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Areola Tattooing FAQ’s
What is areola tattooing?
Areola tattooing is a paramedical procedure that involves implanting pigment into the skin in the area of the areola and nipple. It is often used to create a more natural appearance after breast surgery, such as mastectomy or reconstruction. It is, basically, a tattoo.
Who is a good candidate for areola tattooing?
Good candidates include individuals who have undergone breast surgery, including mastectomy, breast reconstruction, or other breast surgeries that have altered the appearance of the areola. It's important for candidates to be in good health and have realistic expectations about the results.
Is the procedure painful?
Most of the patients I work with have had their new breast created from skin from another part of their body. In these cases, there is generally very little sensation on the reconstructed breast so the treatment is pain free.
For those who have not had this type of reconstruction, they may find there is still some sensation- in these cases, I would apply a topical anaesthetic gel prior to commencing treatment.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the complexity and the technique used. This includes the time for consultation, preparation, design and the actual tattooing.
How long does it last?
Results can vary, but areola tattoos generally last between 2 to 5 years. Fading can occur over time, and touch-ups may be needed to maintain the desired appearance.
Is this treatment just for women?
Sadly, even men can suffer from breast cancer and, as a result, men may have to undergo mastectomies. In addition, anyone who has undergone gender reassignment may have issues with the shape and look of their nipples.
My services are available to both men and women
What is the healing process like?
After the procedure, patients can expect some swelling and redness in the area. Initial healing usually takes about 7 to 14 days, during which the tattoo may scab and fade, however, I like to allow at least 8 weeks before I carry out any touch up procedures to allow the skin to fully heal. It's important to follow aftercare instructions provided by the technician to ensure proper healing.
What are the risks and side effects?
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, allergic reactions to pigments, or dissatisfaction with the results. Following the proper aftercare instructions can help minimise these risks.
Can I choose the color and size of the areola?
Absolutely! This is the luxury of having a blank canvas! During your consultation, you can discuss your preferences for colour, size, and shape with me.
If you have one remaining areola and nipple, it is important that we choose colours and a design that resembles that so as to give the most natural healed results. If you have had both nipples removed, then the world is your oyster, as they say!
Do I need to prepare anything before the procedure?
I cannot work on anyone whose last surgery date is less than 6 months.
Patients are usually advised to avoid blood thinners (like aspirin) and alcohol for 24 hours before the procedure. It's also important to have a consultation where you can discuss any medications or conditions that could affect the procedure.
Gently exfoliating the area and moisturising it well prior to treatment will help ensure the skin is in its best condition to take the colour.
Will the tattoo look natural?
I try very hard to ensure results look natural. I use shading and colour matching techniques to replicate the shadows and appearance of a natural nipple.
Is it covered by insurance?
In some cases, areola tattooing may be covered by insurance if it's deemed medically necessary after breast cancer surgery. However, coverage varies by insurance provider and policy, so it's important to check with your insurance company.
How do I find a qualified technician?
Look for a licensed and certified technician with experience in areola tattooing as this is a very specialised service.
Checking reviews, portfolios, and asking for recommendations can help ensure you choose a qualified professional. I have been in the permanent makeup industry now for 13 years and recently won 1st place in the Areola Tattooing World Championship in Las Vegas. I have undergone extensive training in this area with some of the world’s leading artists.
The majority of my work is from breast surgeon referrals.
Eye Liner Tattooing FAQ’s
Does it hurt?
I use a special anaesthetic paste that is designed for use around the eyes. This anaesthetic is strong and fast acting so that the procedure is pain free.
Clients describe the sensation as having someone tickling your eyelashes which is more annoying than painful!
How long does the treatment take?
I allow an hour and a half for this treatment. This time includes numbing and preparation so is not all tattooing time.
Will my eyes be swollen afterwards?
Everyone reacts differently to this treatment but inevitably, there is usually some redness and a little swelling for about 24 hours.
This can be reduced by applying a cold compress and taking an anti histamine after treatment.
What is the aftercare?
