Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect during and after your procedure

What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent Makeup is Cosmetic Tattoo where pigment is micro-implanted between epidermal/dermal layers of skin. It is commonly done using a machine with cartridges that have a needle-like tip. It is a specialized form of tattooing designed for the delicate skin of the face. Cosmetic tattooing has been performed for millennia; skin art having been discovered on Egyptian mummies dating back to 2000 B.C. and archeological evidence confirming skin art practiced by Incas, Mayans, Aztecs and in China and Greece more than 2,000 years ago. In recent years, the popularity for Permanent Makeup has grown considerably, resulting in significant advancement of techniques, tools and pigments. Cosmetic Tattoo can be done to enhance (or replace) brows, create eyeliner and line/color lips with a range of effects from subtle/natural to more dramatic. The results are a semi-permanent (up to 3-5 years) and replace the need for makeup application, making Cosmetic Tattoo both a time and money saver.  Cosmetic tattoo is also helpful for clients with unsteady hands or vision problems, those who suffer from hair loss (age related, alopecia, chemotherapy, genetic disturbances) and those who have patchy, uneven or discolored lips. There is no "age-limit" to having Cosmetic Tattoo procedures, although a skilled artist with experience is essential when working on mature skin types. 

What is Microblading?

Microblading is the process of creating individual hair strokes in order to cover, correct and fill in sparse eyebrows or missing hair. It is a form of Cosmetic Tattoo done by implanting the ink manually using a very small, scapel-like instrument. The process has been done in Asia for centuries, though advancements in techniques and pigments have dramatically improved results. This technique is not always appropriate for all skin types --and retention can be more limited over time. Expanded options including nano-hair strokes, combination procedures of both strokes and shading which may offer more optimal end results. 

How do I choose the right technique for brows?

This comes with understanding skin types, skin condition, pigments and artist experience....
Clients who have oilier skin, large pores or very delicate skin are usually NOT a  good candidate for Microblading (see more below). Clients or who want to acheive a powdery look for their brow (that simulates putting on powder/pencil) opt for brows using a shaded technique. Sometimes skin type will determine what brow is most appropriate--that will be discussed during your initial appointment. Sometimes techniques are combined to handle special challenges or create a custom look. Having been thoroughly trained in facial mapping (determining ideal shape based on precise facial measurements), I am happy to assist you in choosing which procedure and shape will enhance your appearance as well as suit your style.

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Are you licensed?

YES. While some states do not require licensing (or training), the State of Minnesota does require both license and 200 Apprentice hours to practice. My Minnesota Body Art License number is #312504 I have completed hundreds of hours of training, completed my Apprenticeship at MN Brow Academy and have continued to pursue advanced training. I have done hundreds of brow/eyeliner/lip procedures. All Permanent Makeup artists must practice in a a facility/studio licensed and approved for body art and follow strict clean hygeine practices to ensure the safety of my clients. Training and safety are both key pillars of my business.  

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Who is NOT a candidate for Permanent Makeup?

Not everyone is a candidate for these procedures….please read these general guidelines outlining conditions that would indicate you are NOT a candidate:

• If you are Pregnant or Nursing.

• If you use blood thinners or have any kind of bleeding issue.

• If you have an auto-immune disease, healing and risk of infection may be higher. 

• If you have any kind of skin condition on or near the treatment site including eczema, rashes or anything else that causes skin lesion. Your skin must be completely healed prior to these procedures. 

• Clients with oily skin, thin/fragile or very delicate skin are NOT good candidates for Microblading as the retention of pigment can be reduced, increasing the need for touch up. This technique can be more traumatic to skin and is often not ideal on mature skin. A shading technique, nano-hairstrokes or combination hairstroke/shading may be a better option. If you have very oily skin, any Cosmetic Tattoo may not retain well. 

• If you have existing Permanent Makeup or pre-existing eyebrow tattoo: the prior work must be light enough to cover, usually at least 50% faded or more. If you have previous work, please send email or text with pictures of eyebrows without makeup for evaluation--this is required to do the best evaluation of what options can be considered.  

• If you have known or suspected allergies to ink, alcohol (in the ink) or numbing agents, which could cause a reaction to this procedure. Although this rarely occurs, having a patch test done before proceeding is an option.

