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AREOLA
RESTORATION
COSMETIC TATTOOS ARE MORE THAN JUST INK
Areola restoration proves how connected we can all be and is a step towards inclusion for all. For breast cancer survivors and those who have undergone mastectomies, areola restoration can be an important final act in the reconstruction process.
Every mastectomy result is different and your breasts are uniquely yours. You have the right to the individualized areola tattoo and peace of mind that Tahnee's artistic eye can provide for you.
FAQ
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What is microblading?Microblading is a semi-permanent method of brow tattooing. Fine, featherweight strokes mimicking hair are drawn onto the brows with a precise handheld tool. Medical grade pigment is then deposited into the shallow top layer of the skin (epidermis), making this a non-permanent method of tattooing. The results are more natural, fuller brows. Here’s what to expect when you invest in microblading: Initial Session. The initial session will be used to create the shape and apply the foundation of pigment and texture. Initial Follow-up Session. We recommend two sessions but retention and results vary client to client, some feel their brows are complete after one session and only return for annual touch-ups, others feel patchy, light, incomplete after the first session and require an additional treatment 6+ weeks after their first appointment. Each individual heals differently and at different rates, this can affect the time between touch-up appointments. Once brows are healed, approximately 1-3 months later, you will return for a follow-up session. This session will focus on perfecting your brows by analyzing how your brows have healed and adjusting pigment color, brow thickness, and adding additional strokes if needed. This follow-up session is important as we refine and complete your brows to ensure they retain color until your future retouches. Occasionally, clients may need a third session, depending on their skin type or desired result. Retouches. Because microblading is semi-permanent, future annual retouches are required to maintain the brow’s shape and color. While everyone’s unique skin type retains pigment differently and breaks down at different rates, these retouches are recommended every 10-18 months to maintain your brows.
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Is microblading painful?While pain tolerance varies from person to person, we do all that we can to ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible for you. Two strong topical anesthetics are applied to the area to minimize discomfort. Most clients experience little to no pain or have likened it to a light scratch and stay quite relaxed. You may experience some sensitivity immediately after the topical anesthetic wears off, including minimal tenderness, redness, and swelling. This is normal and will dissipate after about 5 days of healing, and you will be provided with a soothing aftercare ointment to apply on the brows in the morning and at night to help alleviate any sensitivity.
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Who is not a good candidate for microblading?People who are pregnant or breastfeeding People with serious diseases such as cancer or autoimmune disease (consent from treating physician is required if currently in or less than 6 months out of treatment) People who have had sun exposure (you must limit sun exposure for 30 days before and after microblading as this can result in increased sensitivity, loss of pigment, change in brow color, or scarring) People under 18 years old. You must be at least 18 years to receive a tattoo service per state law. Since microblading is considered a cosmetic tattoo, an ID is required to show proof of age prior to your microblading session. People currently on prescription Accutane (you must wait at least 1 year after treatment ends before you can get microblading). Note: You must not be using Retinols or Acids on the brows for 30 days before appointment People taking blood-thinning medication (must stop medication at least 3 days before appointment) People with rosacea on the forehead or brow area People with raised moles, abrasions, blemishes, eczema, or similar irregularities in the brow area People with hair transplants in the brow area People who have recently had Botox or other injectable treatments (it is recommended to wait 3 weeks after receiving these treatments). You can resume these treatments after the brows are completely healed.
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How should I prepare for my microblading session?Make sure that you are a good candidate for microblading. See question below"Who is not a good candidate" before booking your appointment. If you have any questions regarding if microblading is right for you, book a phone consultation so we can discuss your concerns. Eyebrow Design Preparation If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring reference photos and/or brow makeup with you to your appointment. You can also fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take your desired shape into consideration. Appointment Preparation If you have previous microblading done, you must send pictures as soon as you book. It is highly recommended that you avoid sun exposure and tanning for 4 weeks before your appointment since the pigment will fade as your skin exfoliates from a sunburn. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and you will forfeit your deposit. You should stop using products that contain Retinol and Acids for 4 weeks before your appointment. 3 weeks before your appointment It is recommended to wait at least 3 weeks after receiving Botox or other injectable treatment to get microblading. You can resume these treatments after the brows are completely healed. 3 days before your appointment If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. We can remove any stray hairs that fall outside of the final shape as part of your appointment. Avoid using exfoliators 3 days before your appointment since they may inflame the skin. This includes any skincare products containing Retinols and Acids. Avoid any blood-thinning medication for at least 3 days before your appointment. This includes Vitamin E, aspirin, niacin, fish oil supplements, and ibuprofen. The day before and day of your appointment Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment. Do not drink caffeine the day of your appointment Do not wear facial makeup other than filling in your brows (if you choose to do so to show your desired brow shape). You will be asked to remove any other makeup to prevent contamination. Other considerations If you are going on vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after your appointment.