I advise you to avoid wearing contact lenses for 48 hours post treatment and no make up on the eye area for 5 days.
Are there any other things I need to avoid prior to an eyeliner treatment?
If you use lash growth serums, you will need to stop applying this for one month prior to treatment. Lash serums can thin the skin, make you bleed more and there is a higher risk of colour migration.
I wear lash extensions, do I need to remove them?
Yes. You would need to remove any lash extensions at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.
How long do the results last?
You can expect healed results to last around 5-6 years.
Who is not suitable for an eyeliner treatment?
Clients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication that thin the blood or those that are undergoing chemotherapy are not able to have this treatment.
Also, if you have very vascular eyelids, this may not be the treatment for you. If you are unsure, book a free consultation with me and I can check if you suitable.
How long does an eyeliner take to heal?
Everyone’s healing process is different. Most people are healed enough to wear make up after about 5 days.
Lip Tattooing FAQ’s
What is the healing time and what can I expect?
Expect your lips to be a little swollen for a few hours after treatment but this should subside overnight. The colour will be brighter than you want as we need to allow for pigment fade- the begins at about day 3 post treatment and continues for about 5 days.
If you keep your lips well moisturised with the balm you are given, your lips will flake but shouldn’t scab.
Does it hurt?
Lips are more sensitive than brows. I use a strong numbing cream before treatment and this will numb the lips enough to be able to mark the template outline. This, on a scale of 1-10 of discomfort, is usually about a 3-4 but only lasts a few seconds. Once the lip skin is broken, a second a numbing agent is applied and the discomfort level moves to around a 1. Most clients report no pain and some even fall asleep!
How long does the results last?
Once you have had your 8 week top up procedure, you can expect the healed results to last around 3-5 years.
This time varies depending on your age (the older you are, the more you hold the colour) and your lifestyle. Some clients report that the colour is still visible 6 years later.
Will I need a top up?
I always recommend you return for your top up procedure as it’s important to ensure that the colour has healed evenly. A top up procedure allows me to assess the colour and fix any areas or patches where the colour may not be as visible.
I have lip filler- is that ok?
I always prefer to work on lips that have some filler in them as I find the pigment easier to implant and results tend to heal more evenly. That said, lip filler is not a necessity. Very thin or wrinkly lips may benefit from a bit of filler to help with colour retention.
Can I have this treatment if I suffer from cold sores?
Yes. And no. A lip blush can bring on a cold sore outbreak so, if you suffer badly from them or have scarring from previous outbreaks, this treatment is probably not for you.
If you suffer from cold sores only rarely and the breakouts aren’t usually too bad, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of an outbreak but it cannot be ruled out completely.
What colour can I have?
I aim to match your lips natural undertone so we can achieve a healed result that compliments your colouring.
If you choose a colour that I don’t think will heal well, I will advise you accordingly. If you are unsure, book a free consultation with me and we can discuss this further.
How long does the treatment take?
I book out 2 hours. This is not all for tattooing, a lot of this time is the preparation of numbing and design.
What aftercare do I need to be aware of?
You will need to avoid spicy foods for about 48 hours, refrain from kissing to prevent an infection and be careful of drinking hot drinks until the anaesthetic has worn off to avoid burning yourself.
I advise not to apply make up to the treated area for about 5 days to allow the skin to heal. You will be given a healing balm to apply regularly to keep your lips hydrated which will help the healing process.
FAQ’s - Lip Neutralisation
Who is a lip neutralisation for?
Lip neutralisation is specifically designed for clients with darker lips. My Asian and black skinned clients often have darker areas in the corners of their lips that look grey, brown or even purple. The aim of a neutralisation treatment is to lighten out these darker areas and give the lips a more even colour.
How is a lip neutralisation carried out?
Firstly, I identify the clients natural lip base colour and, using a mixture of this base colour and a colour that is the opposite to the dark colours I’m seeing, I create my pigment mix which is unique to each client.
Are the results immediate?
No. To achieve a desired result, multiple treatments may be necessary. It depends on how dark the natural lip is and how light my client wants to go.
