Choosing a Technician

In California tattooing is regulated by the Department of Health. The primary focus is health and safety regulations and controls. There is no prescribed requirement for training so it is a mistake to assume that every technician is trained and credentialed. Finding one that is, is left up to the discretion of the person seeking the service. Is the technician registered with their local County Health Department? In California, tattoo artists are required to do this (permanent cosmetics is tattooing no matter how you label it). Can the technician show evidence of primary and continuing education training and a certificate of attendance in Bloodborne Pathogens training? Is the technician a member of an association in the permanent cosmetic industry that meets high standards for safety and technical ability? When choosing a technician it is not wise to base your decision on the lowest price quoted. If it seems too good to be true it most likely is. Tattoo equipment can be purchased on line or at beauty shows by anyone. Video training is also sold teaching those who purchase the video how to perform permanent cosmetic procedures without the benefit of a trainer and without ever completing any hands on procedures. This is a very dangerous way for you to save money. Chances are you will not receive desirable results and at best seek out another technician that is qualified to do corrective work.

Technicians that have training, experience, and practice sanitation sterilization standards to ensure your safety are not going to offer the cheapest prices. They are professionals who use equipment that prevent cross contamination, use safe pigments, anesthetics, disposable single use products, and offer at least one follow up visit after the initial procedure has healed. This adds to the price of the service. In California there are no specific state issued licenses for tattooing but business professionals post or make available their city business license. Ask to see a portfolio of before and after pictures to help determine if you like the technician’s work. (Examples of healed work should also be shown as procedures change during the healing process.) Make sure the photos are not purchased in a book type presentation but are actual photographs of the work of the technician you are considering. Is the treatment room clean? Are you able to communicate with your technician? You will be conveying how you want to look, the color, and design you prefer. Your technician will be giving you information before, during, and after the procedure regarding pre and post care, follow-up appointments, and other important details, so it is imperative that you are able to understand one another. 

Appointment Process 

One of the most important elements of a consultation is qualifying a client to be a good candidate for permanent cosmetics. Each individual will accept pigment differently based on many factors that are unique to their skin type and health profile. Questions about your health are asked and answered, your paperwork is reviewed, so it is important to fill out your forms (see “downloads”) and bring them with you to this appointment. Permanent cosmetics are individualized procedures. Your goals and expectations will also be discussed. Your facial features, skin tone and eye color will be evaluated. Suggestions for design, placement and choices of pigment colors will be based on your preferences and my experience as a technician, makeup artist, and eyebrow designer. 

Remember to follow pre-procedure instructions (see “downloads”). “Before” photographs are taken. A manufacturer’s sealed sterile needle is opened in your presence. Each procedure begins with cleansing the skin and the application of an over the counter topical anesthetic formulated for unbroken skin is applied. Once the initial pass is made, a secondary topical anesthetic formulated for broken skin is applied and the implantation procedure is completed. The procedure area is cleaned, “after” photographs are taken, and areas are treated with an ointment. The ointment is given to you so that you may continue using it at home. If you received an eyeliner procedure you will also be given a gel eye mask to aid you in the icing process. You may feel some discomfort for a few hours. All procedures will initially appear darker at first but the color will gradually lighten within a few days. Upper and lower liners will appear thicker than they will after the area has healed. You will be instructed to follow the post-procedure instructions provided (see “downloads”). 

A complimentary one time follow-up appointment is performed no less than one month after your initial procedure. The first procedure process was the design and saturation phase. The second visit is to evaluate how your procedure healed and at this time do the final touches of perfection by focusing on balance, symmetry, color, and detail. Once again “before” and “after” photographs are taken. One last quick appointment (at no cost to you) will be made at least one month later, so that “healed” pictures may be taken. 


Candidacy

The healthier your skin is, the better your results will be. You will be asked to consult with your doctor and obtain a doctor’s written approval before undergoing a permanent cosmetic procedure if you have: uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, auto-immune conditions, diabetes, mitral valve prolapse, or are required to take antibiotics prior to a general dental cleaning. For eyeliner: if you have glaucoma, dry eyes, or have had a Lasik procedure. Under no circumstances should permanent cosmetics be performed if you are pregnant, nursing or under the age of 18. 


Precautions 

Avoid alcohol 3 days before and 2 days after a procedure. 

Eat normally before the procedure. When blood sugar is low the sense of pain may be heightened, so it is important not to skip a meal. 

Any waxing, tweezing, eyelash or eyebrow tinting or eyelash curling should be done 48 hours before and two weeks after. 

Do not schedule a procedure one week prior and the week of menstruation. 

For at least the first 48 hours after procedures it is imperative that you avoid working in an unclean environment where there is dust, dirt, or other airborne particles such as an attic, garage, or yard. Avoid the sun and tanning beds, as you will have problems with achieving or holding a successful color. 

Because wearing makeup is prohibited for 72 hours after and since there may be swelling and redness, some clients feel it is best not to schedule work or any social plans for a day or two following their procedure. It is suggested that you not attend any major event for two weeks after your procedure. 

Healing skin needs to be kept clean and protected from the sun as much as possible, for a minimum of two weeks. (Longevity of your procedure is contingent on protecting your invest from the sun!) 

Consider careful timing of your vacation. Plan it to be at least 2 weeks after your procedure. 50% of the UV that hits the ground reflects back up. Percentage is increased off of water, sand, and snow! 


Downloads

Please find the necessary forms to download copy and fill out prior to your consultation.

(The Consent Form is only needed the day of the procedure.)

Pre and Post Care information is also provided for you to keep and refer to as often as needed.

  Appointment Policies

 

  Client History Form

 

  Consent Forms

 

  Pre and Post Care