Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

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Cosmetic Tattooing often referred to as Permanent Makeup which implies long lasting (3-5 years), has been performed around the world for centuries, now with advancement in technology and techniques there is improved time and minimal discomfort allowing for improved accuracy in design and shaping.

Who would want Permanent Makeup?
Busy people - mums and executives with little time to apply and reapply makeup.
Allergy Sufferers - who are sensitive to conventional makeup or hay-fever sufferers who find it difficult to keep on  makeup with sneezing and runny eyes.
Physically Active - sports women, swimmers, and those who frequent the gym or play sport.
Alopecia - those who have lost facial hair completely e.g. eyebrows.
Asymmetrical Facial Feature - correction of facial features.
Visually or Motor impaired - for women who physically can’t put their makeup on.
Women who just want to look their best 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

What is involved in having a Cosmetic Tattoo procedure?
An initial consultation where I assess your needs, discuss any concerns or medical conditions you may have, then together we evaluate colour and I examine how you like to wear your makeup, once you are 100% happy with what we have discussed only then the procedure can begin. A Perfecting Session is usually applied after 4 – 6 weeks when any adjustments, if needed, are made.

 

Why have Cosmetic Tattooing with an Amiea?

How long will it take? Allow about 2 hours for each treated area, the touch up session often shorter duration. Occasionally only one procedure is required, most often two procedures are required, and rarely three procedures are required. For this reason I believe that charging separately for each procedure is the fairest method for clients, that way you only pay for what you need. Does it hurt? There can be some mild discomfort but I use topical anaesthetics to ensure there is minimal pain, the anaesthetics I use are manufactured in Australia, specifically intended for use prior to cosmetic tattooing, and obtained legally from a licensed PhD pharmacist. Tip: Always check where anaesthetics were obtained from before they are used on your skin (a pharmacist). Will I need time off work? Generally not, there is minimal discomfort and swelling, you are however strongly encouraged to follow the aftercare advice and not to wear make up for the first 4 days. I recommend that you avoid bright sunlight and wear some dark glasses for 6 hours after eyeliner tattooing. What about sterility? I use single use sterile disposable needles and wherever possible single use sterile disposable medical supplies in all procedures. My technique has also been assessed by a Registered Nurse to ensure that I am following best practice and complying with recommended guidelines for infection control. Needles are NEVER reused. Tip: Avoid service providers who use pigment rings and those who are not following these standards.

What kind of tattoo machine do you use?

Read why I switched to Digital

Most cosmetic tattooists in Australia use a Medium/High quality Rotary Pen machine which does a good job of performing a cosmetic tattoo (in skilled hands) however after conducting a detailed comparison between a high quality Rotary Pen and the most advanced Digital Cosmetic Tattoo Machine available I decided to switch to using the Amiea Linelle Supreme. I think my clients deserve the very best! Tip: Choose a service provider who is using the most advanced equipment.

Does your salon comply with health regulations?
Yes, my Salon has approval from the local health authority and is subject to regular inspections. I meet and in many instances exceed the relevant state and local health guidelines. If you undergo any form of cosmetic tattooing it is imperative that you ask to see the salons current certificate of approval for cosmetic tattooing procedures. Just because a salon has local health approvals for general beauty therapy services does not necessarily mean that they have approval for skin penetration procedures, always insist on seeing the certificate of registration. For further information from the Victorian Department of Health click here.

Tip: Avoid service providers who do not display a current registration certificate with their local health authority.

Will you travel to my home to offer a mobile cosmetic tattooing service?
No, mobile tattooing is a serious breach of Victorian Government Health Guidelines - Section 2.5.6
Why take unnecessary risks with your health?

Tip: Avoid service providers who offer mobile (come to you) services.

How much swelling is there?
Usually there is only minimal swelling around eyebrows and slight to moderate swelling of the eyelids and lips.

Do you have a supervising Registered Health Practitioner?
Yes, Our procedural doctrine was developed in conjunction with and audited by our own Registered Health Practitioner, any changes to equipment or procedures are supervised by, and formally re-audited by our own in house consultative Director of Health Services who has 30 years of formal qualification and extensive experience in Clinical Procedures, Accident & Emergency, Occupational Health & Safety, Health Education, Infection Prevention and is a former St Johns Ambulance Honorary Lecturer.

Many of the Cosmetic Tattoo service providers in Australia have no training by anyone who has formal qualifications in any health discipline nor do they have any in house or any on site direct supervision by a Registered Health Practitioner and yet they may claim knowledge about anatomy and physiology, health preclusions & contraindications and infection control.

TIP: If you suspect that you are being misled simply ask for the registration number of the Cosmetic Tattooists supervising Registered Health Practitioner, if they are not 'on site' then no direct and immediate health supervision exists during your procedure. We provide you this peace of mind for no additional cost.