Occasionally, a client may have just one treatment and be happy with the results, every case is unique.
I have dark lips but just want a lipstick colour- can this be achieved?
No. Before a lipstick colour can be applied to dark lips, the dark pigmentation needs to be lightened to avoid an unattractive colour heal. Once the lips have been lightened sufficiently, we can then discuss colours.
How long does a lip neutralisation process take?
I book out 2 and a half hours and multiple treatments may be necessary.
With lip neutralisation treatments, I like to allow 12 weeks between visits to ensure the lip tissue is fully healed. This avoids the risk of scarring and hyper pigmentation which is a common issue with dark lips.
Why is the cost different to a lip blush if the procedure is the same?
Because multiple treatments are usually needed, I charge per session rather than per treatment.
What is the healing process like?
Initially, the colour will be much brighter than the healed results. The colour fades by about 60% and this fading process can take around 5-6 days. The lips will be fully healed after 12 weeks after which time another session can be carried out if required.
How does lip neutralisation work?
Having a thorough knowledge of colour theory is paramount for any artist carrying out this treatment, the wrong colour choice can result in an undesirable healed colour.
I will accurately identify your natural lip base colour before picking a mix of colours that will lighten and neutralise the dark areas of your lips. The result will be a more even, lighter lip.
Brow Tattooing FAQ’s
Does it hurt?
If it’s brows or lash liner then, no.
It doesn’t and it really shouldn’t! I use the machine method to create brows, I don’t microblade. The difference is that I am implanting pigment using a tiny puncture technique rather than slicing the skin open with a blade to implant the colour.
I use strong anaesthetic creams and most clients say how wonderfully relaxing the treatment is!
As for lips, it can be a tiny bit scratchy, especially around the cupids bow, but this is only for about 5 seconds either side until the anaesthetic goes in. Once the numbing agent is in the skin, it’s quite comfortable- some clients even go to sleep on me!
How long is the treatment?
Depending on the area I am working on, this can vary.
Brows and lips take around 2 hours to complete whereas a lash liner takes approximately 1 and a half hours.
Do I keep my own brows?
Absolutely. I would only remove hairs that are outside of the brow tattoo. The more hair that is kept in the brows, the more natural they appear.
How long does it last?
There are a number of factors that will dictate how long your permanent makeup will last.
As a general rule, I advise that you will need a colour boost between a year and 18 months after your initial treatment.
This can vary from person to person. Oilier skins tend to lose the colour quicker than a dry skin and age can play a significant factor in the longevity of your results.
Generally speaking, an older skin will hold on to the colour longer than a younger skin which tends to regenerates itself much more quickly.
Lifestyle plays an integral role in the durability of your results. If you take good care of your skin and avoid UV exposure, you will keep the colour looking fresh for longer.
I'm scared it's not going to look fake!
Book in with me for a free, no obligation consultation and we can chat through your options.
I can create a healed result that is so natural that only you would know that it’s a tattoo.
You can go as bold and dramatic as you like or as soft, natural and subtle as you want. The possibilities of permanent makeup are endless.
Am I too old?
I work with clients of all ages. Obviously, what I create for a twenty-something client will be very different to the design I create for my seventy-something clients. It’s all about being age appropriate and respecting my clients wishes.
Clients must be 18 years or above but there is no age limit as to who can benefit from a permanent makeup procedure, it’s just about modifying my technique accordingly.
Who can’t have a treatment?
Clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are contraindicated from having a permanent makeup treatment. Whilst there is no conclusive evidence that PMU can harm your baby, it would be unethical to take such a risk. Aside from this, hormones play a significant part in how the skin reacts to the treatment and there’s a high probability that the colour wouldn’t take.
Other clients who are contraindicated from treatment would include those that are on blood thinning medications or have issues with healing.
Anyone undergoing chemotherapy or those with undiagnosed skin lesions, active psoriasis or eczema would be wise to avoid permanent makeup.
This is not a definitive list, certain medical health issues may require a doctor’s approval.
