The art of Permanent Makeup is a cosmetic technique which employees tattooing (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble make up. such as eyelinging and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin lips and eyelids and is also used to produce artificial Eyebrows particularly in people who have lost them as a consequence of old age, disease such as alopecia totalis, Thyroid and autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy or other genetic disturbance. Also disguising scars and white spots in the skin such as in vitiligo. Cosmetic tattooing techniques are also used to restore or enhance the breast’s areola, such as after breast surgery.

Most commonly called Permanent Cosmetics, other names include dermapigmentation, micropigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing, the ladder being the most appropriate since permanent make up is applied under similar conditions similar to that of a traditional body tattoo.

In order for your permanent cosmetics to look natural, it has to undergo a process. You need to be patient and understand the process and be willing to commit to it. Every client that presents to me is presenting with a completely different canvas, past history, and health issues. All of which affect the skin directly. For instance, if I were to work on a paper bag, burlap, silk, or leather, each one of these would look different once completed, I am as good as the canvas I’m working on. Additional challenges consist of sun worshiping (past or present) medical history, medications, hormones, previous tattoo work, Botox, chemical peels, Retinol/RetinA use, smokers, as well as the natural aging process (see the FAQ below on “contradictions” for more). Each one of these presents me with a different obstacle.

COLOR: You could lose 30- 40% of color after your first appointment. This is not common, but it is normal. It may appear blotchy. If you have had prior work done there could even be more loss of color or worst-case scenario none at all.  At the second appointment, because this is a two-step process initially, I will be able to see how your body has accepted the pigment and adjust accordingly, we will add another layer of color and or choose a darker color if need be. Be patient! You may still need to powder or pencil in even after the healed results. The goal is for you to not have to use topical makeup, but when working with skin it is not all under my control. This is meant to be a natural enhancement for your brows and will never look solid or bold, those who prefer more solid color may also want to continue to fill the area in; however, you will have a softer brow, liner, or lip color for every day where you will be able to wake up with eyebrows every morning. When working with skin, the skin is very unpredictable, and there is no such thing as perfection.

SHAPE: I will draw the shape on. You will approve the shape before I start the process. If at any time you choose to change or add to the original drawing after your first appointment you must understand that this could mean more sessions as well as additional charges. Please be sure of the shape and thickness of your brows, eyeliner, or lip color is satisfactory before I start the procedure.

It is my job as a permanent make up professional to give you a well-balanced and properly shaped brow for your facial bone structure as well as a symmetrical brow. However, I do not use stencils. I do measure and show you the measurements before proceeding. The word perfect is not a term used in this profession. It’s my job as an artist to create the illusion of symmetry on an imperfectly shaped canvas. Once healed, everything softens and blends and any little discrepancies are not noticeable. All details will be taken care of at your follow up appointment and not before. This is a process, be patient. Trust your artist.

AFTERCARE: The aftercare is equally as important as the actual procedure. You can greatly affect and or ruin everything I do by not following your aftercare instructions. The healing process continues even after the procedure is complete. The end result depends greatly on your own proper aftercare in your home up to 30 days after your procedure. You will be given detailed aftercare instruction pages, which I will also go over with you in detail. This can also be found here in the FAQs. This needs to be read over and followed strictly. Failure to follow the steps could cause scar tissue, premature exfoliation, and or loss of all color which would require additional sessions and incur additional costs. I will be able to tell if you have not followed your aftercare. You invest in your permanent make up, please continue to take care of it after you leave my studio.

MAINTENANCE: You will need a color boost every 2-4 years. Fading is very specific to each client and WILL happen. This is an enhancement to your natural features, this is not a permanent solution. Think of your new permanent cosmetics as low maintenance, not no maintenance. 

Worried about the pain??? DON’T BE!

It’s my goal to create some gorgeous art for you, but it is also my goal to make sure you are comfy, calm, and relaxed. That helps me and you, a huge factor in that is the procedure pain.

Whether you’re getting new cosmetically tattooed Brows, Eyeliner, Lash enhancement, or Lips…
I use two different topical numbing creams throughout your session!

