Preparing for your lips procedure

•  Under 16yo - Florida law states that you should be 16 or over to do permanent makeup.
• Pregnant or nursing - Women who are pregnant or nursing should not get permanent makeup because of the possibility of infection and/or chemicals entering the bloodstream.
• People with epilepsy, pacemakers, major heart problems, Lupus, organ transplants, Eczema, Dermatitis, Rosacea, Psoriasis, allergies to metal/color, Keloids, and Accutane.

Please check our who should not get permanent makeup page for more details

• Cold Sores - If you have a history of cold sores, you may want to reconsider doing your lips because it can trigger cold sore outbreaks.  If you decided to do it,  we strongly recommend obtaining a prescription antiviral (such as Valtrex/Acyclovir) from your physician to begin 3–5 days prior to your appointment. The antivirals help mitigate effects of cold sores.  Note:  Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) which clients may or may not know they have.
• Diabetes - If you have trouble healing, you should check with your doctor.   For individuals with diabetes, high blood sugar impairs circulation and delays skin healing, which significantly increases the risk of bacterial infection, excessive scabbing, and scarring after permanent makeup. Bleeding during the procedure and prolonged recovery can also cause the skin to push out pigment, resulting in patchy color retention and poor aesthetic results. Consequently, uncontrolled diabetes is a strict contraindication, while well-managed clients typically require physician clearance before treatment.
• Blood thinners - We generally don't recommend doing permanent makeup if you are on blood thinners due to increased risks, such as excessive bleeding, increased bruising, and higher infection risks.  The pigment can also get pushed out more easily which lessens how long they last.
• You should get a doctor's clearance for Chemotherapy, Thyroid, or Glaucoma.
• You might want to reconsider doing permanent makeup if you are allergic to lidocaine or epinephrine, have very oily skin, are prone to hyperpigmentation, or have sun damaged skin.

Please check our who should not get permanent makeup page for more details

• Accutane - 1 year. High scarring & bleeding risk.
• Retin-A / Topicals - 6 Weeks (Stop). Prevents pigment rejection.
• Botox/Fillers - 4-6 weeks.  Shape must fully settle first.
• Chemotherapy -  6 months. Compromised immune system.
• Chemical Peels / Lasers - 4–6 Weeks. Fragile, over-exfoliated skin. 
• Lip Implants - 6 months.  Deep tissue trauma & healing .
• Sunburnt Lips - 4 weeks. Avoids immediate pigment shedding.
• Active Cold Sore - Until fully cleared. Prevents spreading & scarring.
• Oral Antibiotics - 2 weeks.
• Shingles - 4-6 moths.  Insures you are completely healed. Also, keep in mind that getting permanent makeup may reactivate the shingles.
• Big Events/Travel - We recommend waiting until after big events or travel plans to do a procedure because you need to keep the area very clean for a couple weeks and your skin will flake within a couple weeks so you won't look your best.

Proper expectations are important in semi-permanent makeup.  Many new customers come with the wrong expectation that the process will be one-and-done, which is not the case.  Some key points to understand are:

• How long? - Expect 2 hours.  We try to start you on time, but sometimes we run behind.  If you don't have the full 2 hours, then reschedule.
• First session - The first session can be unpredictable due your skin trying to push out the foreign pigment.  The first session typically heals light, very light, or even like the pigment didn't take.
• Second session - The 8-week touch-up normally has better results due to the skin acclimating to the pigment and because the artist can understand how your skin heals after seeing the results of the first session.  The 8-week lip touch-up is included in the original price.
• Immediately after - Your lips will look very dark and bold right after the procedure.  It will look even darker later in the day.
• Healing stages - Your lips will go through stages of healing that include flaking/peeling and ghosting (pigment disappearing temporary due to new skin growing over the top layer).
• Healing varies - Everyone heals differently. 

It is important to be patient and don't get discouraged if the results are not what you expected after the first session.  Permanent makeup is a process.  Stick to the process. Most clients are satisfied with their results at end of the process.

• What time?  Try to be on time. We recommend coming a few minutes early.  If you are running late, need to reschedule, or want to cancel, please let us know at 727-213-8811 Call or Text.
• How long? - Expect about 2 hours for 1 procedure.  2.5 hours for 2 procedures. Students artists may take longer so be more patient with them.  Note: We try to start you on time, but things happen, such as clients showing up late, traffic issues, and services get changed.  We usually have clients done within 2 hours.  
• Hydration - Hydrate with water.  Hydrated skin is best for the procedure and helps the healing process.
• Food - Eat a full meal 1–2 hours before your appointment (low blood sugar makes people light-headed with numbing).
• Caffeine - Don't drink anything with caffeine, such as coffee, soda, or energy drinks.  Water is the recommended drink.  No alcohol.
• Makeup - Come without anything on your lips.  You can bring your favorite color of lipstick, if you want us to try to match the color.
• Photos - Bring photos of how you like your lips if you think it will help the artist..
• Clothing  We recommend wearing comfortable causal clothing.  If you get cold easily, you might bring a sweater or blanket.
• Last minute questions? - Call or Text 727-213-8811

1. Check In - Our front desk will greet you, have you sign in, and give you the paperwork to fill out.
2. Paperwork - You will need to fill out paperwork each time you come.  Paperwork includes what service(s) you are wanting, contact info, medical, consent, and all the normal legal stuff.  Please inform our staff of any medical conditions or medications.
3. Before Photos - We will take you to our photo room and take Before photos/videos. They are used for our records and sometimes for training and marketing purposes. Most clients don't mind that we use them for marketing, but let us know if you have any objections.

1. Consultation - We will take you to your procedure room.  Your tech will take a look at your lips and skin type, find out your preferences, and make recommendations.   They may discuss brow technique, color, shape, skin type, life style, etc.
2. Numbing - We will start the numbing process by applying a topical number cream.  The numbing takes around 15 minutes. While waiting on the numbing, our staff will help you complete the paperwork, explain the aftercare, and answer questions.
3. Mapping and Approval - Your tech will map and pencil draw the lips you discussed and get your feedback on the drawing.  They will make chances according to your feedback until you are satisfied with the lip drawing.  Make sure you like the drawing.  If you don't like it, let us know. Once you approve the drawing, your technician will do the procedure.  
4. Procedure - Your tech will begin the procedure.  Lips are sensitive so let your tech know if you feel pain so they can add more numbing.  Techs will check on your comfort throughout the procedure.  Once the tech is finished, they will check how you like your lips and make changes according to your feedback.  Make sure you like your lips because once you leave, we will not be able to make changes until the end of the 8-week healing process.  Note that your lips will look dark and right after the procedure and even darker in the evening.

1. After Photos - We will take you back to the photo room for After photos/videos.
2. Aftercare - We will take you to the front desk and give you an aftercare package (handout and healing/lip balm cream) and go over the aftercare instructions again.  A link will be texted to your phone with our more detailed lip aftercare page.  
3. Future appt - We will give you the date of the end of your 8-week healing period. If this is your first session, you can book your touch-up session.  A text will also be sent at the end of the -weeks to see how your brows healed and make any additional appts.
4. Check out - Fill out an exit survey and pay.  Note that once you leave, we ask that you wait until the end of the 8-week healing period to make any changes.