FAQ'S about Microblading Eyebrows & Permanent Aesthetics

MICROBLADING FAQ'S

What is microblading?
Microblading (also referred to as Microstroking, Eyebrow Embroidery, Feather Stroke Brows, 3D Brows,  micropigmentation, etc) is the process of manually implanting color pigment into the dermis, by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes.

What is a Powder/Ombre Brow?

A Powder/Ombre brow is a form of permanent makeup that gives a similar effect to wearing powder or pencil on your brows.  The procedure is performed using a micro-pigmentation machine. The results tend to last longer than microblading as the pigment is inserted deeper than the manual method of microblading and is best suited for individuals with oily skin or little to no brow hair.

Is it tattooing?
With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term microblading, many are led to falsely believe microblading is not a tattoo process. THIS IS FALSE. Permanent cosmetics, "semi-permanent makeup", micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microstroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time pigment is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process. This is defined by many well informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources. Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo. 

Who is Microblading, Combo Brows and Powder Brows for?

Those who want to effortlessly look their best anytime. Retired on the go, busy moms, business women or anyone with an active lifestyle.

Do my existing eyebrows need to be shaved off?
Most definitely NOT! Please do not tweeze, thread, wax or modify eyebrows no sooner than two weeks of your appointment. The beginning of your service includes a full  consultation, followed by shaping and  a discussion about your preferred  color. Your regular brow maintenance of tweezing, threading, waxing and/or tinting may continue once the brows have healed.

Does it hurt?
The discomfort is relative as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. An pre-numbing anesthetic is applied for numbing before and during the procedure. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Our clients are usually pleased to discover that it is no more painful than tweezing or threading. 

How old do I have to be to get tattooed?
You must be 18 years or older to receive ant Permanent Make-up at NOTO.

Can I get tattooed if I am pregnant or nursing?
As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

How long does Microblading, Powder or Combo Brows last?
The pigment will fade over time and we recommend to get an Annual Touch-Up to keep them looking their best. There is no guarantee in how long it lasts as each individual has very different skin and lifestyle.

Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: skin type, pigment selection,  lifestyle (sun exposure, smoking, acidic skincare products, etc), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), chemical peels, etc.

Please note that final results can not be guaranteed as each skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary.

EYELINER AND LASH ENHANCEMENT FAQ'S

What is Permanent Makeup Eyeliner / Lash Enhancements?
Permanent Eyeliner/ Lash Enhancements frames the eyes and can make eyelashes appear thicker, darker and fuller. It eliminates the need to apply eyeliner with (makeup) pencil or liquid eyeliner. It can enhance the shape or balance the symmetry of an individual eyes, create the illusion of larger eyes, or affect how the spacing of the eyes is perceived. 

For those who like a more natural look, eyeliner lash enhancement is ideal. Liner ink is applied to the base of the lashes making it appear as though you have full and thick lashes.

For those who like a more dramatic look, depending on the individual skin, permanent makeup eyeliner can be build up to the desired thickness over the course of multiple sessions.

The procedure is done in two appointments. During the first session we err on the side of caution with thickness, length and color as we can always add more at the second session. It's always a good idea to have a "natural" and "conservative" amount of permanent eyeliner applied, at least during your first session.

What if I'm not sure how much eyeliner I'd like to have applied?
At NOTO we customize the design of your lash line or permanent eyeliner based on your individual needs, shape of your eyes, as well as personal style. Your artist will work with you to help choose color and design.

What are the benefits of Permanent Eyeliner and Lash Enhancements? 

• Define your eyes
• No more smudges, smears, or worn-off eyeliner
• Great for people with allergies to cosmetic products
• Enhances the lash line
• Saves time and money
• Great for people with unsteady hands or vision problems
• Swim, shower or excessive without the eyeliners running
• Fills in thin or light colored eyelashes
• Ideal for total eyelash loss due to trichotillomania or Alopecia

 How old do I have to be to get tattooed?
You must be 18 years or older to receive Permanent Makeup at NOTO

Can I get tattooed if I am pregnant or nursing?
As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

Does it hurt?

