Frequently Asked Questions

Permanent Cosmetics (also known as Micropigmentation, Permanent Make-up, Cosmetic Tattooing) is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos as a means of producing a design that resemble traditional make-up, such as eyeliner, lip liner and full lip color, and eyebrows. It is also used to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as vitiligo and to restore or enhance the breast’s areola after breast surgery.

Pigments used by Lisa Marie are hypo-allergenic and MRI safe and can be used to create natural enhancements, or if desired, a more dramatic look.

Microblading/Microstroking is a technique used in Permanent Cosmetics. It is the process of delicately implanting pigment into the skin via a tiny, sterile needle configuration with a manual tool to simulate the appearance of natural hair. Hair-Stroke brows are meant to be subtle, a natural enhancement, and to create the illusion of fuller brows. Hair-Stroke brows are also known as feather brows and embroidery brows.

Hair-Stroke brows are not for everyone, please read through this section thoroughly before moving forward in scheduling.
Hair-Stroke eyebrows heal best on normal to dry skin types and may not work well on clients with excessively oily skin types, large pores, or over previously tattooed or lasered skin. On those with oily skin types and larger pores results may appear softer and more powdery.

If you have scars, hair-strokes may not heal properly or retain pigment. If you have deep wrinkles in the brow area, hair-strokes may not lay properly in the creases, giving the brows an uneven look.

The Hair-Stroke method is designed to blend with your natural brow hair, the more hair you have the more realistic results will appear. If you have very little or sparse eyebrow hair results will appear more 2D, and it is possible that you may need more than two sessions to achieve your desired result.
Hair-Stroke brows are not meant to entirely replace makeup. Eyebrow pencils and powders may still be needed.

Permanent Cosmetic procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin and will not wash away; however, pigments are designed to fade over time.

Pigment retention depends on skin type, age, iron deficiency, pigment color, aftercare and use of certain skin care products, medications and sun exposure can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down.

For best results it is highly recommended that you follow the Post Care Instructions. Touch-ups are normal and expected for cosmetic tattoo procedures.

Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals, and follow-up appointments are recommended at 4-6 weeks where we can asses your pigment retention and make any changes necessary.

Most NEW Permanent Cosmetic procedures include a follow-up appointment for any perfecting. This follow-up also increases the longevity of your cosmetic tattoo. We will schedule your follow-up appointment on the day of your first appointment.

Most Permanent Cosmetic procedures will need a color boost and/or touch up every 2-5 years.

Most Hair-stroke brows will require color boost and/or touch up annually.

This is designed to be a gentle procedure with minimal discomfort. Lisa Marie uses high quality topical anesthetics to maximize your comfort during any cosmetic tattooing procedure, however pain tolerance varies from client to client. Receiving the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.

If you have reference photos, please feel free to bring these to your appointment.

If you prefer to have your eyebrows waxed/threaded, please do so at least 48 hours before your appointment, otherwise we can remove stray hairs after we design your brows.

• No facials for two weeks before or after procedure.
• You must not go tanning for 14 days prior to and after your procedure.
• You must not use Retin-A near the tattooed before or after the procedure

Doing any of the below may cause bleeding, which will affect how well your body retains pigment.

• Do not work out the day of your appointment.
  
• You cannot take any medications that may thin your blood (i.e. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E) 72 hours before or immediately after your procedure.
  
• Do not drink alcohol the night before or day of your procedure.
  
• Avoid caffeine the day of your appointment.

Please see our detailed Pre and Post Care Instructions.

Most people resume daily activities immediately. It is normal to experience slight redness and swelling. These symptoms usually subside within 24-72 hours. Your tattoo will appear much darker and bolder than it will healed.

Within a few days (typically 5-10) you will notice some flaking on the tattooed area, do not pick at these, doing so can result in loss of pigment in those areas. You may notice that some areas may appear very light or to have lost pigment entirely; however, your skin will continue to regenerate and exfoliate in the coming weeks.

During weeks 3-6 you will notice your tattoo start to reappear and settle.

At 4-6 weeks your permanent cosmetic procedure will be fully healed. If a follow-up appointment is included in your procedure, we will do any perfecting necessary at this time!

Following Post Care Instructions is imperative to achieving the best possible healed results.

As with every tattoo, we recommend avoiding pools, salt water and extreme sun exposure for at least two weeks following your appointment, so make vacation plans accordingly!

• Bleeding during the procedure: excessive bleeding during your procedure will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. While this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow Pre Care Instructions to help minimize bleeding.
  
• Using exfoliants, such as heavy scrubs, Retin A, Retinol products or Clarisonic brushes can cause the skin to appear shiny. This skin type bleeds excessively and will not retain pigment well, if at all. Refrain from using these type of products for a minimum of 30 days prior to your appointment.
•  Excessive Exercise, especially in Hair-Stroke procedure, you must refrain from excessive sweating for 2 weeks. Sweating produces acid and pigment may not retain well, if at all.
• Certain Medication can affect the healing process and pigment retention. (Medications for these conditions: Hypo, Hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease, Hashimoto's, Autoimmune disorders like MS, RA, Lupus)
• Oily Skin: increased oil production can cause hair-strokes to blur and heal lighter and more powdery.
  
• Smoking: smokers may notice that their tattoo will fade faster
  
• Sun exposure: increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading.
  
• Color of pigment: lighter colors fade more quickly than darker colors.

Remember that this is your face and there is no room for compromise. Most Permanent Cosmetic procedures are between $300-$600.

Please don’t base your decision on price. Look for an experienced artist that practices high safety standards and uses only the highest quality supplies, pigments and anesthetics.

We use 100% disposable tools, each needle is properly disposed in a sharps container, never to be reused.

We are completely up to date with the California Health Board standards and Lisa Marie is certified by Blood Borne Pathogens. Health inspection certifications are renewed every year.

If you have previous cosmetic tattoo eyebrows, you must upload pictures of your eyebrows and a VIP consultation may need to be scheduled before booking an appointment.

If you book an appointment without disclosing previous cosmetic tattoo work, your deposit will be forfeited and your appointment cancelled.

I am happy to accommodate consultations for any men who would potentially like to book an appointment!

To save you time and answer your Permanent Cosmetic answers, we have developed an online Consultation. Lisa Marie wants everyone to be 110% confident in their decision to get Permanent Cosmetics, after going through the online consultation, you feel you would like to speak with Lisa Marie, free phone consultations are available by appointment.

VIP Consultations are $50 and offered to anyone who would like to discuss in person with Lisa Marie their procedure before booking an appointment. Your consultation fee will be applied towards your procedure.

Appointments take approximately 1-2.5 hours. This includes the designing process, numbing the area, and tattooing.

Training Courses are available, please see the Training/Courses for more information.