PRECARE

If you wear contact lenses, please bring eyeglasses to your appointment. For eyeliner procedures you will not be able to wear your contacts for five days, post procedure.
Clients receiving lip procedures who have problems with fever blisters (cold sores), may have an outbreak following the procedure. It is required that you obtain a prescribed antiviral medication (for instance Valtrex or Zovirax) from your doctor prior to your procedure. Begin taking this prescription two days before your appointment. It is recommended that you ask for two prescriptions that way you have it for your 6-weeks touch up appointment, as well, so you may avoid a second trip to the doctor and an additional copay.
No cardio on the day of your procedure. For color retention purposes, this also goes for the 7-10 days after your procedure. Exercising opens up your pores and therefore will result in more color loss than desired.
Please do not book your appointment before a major event, i.e.: vacation, social event, wedding, etc. Try to give yourself at least two weeks between your procedure and a special event.
It is very important to not have sunburn prior to OR after any procedure. This includes tanning beds. Just as cardio opens up your pores and effects color retention, as will sun exposure.
Try to avoid the following things (unless medically needed) for the three days prior to any procedure: Aspirin or similar products, alcohol, niacin and vitamin E, gingko biloba, Saint John’s Wart or Evening Primrose oil. If you have any conditions that require you to take antibiotics prior to going to the dentist, it is a good idea to do the same prior to any tattoo work

AFTERCARE

Use a cold pack after the procedure to keep swelling down—apply at 7 to 10 minute intervals, 3 to 4 times a day, or as many times as needed. After the two days are over, gently and tenderly apply the provided aftercare cream or an antibiotic cream on the treated area using a clean Q-tip 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 days—just as you would if you had cut or scraped your skin. The tissue around the area that has been treated has, in a sense, been “injured,” and therefore requires proper cleansing and care.
Avoid taking long, steamy showers—swimming and any activities that would increase circulation. Avoid any heat for at least the first 7 to 10 days (this means the sun, Jacuzzis, chlorine pools, saunas, and the like.)
If the skin gets crusted, do not force removal by scratching at it, picking it, or scrubbing it. This will only cause the color underneath the skin to be pulled off.
Color will look darker during the first week after the procedure. It will start to get lighter in the second week due to color loss and therefore you will start seeing some patches here and there. Starting at the third week, color will start to blend with your natural skin tone. By the fifth and sixth week the treated area will reach its final, healed color. However, colors are still present underneath the skin. This process is unique according to the individual.
Immediately following the procedure, color will be darker and the shapes larger. This is normal and there is no need to be alarmed. When the swelling goes down after about two days, the color and shape will begin to soften and look more natural.
You may use a sterile bandage or other sterile dressings if necessary. This note is to comply with Texas state health care guidelines, but this particular type of care is usually only needed for elaborate body tattooing.
It is normal for color to come off when you clean the area in the first week. Healing time varies from person to person. Note: this is why the 6-week touch-up appointment is more important for some people. If touch-up coloring is required, it can be done at this time.
Long Term Care: Protect the color of your skin by using a daily sunscreen.