The eyeliner and lash line procedure is more psychologically scary to most clients than anything else. The discomfort is relative as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. A pre-numbing anesthetic is applied to the eyelids for numbing prior and during the procedure. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure.

LIP BLUSH TATTOO FAQ'S

What is Permanent Lip Blush Tattoo?
Lip Blush Tattoo it’s either a great alternative to fillers or surgery or it can be done in conjunction with these procedures. Many of our clients do both to maximize the effectiveness of lip enhancement treatments.

Whether it is the lip design, shape or color you are interested in, at NOTO we can help. The lip enhancement includes a soft blending into the lips so there is no line of demarcation. It will enhance the fullness of the lips. This is done in two sessions.

What are the benefits of Permanent Lip Blush? 

• Lips appear more defined without surgery or fillers
• Restores color to lips that have become pale
• Corrects Blurred lip lines
• Covers scars and hypopigmentation
• No more “bleeding” lipsticks
• Make lips appear fuller and larger
• Eliminates the daily use of pencils to outline, fill-in, or reshaping lip borders. 

Can I get tattooed if I am pregnant or nursing?

As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

Does it hurt?
Of all permanent makeup procedures, the permanent lip enhancement procedure is the most sensitive. However we do numb your lips prior to and throughout the procedure with a highly effective topical anesthetic for your comfort.

How do I prepare for the lip procedure?
You MUST understand that if you have EVER had chicken pox, a fever blister, or a cold sore, you MUST contact your PCP, to take Zovirax, Famvir or Valtrex or other anti-viral pre and post procedure to help prevent the outbreak of cold sores. There are NO exceptions to this rule! If you do have an outbreak, it will usually occur on the third (3rd) day following lip color application. This rule holds true for each and every time you have any amount of permanent lip tinting applied.

You will need to call your physician in order to obtain your prescription strength anti-viral medication. You must inform them of your decision to have your lips permanently tinted and they will need to call your prescription in for you to pick up at your pharmacy.

If I have had a lip filler injection already, am I still a candidate for permanent lip color?
Yes, we  do permanent lip enhancement over lips which have had lip filler injected into them. You will need to wait at least 4-6 weeks before or after lip injections before having lip blushing. This is because you must realize that the lip filler and the lip color will be sharing the same space within your lips. If the filler has taken up most of the space, or even some of the space, your permanent lip tint will have little space for implantation, and you will have poor results.

It is recommended that you have the permanent lip enhancement first and then the lip filler injection once lips are healed.

 What if I can't decide on a lip color?
You and your artist will discuss which colors suit you based on your skin tone, but of course your personal preference comes into play too. You can always enhance or change the color of your lips at anytime with conventional makeup. Your new lip tattoo is designed to act as a base, so it doesn’t mean you should throw out your lipstick collection at all. You should never use lipstick during the healing process, but once everything is fully healed up, you can use lipsticks, glosses and balms as usual. 

How will my lips look immediately after?
Your lips will look slightly larger than normal and look as though you may have had a slight lip filler injection. The degree of this varies from person to person. For most clients, the swelling happens in a few hours. However, the lip color will look quite dark, like lipstick. You need to know that the size of your lips will shrink back to normal and the color will significantly fade up to 50% within the first 4 days. You will lose color on the inside of your lips first, the edges last. Right after the procedure lips normally feel dry, chapped, tight and tender to the touch. Lips will feel better with each day.

 How long is the healing process?
Expect moderate swelling, usually one to three days following the procedure. Scabs will make the lips feel thick. Lips will fade up to 50% after the first 5 days. While healing, the tattoo will look spotty. This is due to oxidation of the pigment and the redness of the skin. Two or three permanent makeup applications may be required to achieve the desired results. An Enhancement Session visit approximately 8-12 weeks after your first initial appointment is necessary in order to achieve that richness of color, achieve symmetry, and density in the shape.

How long does Permanent Lip Blush last?
Color can last up to 3 years depending on your lifestyle and post-care.