Is it Permanent?
Most Cosmetic Tattoos last on average between 3 - 5 years and can last a shorter or longer period depending on your skin type, skin colour, and the colour of the pigment used. Some fading will occur over time but the tattoo will generally remain visible for long periods of time, a touch up at least every 3 – 5 years is suggested to keep your permanent makeup looking at its best.

How do I look after my Cosmetic Tattoos?
I give you an aftercare advice sheet and a cream to be applied 3 times a day for the first week, after that by just wearing a moisturizer with a sun block, and for the lips a gloss or a suitable chap-stick with a sun block. Sunbathing, solariums, chemical peels, abrasive skin treatments and Retin-A creams will all fade your tattoos more quickly.

Tip: Avoid service providers who do not provide you an aftercare kit.

Why do some Cosmetic Tattooists refuse to provided services to some ethnic groups?
I believe it is inappropriate to refuse to provide client services purely upon the basis of a persons ethnic group but clients with darker coloured skin tones need to be aware of some important factors that may affect the outcome of their cosmetic tattooing . Click here to see more information.

Will I be comfortable during the procedure?

The very latest luxurious electrically operated hydraulic recliner is provided to ensure that my clients are comfortable during procedures, my procedure chair is adjustable at the touch of a button, so no climbing on and off uncomfortable couches, this especially good news for those with back, hip, or neck problems. I even supply a heated blanket if required to keep you warm, it is not uncommon for my clients to fall asleep during their treatments! Click here to see inside my salon. Tip: You will lying down for 1-2 hours during a procedure so avoid service providers who use cheap uncomfortable massage tables.

What if I feel a bit anxious during the procedure?
If you are predisposed to anxiety or panic attacks or if you are especially sensitive to discomfort please let me know prior to your appointment and we can discuss strategies to assist you. My clients are always appreciative and cope very well with my approach to treatments. I am careful not to overbook clients and I avoid distractions during client consultations, my salon is very private, time is taken to ensure clients do not feel rushed, soothing music is played softly in the background, and careful attention is payed to your skin sensitivity. Clients are never pressured to proceed with a treatment if they feel undecided or if they wish to take additional time to consider the treatment.

Tip: Avoid service providers who pressure you to proceed with a treatment or create a stressful environment, if you don't feel comfortable then take some time to consider your options.

Are there circumstances when you cannot provide a Cosmetic Tattoo service?
You will be required to complete a short medical questionnaire prior to the procedure, in some circumstances a Cosmetic Tattoo service cannot be provided by Andrea, e.g. if you are under 18 years of age, if pregnancy is suspected, mothers who are breastfeeding, persons with healing deficiencies e.g. diabetes, persons with blood borne communicable diseases are some examples. There may also be other circumstances that I may decline to provide a service.

Tip: Avoid service providers who do not request information about your health conditions or those who appear to be ignoring ethical considerations.

What does it cost?
This depends on what treatment you have but starts at just $100 for a beauty spot. The price can be paid in two payments one at the time of the initial treatment and the next at the time of your perfecting session, or if you pay in full at the time of the first appointment you may be eligible for a discount. If within 12 weeks after your first treatment you feel that further treatments are required a fee of $110 is charged to cover the cost of equipment and incidentals. Single procedure periodical touch ups are charged at the cost of a first procedure.  Further details of prices can be obtained after a free consultation to discuss your needs.

Your face is one of your most important assets, a careful unhurried approach when applying your cosmetic tattoo is always preferable to a hurried or cheap procedure.

Tip: Avoid service providers who promote themselves on the basis of cheap services because you may end up needing expensive corrective tattooing, cheap service providers may be cutting corners on service quality, standards and hygiene.  Click Here to see the hygiene standards you should expect.

Do you offer a seniors card discount?
Yes, Seniors Card's are welcome, click here for further details.

I regularly receive questions from people considering Cosmetic Tattooing or requesting advice on corrective Cosmetic Tattooing from countries all over the globe, people frequently ask me:

Q: Andrea what do you look for when getting your own Permanent Makeup done?
This is a sensible question because nobody is going to be as cautious and particular as a ParaMedical Tattooist is.

My answer is;
 I would not book anywhere unless they were offering Cosmetic Tattooing with an Amiea Linelle Supreme and Amiea Derma Safe Pigments, because quite simply I only want the best. If the Cosmetic Tattooist cares about the finished result of my Permanent Makeup then they will use the best equipment, pigments, hygiene & standards for my procedure. I would also ensure that their topical anaesthetics were obtained from a legal source (a pharmacist).
 

Click Here If you would like a downloadable pdf brochure?

You may like to ask some questions or joint the discussion on one of our forums by clicking here.
 

Contact

Andrea Darby - Cosmetic Tattoo Specialist

For an Appointment Phone: 0423 230 740

 http://www.CosmeticTattooist.com
 

Skin MD Natural

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by Andrea