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What are the aftercare instructions and what should I avoid during the healing process?Download Aftercare PDF The results and longevity of your brows will depend greatly on how you take care of your brows during the healing process and beyond. Each client’s skin will respond differently, both in the length of time to heal and the number of sessions needed for your desired results. Results cannot be guaranteed. Brow Aftercare Gently wash your brows with a clean Q-Tip, morning and night, using warm water only. Do not use soap or other cleansers. Pat brows completely dry with a paper towel or cotton round. Gently apply a thin layer of the provided ointment with a clean Q-Tip. Do not touch your brows with your hands. Do not use heavy creams or soap on the brows. Repeat the aftercare instructions morning and night until brows have fully finished peeling (approximately 10-14 days) What to avoid during the healing process (not following the aftercare protocol could result in loss of color and premature fading) Do not touch your brows until brows are fully healed Do not scratch or pick at scabs, dry skin, or flakiness until brows are fully healed Do not sleep on your stomach until brows are fully healed (make sure to use clean pillowcases) Do not get Botox or other injectables until brows are fully healed Do not exercise and sweat heavily for 7 days after your appointment Do not drink alcohol for X days Do not apply brow makeup for 14 days after your appointment Avoid direct water on brows and the use of cleansers, soaps, and heavy creams Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and other bodies of water for 14 days after your appointment Avoid UV exposure, including the sun and tanning beds for 30 days after your appointment Avoid exfoliants and products containing Retinols and Acids. Acne products, lightening creams, bleaches, tints, threading, and waxing for 30 days after your appointment — Note: the usage of Retinols and Acids will accelerate the fading of your pigment Avoid laser light therapy, laser resurfacing and chemical peels for 6 weeks after your appointment Avoid massages, facials, and other skin treatments until your brows are completely healed (6 weeks post follow up appointment) Healing Process Days 1-7: Immediately after the session, the pigment on the surface of the skin will appear darker and bolder. You may also experience slight redness and swelling which is normal. During this time, keeping the brows clean is paramount and following the aftercare instructions will be crucial for long-lasting brows. Days 7-14: the brow will begin to flake and peel, sometimes creating a patchy appearance until the entire brow has finished exfoliating. Immediately after peeling, the healing epidermis will cause the brow to appear light or muted as your skin is still naturally exfoliating. This is a normal part of the healing process. You may experience some light flaking and itching but do not pick or scratch at the area. Days 14 and beyond: The epidermis will normalize, and the true color of your brows will show. Sunscreen is recommended after brows have fully healed to prolong brows. Healed results will vary with each individual and additional sessions may be required to obtain optimal results.
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How long does microblading last?Microblading is considered semi-permanent and will fade over time. Retouches every 10-18 months are recommended to maintain brow shape, color, and detail. The frequency of the retouches will depend on a number of factors: Skin type. Pigment will fade faster on oily skin. Pigment color used. Lighter colors fade faster than darker colors. Sun exposure. The sun will result in fading and discoloration of the pigment. Once your brows are healed, sunblock should be used to prolong the microblading. The regeneration of skin cells. The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment will hold. The speed at which the skin metabolizes and absorbs the pigment. The slower the body’s metabolism and absorption, the longer the pigment will hold. The area of treatment. Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure to elements. Bleeding during the procedure. Any bleeding during the session will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners, may increase bleeding, and should not be taken prior to and following your appointment. Failure to follow the Aftercare Instructions detailed in the prior section may cause faster loss of pigment and discoloration.
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How are brow shape, color and style determined?"Brow Shape At the time of your appointment, we will perform a comprehensive analysis of your skin type, texture, thickness, undertones, brow and hair color, natural growth patterns and asymmetries, facial shape, and bone structure. We prefer natural brow styles, and we will design and shape the brow to something that is both flattering and balanced. You are encouraged to bring pictures of desired brows or fill in your brows the way you desire them to look when you come to the appointment. Unwanted brow hair will be removed as part of your appointment, so there is no need to remove any brow hair beforehand. Color Color will be selected to closely match the hair color of your natural brows. Note: The majority of our clients' cosmetic tattoos stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where color may fade to different tones according to the individual's response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). At your follow-up, we will analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. Special formula alteration to correct the color and prevent further fading is made at this time. Your brows will eventually look softer and have more of a "blended" look. Results will vary with each client, but a retouch appointment is suggested every 10-18 months to maintain your brows’ hair strokes and color vibrancy. Style The style technique used during your appointment (ex. hair strokes, shading, or combination) will depend on your skin type and desired results. Hair strokes: This style works best for clients with dry to normal skin, moderate skin thickness, and moderate brow hair Shading or Combination: This style works best for clients with oily skin, thin or sensitive skin, with little to no brow hair, or those needing major shape correction
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I had microblading done by another artist. Can you fix my brows and/or can I book my Retouch session with you?We accept clients with previous work on a case-by-case basis. Please send photos of your brows (natural lighting, makeup-free) before booking to iwantbrows@gmail.com.
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I live out of town. Can I still book an appointment with you?Out of town clients are welcome but please be advised that brows typically require a minimum of 2 sessions. This means that you will likely need to return within 1-3 months for the follow-up session. There is always a chance you will need more than one follow-up depending on your skin type. Also consider that your artist is human and susceptible to illness, injury, or other emergencies that, while uncommon, may require any booked appointment to need to be rescheduled, regardless of if you traveled for your appointment. It is not recommended to plan a trip solely around having your microblading appointment.
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Do you require a deposit and what payment methods do you accept?A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to book. The deposit will go towards the cost of your appointment. We only accept Cash, Venmo, and major Credit Cards (AMEX/Visa/Mastercard/Discover). We do not accept personal checks.
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What is your cancellation policy and other house rules?There is a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel under 48 hours, your deposit will be forfeited. There is a 15-minute late policy. A $50 rebooking fee will be added to your next appointment. Please take traffic and parking into consideration to avoid being late for your appointment. Please review the previous section “Who is not a good candidate for microblading?” before you book. If you show up and it is determined you cannot get microblading for any reason, your appointment and deposit will be forfeited. Guests are not allowed in the microblading treatment area, and small children are not allowed at the studio. Shoes are not allowed on the treatment table for sanitation reasons. You will be asked to remove your shoes- bring shoes that are easy to remove and wear your comfy socks!
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