The first is a mixture of Lidocaine and Tetracaine (called Blockaid) and the second, after the skin has been broken, is a mixture of Lidocaine and Epinephrine (that’s the super good stuff called Minerva)!
Both are made here in the USA by SofTap Permanent Cosmetics.

I’ve had my brows and lips done myself so I can speak from experience when I say that there’s nothing to be afraid of in terms of the pain at BrowWorks Studio.

My numbing creams are top notch.

Now, there are a few factors that can make you a bit oversensitive during your procedure, among those being your menstrual cycle and or if you are a smoker.
But all in all, IF you feel anything during my first pass it tends to feel a bit like a fingernail or a light scratching, annoying and odd but not painful.
I usually hear an “oh, that’s it?”

After I apply #2 that’s when you’re free to fall asleep (that’s not a joke I have clients fall asleep multiple times a week)!!!

It’s not as scary as it looks, I pinky promise to make you as comfy as possible while making such an exciting enhancement!

If proper sterilization and disinfection guidelines are met, permanent cosmetics should be completely safe. Professionals in the permanent cosmetic industry routinely attend Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classes to become well versed on safety principals. These guidelines include, but are not limited to the following: .IMPORTANT Things To Look For:

1. All Needles should be new and sterile for each client. Unopened new and sterile needles should be opened in your presence.
2. Disposable sterilized one-time use machine parts should be purchased by the artist, and disposed of in a sharps container immediately after the procedure has been completed.
3. Personal protection equipment such as disposable one-time use aprons and gloves should be new for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
4. The technician should be clean and neat.
5. Disposable one-time use chair/bed covering should be new for each client.
6. The room or treatment area should be in an area free from other contaminants. The SPCP has taken a position against permanent cosmetic procedures conducted at trade shows and in salons where nail dust, aerosols or other chemicals are present.

As a member of the SPCP (Society for Permanent Cosmetics Professionals) I am required to follow all safety standards and the code of ethics put forth by the organization. These can be found at SPCP.org

 Are There Any Side Effects During or After the Procedure?

While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show slight to moderate swelling.  This is very dependent upon the amount of work performed.As examples; an eyelash enhancement will show very little response to the tattooing procedure compared to a more moderate response when wide eyeliner is performed.  The same philosophy applies to lip color procedures.  A lip liner or blended lip liner will show less effects of the procedure than that of a full lip color.  Also, some people swell more from minor skin infractions than others. During the procedure there may be some minor bleeding.  This again, is client specific.  Many people take blood thinners on a daily basis so some slight bleeding would be expected.  Others show little or no signs of bleeding.  Bruising is rare but again, if a person is on blood thinners, bruising could occur.  What is seen more often is that eyebrows rarely if ever produce any bruising; minor bruising during eyeliner procedures is possible if the skin being tattooed is very thin and close to the vascular system.  This also applies to lip procedures in the event the client is more mature.  If bruising does occur, typically it is minor and subsides in a few days.There is usually some tenderness for a few days. The color is much darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days. Other less often reported side effects are difficult to determine due to the individuality of each person’s biological system.  This is why professional permanent cosmetic technicians require a client history profile be filled out to assess different factors that may contribute to your experience after the tattooing procedure has been completed. {SPCP.org}

Do The Pigments Pose Allergy Problems?

People can develop an allergy to anything, anytime; however, pigment allergies are considered rare. Some doctors recommend that people with environmental allergies or allergies to conventional makeup have permanent cosmetic procedures because they can replace cosmetic products that people are sensitive to.  While allergic reactions to any type of tattooing pigments on the body or on the face through permanent cosmetics may occur at any point in time, they are extremely rare. I have not had any reported cases or pigment allergy. The pigments used here at BrowWorks Studio are hypoallergenic iron oxide pigments, they are not tested on animals and are made in the USA. I only use pigments that meet local jurisdictional requirements. SofTap Pigments have been used in the industry for over 30 years.

Is There Any Possibility for Medical Problems?