• If you are prone to keloids of post-inflammatory hypo-pigmentation: we cannot work with clients that have these conditions because it may cause undesired results.

• If you have Juvederm or other fillers in the treatment area, it is possible to perform procedures, however, timing must be considered. In general, it is recommended to get Permanent Makeup done first--or wait at least 4-6 weeks after doing any kind of filler.

• If you are undergoing chemotherapy. Although Microblading & Permanent Makeup are ideal for restoring eyebrows, the impact of chemotherapy drugs on healing can vary --it is difficult to predict. A doctors note approving the procedure is required for anyone undergoing current chemotherapy treatment. 

• Those under 18. As with all Cosmetic or Medical Tattoo procedures, you must be 18 years or older.

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Does is HURT?

The procedure is typically described as annoying or uncomfortable—like a scratching sensation on the skin. Most Clients often rate pain level a 3-5 on a scale of 1 to10, although some clients feel no discomfort at all. Ideally, not using a numbing agent or the least amount of numbing agent will result in better pigment retention on brows. If numbing is applied before the first pass, skin texture and elasticity changes and can create less precise or smooth stoke results. The numbing agent is always used for eyeliner and lips which are the most sensitive areas for cosmetic tattooing procedures. Eyeliner is done using an initial numbing agent, followed by a secondary numbing agent if required. 
 

How long does it take to heal?

The initial healing process takes 10 to 14 days, during which your brows/eyeliner will go through a variety of healing stages. Brows are likely to appear very dark immediately after and increasingly dark over the next few days as scabs begin to form. These scabs need to fall off naturally in order to achieve desired results so NO PICKING! Your brows will look about 25-35%  lighter and softer than right after procedure; eyeliner may look 40-60% lighter after peeling is complete.  Full healing can take up to 6 weeks so you will need to plan accordingly if you have important events.
 
NOTE: Sometimes skin undertones may impact the healed pigment color. During the second appointment, the color may/can be adjusted to achieve the perfect end result. These kinds of corrections are normal with any procedure and an essential part of the process. Important to note that every client has different skin that receives pigment differently and heals differently.

As our skin ages, the repair and rejuvenation mechanisms begin to decline naturally - this starts in our mid-20's.  The effect of aging is a decrease to the collagen density in our skin. MetaTherapy is a skin rejuvenation treatment that naturally helps trigger collagen and elastin synthesis within the skin with maximum results and minimum downtime. It’s safe for nearly all skin types and can typically produce noticeable results after a few sessions.

MetaTherapy and/or needling is often done to supporting Medical Tattoo to improve the overall health and condition of skin/scars and improve retention. 

The technique works by creating microscopic channels in the skin while still keeping the epidermis intact. A wound response is created in the skin without actually creating a wound. This process actively produces growth factors which induce collagen producing cells known as fibroblasts to produce fresh new collagen and elastin which are essential in keeping the dermis elastic and resilient –resulting in firmer skin with less fine lines/wrinkles and softer, more pliable scar tissue. 

Treatments are progressive : it usually takes 3-4 sessions to see lasting results. Age and skin condition will determine how many sessions are appropriate to achieve desired results. Treatments can be scheduled in succession and then periodically to maintain results. 
 
A MetaTherapy session is approximately 60-90 minutes. There is little pain and low chance of infection. A mask is applied after treatment to allow serums to penetrate more deeply into the skin.

What does MetaTherapy most effectively treat?

• improvement in scar density and texture​​​

• fine lines & wrinkles, minimize pore size and induce skin tightening

• stimulate collagen production which promotes rejuvenation of skin

• sun spots, areas of discoloration

• large or unsightly pores

• improve stretch marks

How long does it take to recover from MetaTherapy?

​​There is little to no downtime, most clients experience a slight windburn look/feel on face and may also have very slight flaking after a few days. Recommended to not wear makeup for 24 hours right after; sunscreen is a must! 

What to AVOID BEFORE a MetaTherapy treatment:

• retinoids and treatments for auto-immune disease for 24 hours before treatment

• sun exposure to the treated area for 24 hours before treatment

• waxing, electrolysis or laser procedures 10 days before treatment

• facial surgery, botox and fillers at least 10 days before treatment

• avoid this procedure if treatment has occurred with Accutane/Isotretinoin within the last 6 months