Before & After Care
Proper pre-care for permanent makeup (also called cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation) is essential for achieving the best results and minimizing complications like poor pigment retention, excessive swelling, or infection. Effective After Care can relieve discomfort and help ensure great final results. - Jump to After Care HERE.
START 1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Avoid blood thinners (if medically safe):
No aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil / other supplements that thin the blood.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine (they thin the blood)
No Botox or fillers near the treatment area (e.g., brows, lips, eyes).
Stop using active skincare ingredients on the area:
No retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or AHA/BHA near the area.
No tanning or sunburns.
Skin should be in its natural tone and not irritated.
24–48 Hours Before
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy exercise
• Stay well-hydrated and moisturize the skin.
• Avoid waxing, threading, or tweezing the area.
• Stop use of any blood-thinning medications if approved by your doctor.
• No facials or chemical peels.
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Day of Your Appointment
• DO NOT wear makeup or moisturize on the area to be treated
• Eat a light meal to keep blood sugar stable
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Bring any reference photos you have sent to your artist or notes if yo have a specific look in mind.
• Arrive on time and calm- stress can increase sensitivity.
Area & Procedure Specific Notes:
LIPS
• Exfoliate & hydrate lips for 3 days prior.
• If prone to cold sores, START ANTIVIRAL MEDICATION (e.g. Valtrex) 2-3 days before, continue as directed by Dr.
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SCALP
• Please shampoo your hair 24 hours prior to the session.
• DO NOT WEAR ANY PRODUCT in your hair: gel, spray or similar - including scalp or root concealer. They will impede our ability to provide service and may cause issues with your treatment, including infection.
• Avoid Sun Exposure and tanning beds on the area. Sun-damaged or tanned skin can heal poorly and retain pigment unevenly.
• Stop using topical treatments for hair loss one to two weeks prior to your session and until two to three weeks from your final session.
• Discontinue laser treatments, Red Light Therapy or Microneedling on the area.
•Consult your doctor if you’re taking blood thinners, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants.
• Exfoliate & hydrate lips for 3 days prior.
• If prone to cold sores, START ANTIVIRAL MEDICATION (e.g. Valtrex) 2-3 days before, continue as directed by Dr.
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Scar Camouflage
The Scar Must Be:
• At least 6–12 months old
• Fully healed, flat, and lighter than the surrounding skin.
• No raised, red, or keloid scars — these are not suitable for camouflage tattooing.
• Avoid massaging or manipulating the scar a few days prior.
• NOT SUITABLE IF you are prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars
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Areola Reconstruction
If you’ve had breast reconstruction:
• Obtain clearance from your surgeon that the tissue is fully healed (typically 3–6 months post-op).
• Skin should be soft, not scabbed or oozing, with no open wounds.
• Wear a soft, loose-fitting bra on the day of the procedure.
• Avoid nipple creams or ointments 24–48 hours before.
1 Week Before
• Moisturize the area daily to keep skin supple and hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and aspirin/NSAIDs (if medically safe) to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Do not wax, shave, or exfoliate the area — it may irritate or damage the skin.
• No chemical peels or harsh skincare near the area.
• Obtain clearance from your surgeon that the tissue is fully healed (typically 3–6 months post-op). PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION AND BRING A COPY TO YOUR APPOINTMENT OR EMAIL PRIOR.
• Skin should be soft, not scabbed or oozing, with no open wounds.
• Wear a soft, loose-fitting bra on the day of the procedure.
• Avoid nipple creams or ointments 24–48 hours before.
Day Before & Day of Procedure
• Stay well-hydrated and get a good night’s sleep.
• Eat a light, healthy meal beforehand.
• Do NOT apply lotions, oils, or makeup to the treatment area.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.
• If prescribed, take any antiviral or antibiotic meds as directed by your provider.
• Arrive calm and relaxed — stress can increase sensitivity.
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NOT SUITABLE IF:
• You are pregnant or nursing
• You have active infections or open wounds in the area
• You are prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars
General After-Care Instructions
All bodies are different and living on their own schedule. They don’t care too much about calendars. What may happen for you at day “X” is another person’s day “Y” - so please read through all of the below and know that times are approximate.
Day 0 through 5
Avoid intense exercise or anything that makes you sweat a lot, i.e. Saunas and Hot Tubs.
STAY HYDRATED- drink plenty of water. Always good advice, but crucial now since dry skin and a poor immune system will slow your healing.
EAT RIGHT.
Try not to wet the worked area for three days. Do NOT Soak the treated area! Avoid submerging in water: sinks, bathtubs, pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, streams, oceans or ANYTHING.
DO NOT SWIM. Chlorine, Salt Water, Fresh Water- NO SWIMMING. It risks infection and also altering the work. AVOID SWIMMING FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS.
Avoid UV Light/ Sunlight starting NOW and for the next 30 Days- loose fitting hats and or sunglasses are always in fashion.
DO NOT TAN in the Sun or a Tanning Bed.
Don’t Touch It! - Try not to touch the treated area at all, and if you must, please clean your hands before. A clean t-shirt or towel placed over your pillow at night for sleep is a GREAT way to keep pathogens out and help avoid infection.
DON’T CUDDLE THE FUR BABIES- pets are great but they carry bacteria and all sorts of things that should be avoided given your recent procedure. Try to limit your exposure to them both in direct contact and also your environment.
You may notice your work starting to “fade” this is merely the ink settling into position and marks the beginning of what will eventually be a natural looking result. 3D areola tattooing requires minimal downtime. You can resume most daily activities immediately. For best results, we recommend:
• Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours
• No submersion in water (baths, pools, hot tubs) for 7 days
• No direct sun exposure to the tattooed area for 30 days
Day 6 through 10
You may start to peel. This is normal. This is good. Don’t touch it.
Depending on your procedure- use a moisturizer.
If you’ve had SMP- it’s ok to GENTLY wash your hair with an alcohol-free shampoo.
Continue to avoid all things in Day 0 to 5 like swimming, sun, tanning, Saunas, and Hot Tubs.
You may start to LIGHTLY excercise
Day 11 through 14
Depending on your procedure type- you’re either ready to resume your normal routines or to have another session to help reach your goals. Your practitioner will let you know more.
#ALWAYS…
If you experience a rash, hives or an allergic reaction- please seek medical help immediately. These kinds of interactions are VERY rare but as with anything- possible.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OR DISCOLORATION OF PIGMENT. Expected reactions to micropigmentation are localized redness, swelling and tenderness for the day and days following your procedure. Known complications of micropigmentation include redness; swelling; puffiness; bruising; dry patches; tenderness. It is normal to lose approximately 1/3 of color during the healing process. After the initial procedure the color may be a shade too dark and in 6 days it will appear too light but after 10 days the color will show more, appearing softer when completely healed.
Your body is strong but life is wild. Please take care of yourself and be good to your body- we only get one. If you have any questions during your recovery period- feel free to reach out.