The possibility that you would have any problems or reactions from these procedures is almost non-existent with today’s health standards. I take advantage of opportunities for continued education in practicing precise methods of disinfection and sterilization. Post procedural instructions, if followed carefully, will greatly reduce any risk. Medical problems associated with permanent cosmetics are often linked to poor attention to the required aftercare process on behalf of the client.Choose a time for procedures when you feel confident you can follow the simple, but very important after care instructions.

Maintaining the integrity of your skin over time is more important than the boldness of your tattoo, as your brows begin to naturally lighten, Makeup is not your enemy. You’ll have a great pattern to follow.  The longer you wait between Color Boosts the crisper and better your artwork will look each time. BrowWorks recommends waiting as long as you can between color refreshes, ideally a minimum of 2 years for most skin types. This will allow your body to break down the pigment particles appropriately in order to make room for new color as well as keep your skin healthy and clear of scar tissue over the years.

For your safety and best healed results, you are NOT a candidate for Cosmetic Tattooing if you…

• Are Pregnant or nursing. You must wait 6 weeks after full completion of milk production. This is not just for the safety of your child, but the tattooing process itself is compromised if your body is still producing milk, whether the child consumes it or not. Your results will not be at the highest quality. Here are more details >> https://docs.google.com/document/d/13cbwBtXtaGlewLAlPruhSV73hjEb7W3X7aG_UkIyuFU/edit
• Have had an organ transplant, most specially a liver transplant or are on the transplant list.
  
• Glaucoma (for eyeliner clients only) please consult with your Ophthalmologist before booking your session and provide a medical release form with their contact information on the “doctor’s note”.
  
• Taking antibiotics, your tattoo will not retain. Antibiotics must be completed 1 week (2 weeks preferred) before your session. If you take antibiotics daily then you are not a candidate for a permanent cosmetics.
  
• Have Psoriasis, dermatitis, rashes, and abnormal skin textures in the area to be tattooed. This represents unhealthy skin and if it presides in the area of the requested procedure, it should be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional prior to proceeding. Please feel free to discuss any present skin conditions with Anna prior to your session. You will be turned away if I feel your skin is not healthy enough for tattooing the day of your session.
  
• Are a Diabetic, please ensure your glucose levels are regulated for the day of your session & that you are in good health.
  
• Are actively being treated for any cancers. You must be 1 year post Chemotherapy treatment.
  
• Have Keloid scarring anywhere in your body you are not a candidate. (Trust me, a keloid on your eyebrow is not worth the risk.) No exceptions. If you are unsure if your scar is a keloid, please feel free to send a photo to Anna via email or text for assessment or seek your medical professional.
  
• use or have used Accutane or equivalent medications you MUST be off of it completely for a minimum of 1 year, the longer the better.
  
• have used lash or brow growth products in the last 6 months you are not a candidate for eyeliner or eyebrow tattooing. These products seriously alter the skin in the area applied (even if you cannot see it, I can) and exponentially raise the risk for pigment migration, especially with eyeliner, and may blur or distort our healed results. Please ensure you have allowed 6 months minimum since your last use, the liner the better.
  
  
• All Retinol, RetinA , Tretinoin, & retinoid users or anything of the same class (used anywhere on the face) must stop use 4 weeks prior to your session. The longer you have not used it the better.

Smokers will often see their tattoo fade faster than normal, as quickly as 6 months in many circumstances and they may require a color boost appointment sooner than a non-smoker. 

Anemia or an iron deficiency can also cause your tattoo to fade faster and you may experience more bleeding and or bruising. 

Individuals must be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo. 

All Botox and filler injections must be completed two weeks prior to your session and may not be performed again until two weeks after your final session to ensure symmetry.

A separate consultation is not necessary, everything is done on the same day.
We will spend a good amount of time at the beginning of your session discussing your desired results and drawing our shape together. You get a say in this every step of the way.

Once we have a shape that we agree on, we will take our final measurements and make sure that everything is ready to go. I will then numb for 20 minutes and while you are numbing we do paperwork, pick our color together, and go over aftercare in depth together.

A cosmetic tattoo can make a big difference in a your life. It can greatly increase your confidence in your own appearance and save you valuable time.
However, there are certain factors in individuals that may affect your preferred cosmetic tattoo technique.

