Cosmetic Tattoo Brows

30 days before AVOID:

• sun exposure

• any use of retinol

5-7 days before AVOID:

• caffeine, green tea

• alcohol

• aspirin/ibuprofen

• fish, krill and evening primrose oil

• cinnamon and turmeric

On the day of appointment:

• no exercise

• limit water consumption

Aftercare for your cosmetic tattoo is 90% of the final result. The first 10-15 days after the procedure are the most crucial time of the healing process. Please read through the following aftercare instructions to ensure that we achieve the best results possible for you. If you experience swelling, it will subside over the next 24-28 hours. If your brows weep a clear fluid, do not be alarmed, as this is completely normal. Gently pat with a tissue to soak up the excess fluid.

The colour of your cosmetic tattoo will appear 2-3 times darker, thicker, and more sharply defined immediately after the procedure due to the excess ink and dead skin drying up in the area. The results may blur and look ‘blockish’ during the healing period. Please do not panic; this is a normal part of the healing process. You will not see the true colour of the tattoo until almost four weeks after your skin has healed. The area will start to scab, get flaky and be very itchy (this is also normal). Do not touch or itch the tattoo, as this will cause damage. The colour of your cosmetic tattoo begins to lighten and soften after 10-14 days from your initial appointment. Some areas may disappear and reappear after a few weeks as the skin heals.

• Do not participate in any activities that may cause your body temperature to increase; this includes exercise (no light walks, weight training, cardio, or even strenuous housework such as gardening or vacuuming). Why? The blood can rise under the skin causing you to sweat which may result in the tattoo pigment being pushed out of the skin causing it to heal patchily and unevenly, altering your final result.

• No body and face laser treatments for 3-4 weeks. Why? The laser’s light attracts to your tattoo during its healing process due to the pigment darkening, and this can cause damage to the final results.

• Do not use makeup or skincare over your cosmetic tattoo during the healing period. Why? Using makeup and skincare on or around your tattoo can cause infection and damage your healed results. We suggest you avoid wearing makeup on your forehead for the best possible healed results.

• Do not move or wiggle your brows. Why? If you repetitively move your brows, the pigment will eventually come out.

• For two days following the cosmetic tattooing, strictly avoid:

— alcohol
— caffeine (including energy drinks and food products)
— fish oil
— pain relief medication (only panadol if necessary)
— vitamin E
— All of these can thin the blood, which will affect the healing process

• Keep your tattoo protected with the aftercare balm provided to you on the day; application of the balm is instrumental to the final result of the procedure.

• It is important to protect your tattoo with the aftercare cream until the flaking has completely healed. This stage varies for each individual but can take up to 7-10 days.

• Using half a pea size, press the balm gently on the area and lift your finger off the brow to avoid pulling flakes off. Only apply a thin shiny film across the area.

• If you lose or run out of the aftercare balm, purchase ‘bepanthem antiseptic soothing cream.’ This cream will provide similar care.

• Protect your tattoo with sunblock after four weeks and onwards. Why? Over time, sun exposure will cause your tattoo to fade and change. Tip: you can cover your tattoo with vaseline when swimming in sea salt or chlorinated water to extend the life of your tattoo.

• Do not use any chemicals or active skin care products on your cosmetic tattoo. This includes any professional facial treatments such as face peels. Why? Chemicals, glycol acid and skin care with anti-ageing ingredients of any kind may interfere with the healing process and the colour of your cosmetic tattoo.

• This varies between individuals due to skin type, genetics, and environmental factors, as they all contribute to pigment retention.

• As a guide, it could last anywhere between 1-3 years before a refresher treatment is required to maintain your cosmetic tattoo. Once the colour starts to change or fade, you will know that you are ready for your colour refresher.

• It is important to remember that semi-permanent makeup is a ‘low’, not a ‘no’ maintenance treatment.

• Remember: This is a cosmetic procedure. Do not judge your brows until they are completely healed (6 weeks post-procedure).