FAQ

Q: What are permanent cosmetics?

A: Permanent cosmetics are a type of micro-pigmentation, more commonly known as cosmetic tattooing. The most common treatments available are for eyeliner tattoo, eyebrow tattoo and lip tattoo. The effects from this treatment can range from the imitation of make-up; to subtle, natural enhancements, that can delicately improve facial features.

Q: What is medical tattooing?

A: Rebuilding a person’s body image is something that we believe is very special, and medical tattooing has helped many people achieve this. It is an advanced form of semipermanent makeup, and covers a range of treatments. These treatments can provide help to people who may have suffered from hair loss, burns, scarring, breast reconstruction, and other conditions.

Q: What different treatments are available?

A: There are a number of different treatment options available; from whether you need semipermanent cosmetic treatment, to pursuing eye, lip, brow and breast enhancements. Scars in the aforementioned areas can greatly benefit from semipermanent cosmetics or medical tattooing. See our case studies for more information.

Q: What does the treatment involve?

A: The treatment involves gently implanting microscopic particles of pigment into the reticular layer of skin. We will use an initial consultation to discuss your requirements, and support you in choosing the result that is best for you. We will take everything into consideration; from your lifestyle and image, to your hair, skin tone, and facial features. Our skilled team of artists can then custom blend colours to fit your requirements perfectly. 

Q: Will it look natural?

A: Yes - once healed, the result will look very natural. Feel free to take a look through the portfolio images, where you can see that the results can be tailored to whichever colour tone or strength best suits you.

Q: How long will it last?

A: This can vary from person to person, however, it is important to remember that semipermanent makeup is ‘low’ maintenance - and not ‘no’ maintenance - treatment. Environmental factors, diet, skin type and genetics can all affect how long pigments can be retained. Things like prolonged sun exposure and sunbed use can have an impact on pigment retention, but with proper protection, this can be prevented.

The stretch of time before needing a new treatment can range from anything between one and five years, but we do recommend colour refresher boosts during this stage. You can tell when you might require a boost when you notice the colour start to change. We offer discounted rates on colour boosts from 6 - 18 months after the initial treatment.

Q: What if I want to have/have had cosmetic surgery?

A: That is not a problem. Whether you have had cosmetic surgery, or are considering it at some point in the future, Cara and her team will always work to complement your natural contours and features. You will need to leave some time between having cosmetic surgery and permanent cosmetics, due to the healing process. Please call us for advice specific to your procedure.

Q: What if I have medical issues?

A: You will be given a full assessment of your medical history before any treatment. There are some occasions where a person may not be suitable for permanent cosmetics due to their medical background - but this is uncommon.

Q: Are there any risks involved?

A: You are always in safe hands, as Cara and her Elite team have many years of experience with clients all over the world, and always adhere to the highest standards of health and safety, to ensure that any possible risks are minimised. Yet the treatment is invasive, as it involves implanting pigment into the skin. This is what provides the long-lasting benefits of permanent cosmetics, but as with any form of tattooing, there are some risks. Such risks can include undesired colour or result, allergic reaction, infection or scarring.

Q: Can I drink alcohol prior to my treatment?

A: Drinking alcohol can affect the pigment retention, so we advise that you do not consume alcohol the night before, or on the day of your treatment.

Q: Should I bring my eyebrow pencil?

A: Yes, it can be useful for us to see what colours you have been using for your brows.

Q: Do you do hair stroke or block brows?

A: We concentrate on ultra-realistic semipermanent makeup which means that for brows, we can replicate natural hairs. This can be done whether you have some hair or none at all. However, if you do want the style of a block brow, we can do this for you. We will always work with you to achieve the style that you want.

Q: Can I have my brows waxed, then have a brow treatment?

A: Yes you can, however, any waxing needs to be performed at least 48 hours before the treatment.

Q: Can I have electrolysis on my brows, then have a brow treatment?

A: You should wait for five days (at a minimum) between having electrolysis and semipermanent makeup for brows.