If you have very oily skin, the hairstroke eyebrow techniques won’t be as good of an option for you (microblading, pixel strokes, etc). Increased oil production causes the individual hairstrokes to blur and turn into a more solid Powdered appearance. Don’t worry we will discuss this at your session. I am trained in multiple techniques to still guarantee you have a gorgeous set of natural appearing eyebrows.

Smokers will often see their tattoo fade faster than normal, as quickly as 6 months in many circumstances and they may require a color boost appointment sooner than a non-smoker.

Anemia or an iron deficiency can also cause your tattoo to fade faster and you may experience more bleeding and or bruising.

Individuals must be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo.

All Botox and filler injections must be done two weeks prior to your session and may not be done again until two weeks after your final session to ensure symmetry.

If you have an idea of the look you would like to achieve, please bring in any reference photos.

If you typically fill in your eyebrows you’re more than welcome to wear them as you normally would so that I can take that into consideration even if it is a shape you do not prefer.

Be advised, as your artist I have the right to refuse service if I feel the look you desire is not fitting for your facial shape, complexion, and or facial structure. Creating a natural look that will last and suits you as styles change is my goal.

Please avoid any over the counter blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to your appointment. This would include, but not limited to, aspirin, niacin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil supplements. If you currently take a prescription medication for the thinning of your blood please discuss this with your healthcare provider before changing anything in your routine and please let me know at the time of booking that you take a prescription blood thinner.

Please avoid all eyebrow shaping, waxing, threading, and tinting for at least 24 hours before your appointment if you typically maintain your brows. I don’t mind hair, a little stubble is A OK don’t worry.

Please do not consume alcohol the night before or day of before your appointment.

All users of Accutane and any equivalent medication must wait at AT LEAST ONE YEAR from the last date of use before every session. No exceptions. This is for your safety.

All retinol, Retin-A, and retinoid users used anywhere on the face must stop use for weeks prior to your session. The longer the better.

NO Chemical peels, laser treatments, or harsh face/skin altering products or procedures for 6 weeks BEFORE your initial session as well as 6-8 after AFTER your 2nd session.

If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip for a minimum of 14 days after the procedure and avoid direct sunlight during your trip. The sun will significantly fade a new tattoo as well as damage freshly healed skin. It is recommended that you avoid sun and tanning bed exposure for at least 14 days before your procedure as well as the 6-8 weeks between your initial and follow up session.

The aftercare instructions provided have been refined over years of study to help your permanent make up to heal as crisp and defined as possible. The failure to properly follow the aftercare instructions can result in a blurred tattoo or migration. I will go over the aftercare instructions with you at the time of the appointment and you will receive a copy to take home with you as well as an aftercare packet of supplies to aid in your cosmetic tattoo’s healing.

Click here to view for aftercare instructions

Following the procedure, the tattoo will appear to be darker and more bold. This is normal and the tattoo will lighten/soften up to 30% as it heals. The full healing process takes approximately 7 to 10 weeks. During this time, your tattoo will soften and lighten while settling into the dermis. Be patient. You may feel as though too much color has been lost, but your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating as it continues to heal under the surface.

During the 3 to 6 weeks of healing, you will see the color in your tattoo take on new strength and start to reappear and settle. After 6 to 10 weeks, no earlier, you’ll come in for your follow up appointment if applicable (if you’re new it’s included with your initial procedure cost) and we will make any final adjustments that may be desired to finish your permanent cosmetics.

(The time frame will differ for every client)

Day 1-2

Your tattoo will appear dark and more bold. Do not be concerned that your eyebrows me initially the darker and heavier in size than you desire, this is all a part of the process as we will discuss when we go over your aftercare. You may experience some swelling, this is also normal but also very uncommonly noticed. The treated area will feel similar to a sunburn for the first few hours after your session.

Days 3-5

Your eyebrows will start to itch and appear a bit thicker and texture. As long as you are keeping them clean and washing them morning and evening, the natural exfoliation process will begin and you should not have any large scabbing. Do not pick or scratch the tattooed area.

Days 5-7

The skin begins to flake, peeling from the outside edges first typically. Do not pull off any flaking yourself you will take color with it and risk the creation of scar tissue.

