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.
