FAQ’s

Microblading is a manual method for enhancing eyebrows . It is considered to be a semi-permanent tattoo and an amazing technique for creating naturally defined fuller eyebrows. The pigment is manually placed into the skin   with a sterile micro-blade creating fine cuts and leaving a trace that can hardly be distinguished from real hair.

It is a 2-step treatment consisting of an initial procedure and then a touch up 6-8 weeks after.

Its a semi-permanent tattooing technique done by a machine, which creates a “make-up” brows look 24/7. It does not have the realistic hair strokes all over the brows. It can be customized to your desired look, as soft and natural or as defined as you normally like to fill in your brows.

Microshading or combo brows is the combination of both techniques (microblading and powder brows) to give a fuller and slightly more defined, yet still natural look than microblading alone. Essentially it is the best of both worlds.

Your new brows will last as long as it’s maintained. Untouched, the pigment will last 18-24 months, on average. This may vary somewhat due to skin conditions. Ombré/powder brows lasts longer than microblading.

There is some discomfort (10-15 mins) associated with the procedure. It is a tattoo, not a massage! An anesthetic is used to numb the area after the outline is created. Some say the sensation is similar to that of getting your eyebrows threaded. Since this treatment does not penetrate as deep as a traditional tattoo, the discomfort is far less.

The procedure takes roughly 2-3 hours (depending on what service); however please allow an extra 30 mins window as a buffer so nothing needs to be rushed.

Healing time varies for each individual. Typically about a 7 to 10 days for the epithelial crust to form and slough off. After this your skin will be considered to have healed.

No, there is no downtime associated with the treatment. Redness and swelling will dissipate within a couple of hours after the procedure.

It is a 2-step treatment consisting of an initial procedure and then a touch up 4-8 weeks after.

Healing time varies for each individual. Typically about a 7 to 10 days for the epithelial crust to form and slough off. After this your skin will be considered to have healed. I advise all my clients to continue applying their ointment daily until they are completely out. This can sometimes be up until you return for you touch up.

During the healing process it is normal and expected to experience some pigment loss; hence the touch ups we have in place 6-8 weeks after upon which the process is complete. Think of it as a “follow up/ perfectioning” to assure your healing correctly.

Nipple restorative tattoos due to breast cancer surgery is a part of your entire reconstruction process thanks to the “Women’ Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998”.  That being said, the reimbursement amount varies.

An itemized bill or “SUPERBILL” will be submitted the day of your tattoo as well as receipts and note to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Tattoos will have to be paid in full, out of pocket and its due the day of your appointment.

Because you will be receiving your tattoos by a licensed tattoo artist and it’s  categorized as an “out of network” provider, medical information will be needed such as: diagnosis/ surgical procedures/ medical history to submit for possible reimbursement of tattoo payment.

To be prepared for your consult, bring with you:

* your insurance cards

* copies of any operative reports

* diagnosis/ICD codes (can be retrieved by your oncology surgeons office)

EVERY PLAN IS DIFFERENT: 

Please call your insurance company in advance and find out the amount you will be reimbursed for areola tattooing by an out of network provider. We DO NOT guarantee that any payment will be given by insurance. We will give you a receipt contianing the correct documentation to be submitted for reimbursement.

TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY:

Medical tattooing can also be covered and possibly reimbursed for out of pocket payments.

PayPal is an available payment option that may allow installment payments.

Some doctors do fine tattoo work. However, while surgeons are specially trained to surgically create breasts, most are not trained in tattoo procedures, color theory, and how to create a 3 dimensional illusion on a 2 dimensional surface. A tattoo artist generally has an art backround and training, as well as experience in 3D work.

Everyone has a different pain tolerance but most patients report the tattoo is very tolerable. It’s common for patients to have little-to-no sensation after reconstruction surgery. There usually is decreased sensation of the skin to a more or less degree, depending on the type of breast reconstruction you had. Topical numbing gel is used during the tattooing process to minimize discomfort.

Absolutely not! The needle is only entering the dermis layer of the skin less than 1 mm. No deeper than the thickness of a nickel. If your skin has been thinned out from reconstruction surgery, evaluation of your skin during the consultation will be documented. This is why it is important to find a tattoo artist who understands fundamental body art tattooing and adjusts they techniques to every body properly.

Most of the initial fading will happen in the first two weeks. Because the skin that is being tattooed has scars and is compromised, from radiation/ multiple surgeries, it is common for fading to occur. Tattooing scars are unpredictable & everyone will have different results. This is why the tattoo is done in two steps. 

Touch-ups may be needed after the TWO initial sessions but is not common. Certain factors may affect the pigment retention in the skin such as past radiation treatments, smoking, diabetes, necrotic tissue and/or thicker scar tissue. Medical  tattoos need to be performed in stages. This assures preventing damage to fragile, compromised skin and achieving the most natural results while avoiding multiple touch-up sessions. 

With all body tattoos, over time they will fade and lose definition. Touch-ups can be done 5-10 years or MORE from your initial tattoo. 

 The pigments used  and tattoo techniques performed is the same as getting a body art tattoo. Tattoos exposed to the sun, more breast surgery and chemical/laser treatments around the breast area can make your tattoo fade more. USE SUNSCREEN. It’s your best defence.

**FOR ALL TATTOO/SCAR SERVICES**

Avoid any sun exposure, tanning beds or tanning lotions that can change your natural skin color. If you come to your appointment with noticeable sun exposure, you will not be allowed to get tattooed. It is highly critical to observe your natural skin tone for color matching and placement. No exceptions!!

One week prior your tattoo, you should avoid the following medications and foods, as their consumption causes an increased likelihood of bleeding problems: Steroids, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, ibuprofen, or any medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen (i.e. Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin, Midol). Foods and herbal supplements containing garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Feverfew, St. John’s Wort, dong quai, all ‘blood invigorating’ Chinese herbs, pure licorice, fish oil, Glucosamine or Vitamin E (found in all multi-vitamins).

 If you have any questions about a medication or supplement, please speak to your physician prior ro getting tattooed.  

Nicotine must be avoided for two (2) weeks prior to the procedure and two (2) weeks after your  procedure. 

If you are taking any medications that have been prescribed by another physician, please review these with your physician.  

Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to the procedure and no blood thinning medications & procedures as well.

The day of your tattoo, shower and wash area, do not use any creams on the breast area. Wear a loose bra and top for your comfort. Make sure you eat a meal before getting tattooed. You can bring water during the tattoo session.

Make sure to check with your doctor that it is safe for you to proceed with a tattooing procedure.

A tegaderm dressing will be placed over your fresh tattoo when completed. Keep the clear dressing on for 3-5 days. Take it off in the shower and clean gently with plain soap and warm water. Apply non fragrant oitments( Aquaphor or A & D Ointment is recommended) for 7 to 10 days, applying 2-3 times a day. Do not use bacitracin, vaseline or perfume lotions. No vigorous exercise for first 24 hours as it can raise your blood pressure and cause you to swell. Avoid pools, baths, jacuzzis, oceans and saunas for three to four weeks to prevent infection. No submerging of your entire body in water or extreme heat exposure.  

Take over the counter medication for any discomfort.  If you have a history of cellulitis, please take antibiotic tablets as necessary. The second session will be scheduled 8-10 weeks to ensure the skin is healed, safe to re-tattoo and do color boosting/ add final details in the tattoo.

  Do not peel or scratch off any flaking skin in tattooed area. No vigorous exercise for first 24 hours as it may cause swelling. (i.e., gym)

** If you have any concerns about the tattooing while healing, please contact by phone or by email. If you experience frequent or unusual bleeding or discomfort please contact your referring physician.