FAQ
Helpful Information about Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NANO BROWS AND MICROBLADING?
The main differences between microblading and nano brows are the tools and the technique. The biggest difference and main reason why many clients go for nano needling over microblading is the fact that nanoneedles cause significantly less trauma to the skin than the microblading tool.
WHAT IS PERMANENT EYELINER?
Permanent eyeliner involves using a tattooing technique to apply ink along the lash line to create the appearance of eyeliner. The width of the line can be thin, medium, thick, winged, or ombré. Each full eyeliner procedure builds from the eyelash enhancement to complete the look. Last between 3-5 years before you’ll need a refresh.
WHAT IS PERMANENT LIP BLUSHING?
Lip tattooing is a great alternative to fillers injections. It can also be done in conjunction with these procedures! Many do both to maximize the effectiveness of lip blushing enhancement treatments. It's great for lip design, re-shaping, or color enhancement. The Lip Blushing method is a soft and natural blending of pigment color into the lips. There is no demarcation, just a soft color blushing. It will enhance the fullness of the lips. This is a multiple-step process done in a minimum of two sessions.
DOES IT HURT?
Permanent makeup is a minimally invasive procedure, so you can expect some discomfort depending on your pain threshold. Prior to each treatment, a Topical 5% Lidocaine is used to numb the area and will be reapplied throughout the treatment. Having the procedure during your menstrual cycle or hormone treatments may increase your sensitivity. Take Tylenol (not Advil or Ibuprofen) to reduce the pain after the procedure. Following the treatment, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The entire process should take approximately 3 hours. Lips will take approximately 4 hours.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
Cosmetic tattooing fades over time. Semi-Permanent makeup can last between 1 to 5 years depending on a number of factors: skin type, lifestyle, age, metabolism, medications, medical condition, skin conditions, and pigment color/brand affect the longevity of the tattoo. Desired results such as darker colors will retain longer and lighter colors such as blondes will fade faster. The UV (sun or tanning bed) can affect the rate at which these pigments are broken down. Oily or problematic skin will not hold this pigment as well and may need a touchup sooner. We recommend taking care of your brows by following the aftercare instructions and touch up your brows every 12-18 months (as needed) to keep the color vibrant and keep the shape symmetrical. Touch-ups are normal and expected for Permanent Cosmetics.
*Please note that final results vary and can NOT be guaranteed due to the nature of skin as it heals. A follow-up appointment is recommended at 6-12 weeks where we can assess your pigment retention and make any changes necessary.*
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY PROCEDURE?
In order for your new permanent makeup to heal properly and look the very best following all Pre-Treatment + AfterCare Instructions is essential!
Before your first session, your artist may do a patch test on your skin to make sure you’re not allergic to the pigment ink. You will achieve much better results if you properly prepare for your permanent makeup procedure. The treated area must be healthy, strong, non-sensitive, and non-irritated.
Here’s how to get your skin ready for your permanent makeup procedure:
Do not pick/tweeze/wax/perform electrolysis one week before the procedure
Do not tan two weeks prior or have a sunburned face
Do not have any type of facial/peel 2 weeks prior to treatment
Discontinue Vitamin A/Retinol products one month prior to treatment
Exercise 24 hours prior
Do not have Botox 4 weeks prior
Do not take Fish Oil or Vitamin E one week prior (natural blood thinners)
Do not wax or tint your eyebrows 3 days before the procedure.
In order to avoid excessive bleeding which will reduce pigment retention:
Do not drink alcohol 24 – 48 hours before your tattoo
Do not consume coffee before your procedure
Take blood thinners such as aspirin, vitamin E, Niacin, Ibuprofen
For more detailed information, please take a look at our Pre-Treatment + AfterCare Instructions page.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS?
1- 2 Days following the treatment the area will look a lot darker than anticipated, the color will lighten as your eyebrows heal and new skin develops in the area. You may also have swelling, soreness, and redness. Once the skin begins to heal, it may look flaky, or scabbing can occur. As the damaged skin lifts, the pigment color can look faded or it may even disappear. Don’t panic as by week 4 the pigment will resurface!
It will take up to 4 weeks for your eyebrows and lips to heal.
The healing process is considered complete after 6 weeks, depending on your skin and age. Remember everyone heals differently!
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS?
Common side effects of semi-permanent makeup techniques include swelling, itchiness, and redness. These side effects should resolve within a few days. Be mindful of the risk of an allergic reaction to the pigment or numbing agent. Let your technician know if you have sensitive skin.
NOTE: Lip Blushing can stress the lip area, which may cause an outbreak. If you have a history of fever blisters, cold sores, or HSV-1, you must contact your physician to obtain 12 capsules of 500 mg of Valtrex to prevent an outbreak. Follow your physician’s instructions.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes! The treatment is safe as long as it is done by a properly trained and certified professional that follows the proper sanitation and sterilization procedures. To assure the client that proper sanitation methods are being used, we use manufactured sealed and 100% disposable items throughout the treatment. The used tool is disposed of in a sharps container once the treatment is completed. In addition, we sanitize all areas the client will come in contact with using a hospital grade disinfectant and apply barrier film to protect all surfaces from contamination during a procedure. By performing all treatments in this manner we feel that the health and safety of our clients' is being safeguarded to the highest degree.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID AFTER MY TREATMENT?
Please read our Pre-Treatment + AfterCare Instructions before booking.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE ADVICE?
Please read our Pre-Treatment + AfterCare Instructions before booking.
DO I NEED A TOUCH UP APPOINTMENT?
Your transformation is not completed until after the complimentary touch-up perfecting session. The Touch-up session is performed after 6-12 weeks from your initial appointment. The pigment will lighten 20-40% during the healing process and the pigment may completely disappear and seem patchy. This is completely normal and the reason for the perfecting session. At this appointment, I will assess the shape, color retention, any areas needing modification, and how your skin has healed to perfect your brows, eyeliner, or lips accordingly. An annual color boost is recommended every 1-2 years to keep the pigment color looking fresh. Skin cells also turn over more frequently on oilier skin types causing the color to fade quicker than drier skin types. For oilier skin types more frequent touch-ups may be required.
I'VE HAD PREVIOUS PERMANENT MAKEUP TATTOO...CAN YOU FIX OR TOUCH THEM UP?
If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed, we request that you email us clear photos of your brows for approval (QTBeautyVienna@gmail.com) BEFORE your appointment booking for an Eyebrow Correction. This way we can discuss price, your options and schedule sufficient time for your treatment. Any client coming to me from a different artist is consider a new client at full price.
WHAT PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash, credit (VISA/Mastercard/Discover) cards, debit cards, Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal at our studio. We do not accept personal checks. To make a deposit you must use a credit or debit card to pay online or over the phone.
HOW CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Appointments can be made using our online booking system or by calling (703) 319-1296.