Q: Do I have to have all my eyebrows shaved off?

A: Not at all. If you do have hair remaining then we prefer you to keep your own brows, as we like to work within your natural shape if possible. This means you don’t tweeze them before you come in.

Q: Should I bring my favourite lipstick?

A: If you would like to have your favourite lipstick recreated, please do bring it with you to the treatment. This will help the artist to custom blend an appropriate pigment for your lip tattoo. 

Q: Can semipermanent makeup cause cold sores?

A: semipermanent makeup does not cause cold sores. However, if you have the virus laying dormant in the body, it can be aroused by the treatment.

Q: I already get cold sores, can I have a lip treatment?

A: We would advise you to contact your local GP or chemist if you have a history of cold sores (also known as herpes simplex), as they can provide you with the proper medication to prevent outbreaks. To help reduce the chance of an outbreak, use this medication for one week before and one week after your treatment.

Q: I have a cold sore on my lip at the moment, can I have a lip treatment?

A: Unfortunately, no. For a semipermanent makeup lip tattoo to be performed, the outbreak must be thoroughly healed.

Q: Can I have a lip wax or bleaching treatment before a lip treatment?

A: You should not undertake a lip wax or bleaching treatment for a minimum of two weeks prior to your lip treatment.

Q: Will I need to remove my eye makeup for the treatment?

A: Yes, you will need to remove eye make-up before any eye treatment. However, we do need to see your style, so please wear your usual make-up for the appointment.

Q: Should I bring my favourite eyeliner pencil?

A: If you have a particular colour that you would like to be replicated, please bring that pencil with you to the appointment, as this will allow the artist to custom blend an appropriate pigment for your eyeliner tattoo

Q: I’ve had my lashes tinted/permed, can I still have an eye treatment?

A: Yes you can, however, any eyelash tinting/perming should be done no sooner than one week prior to the treatment, or two weeks after.

Q: I am currently undergoing treatment for a medical condition, can I still have a medical tattoo or permanent cosmetics treatment?

A: There are a number of factors that can affect your ability to have a medical tattoo or permanent cosmetic procedure. Medical conditions such as pregnancy and infectious disease mean that you cannot have these treatments performed. For other conditions, it may depend on the severity, or type of medical condition you are suffering from. It could also depend on the treatment or medication you are taking. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your medical history, and any implications from this for your treatment will be explained to you. 

Q. Will it hurt?
A. Semi-permanent makeup is far gentler than you might imagine. The specialist equipment that Cara and her team use is refined, quiet and gentle. Many clients comment that the treatment is no more painful than having their eyebrows tweezed.

Q. How long will the treatment take? 
A. Treatment times vary depending on how advanced or detailed the required result is. Although some treatments may take as little as 1 hour, you should set aside 2-3 hours for your appointment.

A second appointment to review the final healed colour is included in the price. This usually takes place around 4 -6 weeks after the initial treatment and takes around 30 minutes.

Q. Can I train as a permanent cosmetics or medical tattoo artist? 
A. Yes, you can train through Cara's own academy, at which both she and many of her Elite Team teach. Click here to find out more.

Q. Will you need to remove any of my natural brow hairs?
A. Cara will work with whatever brow hairs you have. It’s a common myth that brow hairs need to be shaved off for microblading/eyebrow tattoos. This is not the case at all. The only time brow hairs may need to be removed is if there is any errant growth which needs tidying up, either through tweezing or plucking.

Q. Will it hurt?
A. Lips can be a little more sensitive than brows or eyes, due to the larger surface area and greater blood supply. We do our very best to reduce discomfort by using topical numbing cream throughout the lip tattooing process.

Q. My eyes are sensitive. I’m worried about blinking and my eyes watering during the treatment. Is that a problem?
A. This is a normal concern for first time clients and nothing to worry about.  As you can see in Bethanie Lumb’s video, showing her having an eyeliner tattoo, it’s not a problem if you are prone to blinking or your eyes water.

