Who Wears PMU?

Q: What is permanent make-up? 

A: It is a procedure by which pigment is implanted into the dermis layer of the skin to enhance, contour and outline facial features. It also camouflages irregularities, such as scars or to create an areola for one undergoing reconstruction due to the removal of the breast. 

Q: What procedures do I do?

A: I can do brows in tiny little hairs like microblading or by using a single needle. Some other clients get soft shading like ombre or powder brows. I can do your eyeliner to look very natural in the lash line or to have a more finished makeup look. Lips can be softly blushed according to their natural shape or they can be more defined with a blended liner or full color. I am trained in soft tap techniques and with electronic rotary machines as well as traditional coil machines. So we can basically do whatever you want within reason. Lorna is also teaching me areola restoration techniques for breast cancer survivors!

Q: Is permanent make-up really permanent?

 A: You should consider it permanent, although fading does occur over the years. A touch up is recommended when fading occurs enough that you are adding to it on a daily basis. Or you may be one that doesn't need it for many years. This varies with each individual. So a touch up is recommended to maintain or refresh ones color. 

Q: Is everything sterile? 

A: Contamination and cross contamination is of utmost importance. New, sterile needles are always a must. Used needles are disposed of as well as tubes, color and color caps after each visit and not saved for future visits. Gloves and mask, and barrier films are always used during all procedures. Anything else is unacceptable. After years of requesting licensing, for permanent make up, we now have it, along with regular inspections. To be smart about sanitation whether it’s in a medical or a non-medical business is the only way to be for everyone's safety. 

Q: What do I look for in a permanent make up establishment?

 A: Consider these five points:

 1- Only go to a Licensed Tattoo Studio! This requires the health department to inspect the place, the things they are using on clients, as well as the training of the staff.

2- Make sure the artist takes time to consult with you about what you are looking for before beginning the procedure. They should be able to give you a good idea of the design by pre-drawing it on before implanting the ink into the skin that day. 

3- Look for picture of actual past clients. The images should not just be generic examples of someone else's work.

4- Information and post-care instructions should be offered along with the proper ointments for good healing results. 

5- New procedures should include a second follow up appointment. This is where the design is perfected after you heal from the first procedure. Many shops charge an extra fee for this visit. We do not. Occasionally clients don't need to come back in for this appointment because they heal perfectly. Sometimes clients subconsciously scratch the area while it is healing or decide they want to go a little darker after the skin heals. 

Q: Does it hurt? 

A: You may experience some discomfort, but with the topical creams, most clients feel it is more irritating than anything. But everybody has a different threshold for pain. Taking 2-25 mg. of Benadryl for allergy (in the pink box) an hour before your appointment, helps for the comfort and swelling. But keeping in mind any discomfort is worth the end results. A prescription from your doctor for discomfort or anxiety is your choice if you think you might need it. But, please have a driver to drop you off and pick you up, or they may stay until you are completed. An extra set of ears is welcome for the post care instructions. 

Q: Do I have to go to the dentist for a nerve block for lips if I am having lip liner or full lip color? 

A: The dental numbing is a must! It allows me to go deep enough into the lip so that the color will be retained and you receive the best results. I will arrange the dental numbing. But if you prefer to use your own dentist, as long as they’re close enough, you’re welcome to. The dentists I use, along with their staff know exactly how to prepare you for your procedure. There is a separate charge for this. If needed I will take you to the dentist myself and bring you back after the numbing. 

Q: Is there anything I should prepare for before my lip procedure?

 A: Yes. If you’ve ever had a cold sore or fever blister (even once) you will need a prescription from your physician or dentist for cold sore medication. You will need it for your first appointment and for the follow-up appointment a month later. My favorite is Valtrex or it’s generic. Also, if you have any heart conditions or joint replacements, that you have to take an antibiotic for before dental appointments, you must also take it before your lip procedure.

 Q: Will I have any swelling after my procedure? 

A: Swelling usually occurs for about 48 hours after the eye and lip procedure. Some bruising may occur with a few clients. Ice compresses help a great deal for the first 24 hours, as well as propping your head and shoulders with an extra pillows at night. 

Q: How long does each procedure take and can I have more than one procedure in one day? 

A: One procedure usually takes me 2 hours to 5 hours to complete. Some people have more than one procedure in a day to bring the cost down. Also, one can heal the affected areas at the same time without worrying about taking extra time off of work. 

Q: If you create an areola for my reconstructed breast, can you match it to my natural breast?

 A: I understand blending of color to achieve what you want for an end result. And the follow up appointment is necessary to make sure of a good outcome. 

Q: Do I have to have breast reconstruction in order to have color put into my areolas? A: No, we have men and women that just need color or shape and size correction to their natural areolas. 

Q: Is permanent make-up the same as tattooing? 

A: It is technically tattooing. tattooing means putting pigment into the skin. I have been certified in full face micropigmentation (micropigmentation is another fancy name for tattooing) using electronic tattoo machines and handtools such as microblading. The techniques I use are dependent on the clients skin and desired look. Usually my clients want their makeup to be as permanent as I can get it. So I tend to use the same techniques that my master mentor Lorna Poulos taught me. However I am also trained in more superficial semipermanent techniques if you  desire. The pigments we use are refined for the delicate tissues of the face. They are not regular tattoo inks. 

Q: What pigments do I use? 

A: Permablend Pigments are my go to inks. I also have Lorna's inks and personal color recipes available for returning clients who want to make sure they get the same exact color at their touchups. 

Q: How do I get started? 

A: First go over the forms and make sure you carefully read everything on each form. Then email me with your contact information and any details about what you are looking for. Make sure you tell me about any existing PMU that you already have. I need to know the date of your last procedure to be able to locate Lorna's returning client files. Pictures are mandatory if you want me to redo work done by anyone other than Lorna. I personally do not work on clients with uncontrolled medical issues or pregnancy. Once you read and understand the details of your pre-care  we can set you up with a procedure appointment. Please be patient. I book my appointments by myself and your email/call is very important to me. If you cannot email and you call please leave a message and a phone number with a time that would be best to call you back. I prefer to be be reached at my e-mail address: justvthatsmeinfo@gmail.com 

Q: Do you do regular tattoos and piercing?

 A: Sorry, no. There are people that do that for a living and are good at it. BUT, please check out the places you are considering. And don't hesitate to ask questions about sanitation practices. And if you’re not comfortable with the answers, follow your instincts. Find another establishment that makes you feel safe and secure. 

Q: What is included in the price for my new procedure?

 A:Your price includes a consultation at the time of your procedure before we begin putting the ink into the skin. Or we can do the consultation on another day beforehand if you would like. Most clients just choose to  do it when they get the procedure so they don't have to make a separate trip. One follow up appointment is also included in the price for your new procedures. This is where we perfect the design after it has healed about 30-90 days later.