Tattoo Removal FAQ’s
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal works by using concentrated laser energy to target and break down the ink particles in the tattoo.
The laser is absorbed by the ink, causing the large particles of pigment to shatter into smaller fragments. This then allows the body to eliminate the pigment.
Multiple sessions are usually required for full removal, depending on the tattoo's size, age, and ink colour, however, on occasion, one treatment is enough.
Can tattoo removal be carried out on the face?
Yes. A popular treatment is brow tattoo removal or lightening.
If a client has had a number of tattoo sessions on their brows, there could be a build up of pigment in the skin. The laser can not only remove the brows but it can also be used to simply lighten them if the client likes the shape but is just unhappy with the colour.
How many sessions are needed for complete tattoo removal?
The number of sessions required will vary based on the size, colour, location, and age of the tattoo. For a more accurate answer, book a free, no obligation consultation with me.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
The feeling is often described as similar to the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin. Whilst it’s a bit uncomfortable, most people don’t describe it as painful.
Can all tattoo colours be removed?
Some colors are more difficult to remove than others. Black and dark blue inks are the easiest, while lighter colours like green and red may require more sessions. The most difficult colour to remove is yellow and sometimes, full removal is not always achieved.
Is laser tattoo removal safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained professional, laser tattoo removal is considered safe. It uses FDA-approved technology and has minimal risk of scarring or skin damage.
What should I expect after each session?
You can expect some ‘frosting’ to the skin- this appears as a white, frost-like finish. This generally only lasts around 30 minutes. Mild redness, swelling, and blistering are also common after treatment, but these side effects typically fade within a few days. Proper aftercare is essential to promote healing.
How long does each session take?
Sessions typically last between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the tattoo’s size and complexity.
Can I remove only part of my tattoo?
Absolutely, yes. Laser tattoo removal can target specific areas, allowing for partial removal or modification of the tattoo.
How much does removal cost?
Prices start at £50 for a small area. For a more accurate quote, please book a free, no obligation consultation.
Carbon Laser Facial FAQ’s
What is a carbon laser facial?
A carbon laser facial is a non-invasive treatment that uses liquid carbon and laser technology to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and rejuvenate the skin. It helps reduce acne, pigmentation, and signs of aging. The heat generated in the dermis from the laser will also stimulate collagen and elastin which in turn will help slow down and improve fine lines and wrinkles.
How does the treatment work?
After a deep cleanse of your skin, a layer of liquid carbon is applied to the face. This absorbs dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. A laser is then used to heat and remove the carbon, exfoliating the skin and promoting collagen production.
Is the treatment painful?
No, the procedure is typically painless. You may feel a slight tingling or warmth during the treatment, but it is generally very comfortable and relaxing.
What skin types benefit from a carbon laser facial?
This facial is suitable for most skin types, especially for those with oily skin, enlarged pores, acne, and pigmentation issues. It’s also effective for those seeking general skin rejuvenation.
How many treatments do I need?
Visible results are often seen after one session, but for optimal results, a series of 3–6 treatments spaced a few weeks apart is recommended.
Is there any downtime?
No, there is no downtime with a carbon laser facial. You can return to your regular activities immediately after the treatment.
What are the benefits of a carbon laser facial?
It helps reduce acne, tighten pores, improve skin texture, brightens the complexion, and stimulate collagen production for a more youthful appearance. Because of its deeply exfoliating benefits, the carbon laser facial gives the skin an incredibly smooth finish making this a perfect facial for a special occasion.
How long do the results last?
Results vary depending on skin type and concerns, but many clients enjoy improved skin for several weeks. Regular treatments can help maintain these results.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minimal, with some clients experiencing mild redness that usually subsides within a few hours. It’s a safe treatment when performed by a trained professional.
Can I wear makeup after the treatment?
Yes, you can wear makeup immediately after however, it’s recommended you avoid products on your skin for at least the rest of the day. This will ensure that you can maximise the results.
How long does a treatment take?
Allow around 45-50 minutes for this treatment.