Q. Will my eyes swell a lot after the treatment?
A. Swelling is relatively minimal and usually occurs for up to 12 to 24 hours after the tattoo. Ice packs can be used to minimise this.

Q. Will I need someone to drive me home after having an eyeliner tattoo?
A. It’s possible that your eyes could be a little watery after the treatment. As a precaution, we recommend that anyone having an eye treatment should ensure that they have someone to drive them home.

--TO FOLLOW--

Q. What will I look like straight after the treatment?
A. Brow and eye tattoos will tend to look darker in colour immediately after the initial appointment, while lip colours can look more intense. This softens in a few days. Lips are likely to have some residual swelling and can chap. There may be some slight swelling after eyeliner tattoos but this is usually limited.

Q. Can I wear make-up after the treatment?
A.You can wear mineral cosmetics immediately after the treatment; however, you need to wait until the treatment area has healed before wearing traditional cosmetics.

Q. Do I need to do anything special to look after the treatment whilst it’s healing?
A. We will provide you with aftercare instructions and a special aftercare balm for after your treatment. Looking after your semi-permanent cosmetics or medical tattoo treatment as it heals is not difficult or time consuming –all you will need to do is follow our simple steps.

Q. How quickly will it heal?
A. Everyone is different, but as a general rule the surface skin generally heals between 3-7 days after the treatment, and 10-14 days below the surface.

Q. Will I need to take time off work after my treatment?
A. Some people think that they may have to take time off work after the treatment; in fact, this is not the case unless you choose to do so. You should be able to get straight back to work immediately after your treatment.

Q. Can I donate blood after my treatment? 
A. Current guidelines from the National Blood Service require anyone with permanent cosmetics to wait for 4 months after their treatment before giving blood.

Q. Can I have anti-aging injections or cosmetic surgery after my treatment? 
A. This depends on the treatment you are considering and its location. You will need to take advice from your therapist or surgeon. It is important to remember that some of these procedures can alter the shape of your lips and eyebrows.

Q. Can I have an MRI scan after my treatment?
A. If you have an MRI scan after having semi-permanent makeup or a medical tattoo, you should inform the practitioner prior to the scan about your treatment, when you had it and the location. This should not prevent you from being able to have an MRI scan, but is information the practitioner will need to be aware of.

Q. Can I have laser hair removal after a treatment?
A. Laser hair removal can fade and change the shade of your lip and brow tattoo if you are having the hair removal in that area. Simply inform your laser technician that you are wearing permanent cosmetics prior to the treatment and they will act accordingly to accommodate for this.

Q. Is there anything I will need to avoid doing after the treatment?
A. We recommend that you do not apply make-up, expose the skin to extreme heat, cold or moisture, kiss, or apply certain petroleum-based ointments, etc, immediately after your treatment. We will explain these requirements in full and provide you a printed copy of these aftercare requirements.

Q. Can I go on a sunshine holiday immediately after my treatment?
A. Strong sun can impact on the success of the result during the immediate healing phase. We recommend that you leave 4-6 weeks between your final retouch procedure and your holiday.

Q. Will my brows look very dark after the treatment?
A. You should be prepared for the colour intensity to be significantly sharper and darker immediately after microblading. This will subside and become lighter as the skin heals. This process can take up to 10 days.

Q. What will my lips look like immediately after the treatment?
A. You may experience some swelling and redness immediately after the treatment. After this you may experience tenderness, flaking, dryness, swelling and redness for approximately 2-5 days after the treatment. If you are feeling less than 100% healthy it may take longer for your treatment to heal and symptoms may appear more prominent.

Q. Are there any foods I should avoid after the treatment?
A. If you have had a lip treatment, you should avoid eating spicy and salty foods until the area has healed. You should also drink liquids through a straw.

Q. Will I need another appointment?
A. Medical tattoo treatments can take a number of sessions to achieve the desired, final result. This is very much dependent on individual circumstances and will be explained to you in full during your consultation.