Days 7-10

The tattoo finishes flaking and the color underneath appear softer and less visible for a few weeks color will slowly reappear during weeks 4 to 6 of healing and continue to Bolden up until about the 8 to 10 week mark. You cannot access the final look of your permanent make up until week eight at a minimum.

FACTS ABOUT THE HEALING PROCESS

After the pigment is implanted, the body needs to do its job and repair itself. Tiny flakes of excess pigment will form on the top of the skin. The pigment underneath the skin will be retained. When the flaking finishes, the skin underneath me look light and milky leaving you to wonder where your tattoo went. Please keep in mind this is normal and as the cells regenerate, the color will start to reappear.

A deposit is required to book each new appointment. This deposit will be deducted from the total cost of your session on the day of your appointment. Deposits will be processed at the time of booking buy any credit card and are nonrefundable for any circumstances, this includes rescheduling. Your nonrefundable deposit holds the spot that you have booked, cancellations and reschedules will require a new deposit to book a new date and time.

48 hours notice is required to reschedule your appointment should you decide to cancel or reschedule, your nonrefundable deposit will be forfeited.

No-shows and day of cancellations will result in a $200 penalty fee and will forfeit the deposit. Please respect your artist time and let them know if you cannot make your appointment.

A client who chooses to reschedule is not guaranteed a new time slot within the same month.
The included 6-8 week “second session” for new clients may not exceed 12 weeks from the initial session or it is then considered a Color Boost incurring the color boost price of $275. 

If you are going to be late please let me know, clients later than 10 minutes will forfeit the appointment and will need to reschedule. No exceptions.

Please refrain from all alcoholic beverages, ibuprofen, and aspirin, (also please avoid coffee/caffeine if you are typically anxious or have high blood pressure) 24 hours before your service.

Avoid all sun exposure to the area to be tattooed 1 week prior to your session (2 weeks preferred). I cannot tattoo sunburned skin.

Please refrain from heavy exercise/ working out 2 hours prior to your session.

For Brows– If you are currently using any products on your brows for hair growth they must be stopped 4 weeks prior to your appointment.

For Lips– BrowWorks Studio recommends drinking PLENTY OF WATER for the 48 hours before your session.

For Eyeliner– ALL LASH EXTENTIONS MUST BE REMOVED 1 WEEK PRIOR. If you are currently using any products on your lashline for hair growth they must be stopped 6 months prior to your appointment. Please contact Anna if this will be an issue. Please do not wear your contact lenses to your session. Sensitive skin types may want to arrange for a ride home after the session.

NO Chemical peels, laser treatments, or harsh face/skin altering products or procedures for 6 weeks BEFORE your initial session as well as 6-8 after AFTER your 2nd session.

All healed results will vary for each individual client. Final results are not guaranteed as each individual hold and breakdown pigment differently as well as many outside factors such as internal health, sundamage, previous tattoo work and more also play a part in your retention. To achieve your desired results, additional sessions may be required (not typically common). Additional charges will apply.

All initial appointments include a follow up session to complete your tattoo. Follow up appointments will be booked 6 to 8 weeks from your initial appointment depending on your skin type in within three months from the initial appointment.

Color Boost sessions are individually booked, though 2 consecutive sessions may be required for some skin types and depending how much time has passed since your last session. They are priced individually and a second session is not included. This means once we’ve worked together anytime you need to pop back in over the years it will be considered a Color Boost and your rate is discounted as a current BrowWorks Client.

Please see your confirmation email for more detailed information to know before your session.

To book your follow up appointment, if not done the same day of the initial session, simply email BrowWorkspmu@gmail.com.

Individuals who fail to follow the aftercare procedures, have difficult and/or compromised skin, autoimmune disorders, or a previous eyebrow tattoo may require an additional follow up appointment at an additional cost.

A nonrefundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The deposit amount will go toward the final payment on the day of your session.
This deposit is nonrefundable if the appointment is canceled for any reason. If you choose to reschedule your chosen date and time then you will be required to pay pay a new deposit upon booking the new date and time. This deposit holds your spot, please choose accordingly.