many variables, therefore how much pigment is removed during each visit, or how many visits are needed, cannot be known or guaranteed.
Scalp Micropigmentation Aftercare:
Please be aware that scalp tattooing is a multi-step process:
The initial procedure, and follow-up sessions 4 weeks apart to build density and effect . Your follow-up appointment(s) adjusts and perfects the color and the shape/shade/distribution of your SMP, and ensures proper pigment implantation and longevity is achieved. Multiple sessions (2-5) are required to optimize healing and to avoid pigment migration, which could result in the pigment blurring, running together and losing the desired detail and effect. SMP heals lighter and will appear softer. Final results differ from person to person. Medical and skin conditions, quality of the skin, age, lifestyle, immune system, sun and your aftercare, all affect your healed result.
Treat the area like an open wound, because it is. DO NOT TOUCH except with freshly washed hands. Follow basic hygiene practices such as frequently changing masks/pillowcases, wear loose-fitting/soft coverings that don’t rub, do not scratch (there may be itching during healing), cleansing with a water wipe if the area is accidentally touched, sleep on your back with a travel pillow if possible, avoid contact such as kissing or cuddling pets and activities that risk contamination such as gardening. After the scabs are gone, it is safe to touch.
For the first 4 days, DO NOT GET YOUR SCALP WET. You make cleanse your scalp as instructed, but do not allow your scalp to soak in water while washing or showering.
After 2 days, it is recommended to apply a light, fragrance-free moisturizer to the treated area to aid healing up, approx. 2x daily. Apply just enough that the scalp does not get dry, but do not over-moisturize, the skin should not be shiny or greasy to the touch.
Starting with day 4, you can apply small amounts of water on your head. It's ok to take a quick, light shower, washing with a gentle, sulfate-free, shampoo (such as baby shampoo). Shower with lukewarm water to prevent the scalp from sweating. You may shower normally after 2 weeks but continue using only gentle products for 4 weeks. When you are done washing, pat dry and apply a small amount of moisturizer (do not apply moisturizer while the skin is wet).
Do not shave your head for 5 days. After day 5, you may gently DRY shave with an electric foil razor or clippers. Be careful to not dislodge any remaining flakes or scabs while shaving. Do not wet-shave with a traditional razor for 14 days.
DO NOT pick, scratch or rub the treated area. When cleansing, applying ointment or drying the area, use gentle dabbing motions only. Never wipe. Let your body naturally exfoliate the area and heal. Any premature removal of scabs can result in scarring or loss of pigment. You may use a clean spoolie to carefully comb any unattached flakes caught in hairs, etc.
No working out or heavy sweating for the first 5 days. After that, limit to no more than light sweating. If you find yourself sweating or have oily skin at any point during healing, gently blot the scalp with a clean paper towel to absorb excess moisture and oils. Sweat and oils skin may push out more pigment and affect retention.
Avoid swimming, hot baths, sauna, or steam rooms while healing.
After 7-10 days, you may exercise as normal. Avoid chlorinated pools for 30 days.
Do not use minoxidil, powders, concealers or hair products (gels, hair spray) for 7 days post-procedure. You may not use minoxidil or other alcohol-based products on the scalp for 4 weeks after SMP. You may switch to a non-alcohol based minoxidil that can be used 2 weeks after the procedure. Avoid chemical treatments or exfoliation for 4 weeks. Check ingredients on all skincare products to avoid acids, acne treatments, retinoids, exfoliants, etc. in the treatment area.
No direct sunlight or tanning beds for 4 weeks until fully healed, a loose hat or scarf is recommended if you will be in the sun.
LONG TERM CARE
Use sunscreen to avoid fading.
If you are getting a peel, scalp/hair treatment, laser, or MRI, advise the technician that you have had permanent cosmetics done.
If you choose to use retinol, chemical or acid peels, or any other exfoliating products near the treated area, know that it can result in premature fading. Your artist is not responsible for any additional touch-ups that may be required.
Plan to come in for a Refresher Appointment after 4-7 years on average, to define your shape and restore the color tone and depth. This keeps your tattoo from losing texture or shifting too cool-toned. This may be needed more or less frequently depending on your skin type.
You are due for your Refresher if: Either the undertone has changed to an undesired shade, or the tattoo has faded about 70% since final healed results.
Tooth Gem Aftercare:
Tooth Gem adhesive takes up to 24 hours to fully cure, during this period it is essential to follow some basic aftercare instructions to achieve a strong bond that will help your tooth gem last longer.
Do not touch or play with the gems.
Do not eat for 2 hours after the gem is placed while the adhesive continues to cure. You may drink water.
After 2 hours, you may eat and drink, but eat only soft foods (mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, oatmeal, etc.) for 12 hours while the bond cures. Avoid acidic foods and drinks for 12 hours, use a straw when possible.
Avoiding smoking or vaping for 12 hours.
Avoid hard, chewy foods that require biting for 24 hours. Avoid drinks like beers and kombuchas for 24 hours, as they contain enzymes that interact with the curing process.
Do not brush your teeth for 12 hours. Be very gentle for the first 24 hours when brushing over the tooth gem area.
LONG TERM CARE
It is recommended to use an electric tooth brush.
Acidic foods, whitening strips, whitening gum, heavy brushing and hard foods can decrease the lifespan of your tooth gem.
If your gem falls off and you swallow it, don’t worry! They are lead-free and body safe.
If your gem comes off and there is any remaining glue, it can be easily buffed off at your next dental cleaning without damage.
Gems typically last anywhere from 3-24 months depending on your individual tooth anatomy and enamel, with an average lifespan of 6 months - 1 year with proper care.
If your gem falls off within 3 weeks of your service there was likely an adhesion issue, let your artist know as soon as possible and we will replace it free of charge!