+ WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup or micro-pigmentation, is the process of implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face. Although the process is similar to tattooing, it’s not permanent and the effects begin to fade over time and touch ups will be required. When done correctly, it’s a fabulous way to look and feel great by enhancing the overall appearance of your face. We offer Microblading, Micro-shading, Combo Brows, and Lip Blushing.

+ AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?

While it’s suitable for most people, there are certain reasons that we can’t treat everyone. Before undergoing treatment, clients are always made aware that certain contraindications can prevent us from proceeding. These include:

• Under 18 years of age
• High blood pressure or heart conditions
• Taking blood-thinners such as aspirin or similar medication
• Diabetes
• Pregnant or lactating
• Have hepatitis, HIV, or any other viral infections and diseases
• Herpes simplex
• Certain skin conditions e.g. rashes, blisters, psoriasis, or eczema
• Taking steroids such as cortisone, Accutane, Retin-A or Renova
• Allergy to makeup
• Acute acne in the treatment area
• Susceptibility to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Hypertrophic scarring or keloids
• Have an organ transplant
• Epilepsy
• Undergoing chemotherapy - consult with your physician
• Blood disorder e.g. sickle cell anemia, haemophilia, or a platelet disorder
• Have had a tattoo done previously by another artist (please submit photos)
• Inform me of any other allergies you may have

For some of the above, we may also ask that you provide written authorization from your doctor before we can proceed

+ HOW CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

A $100 deposit is required in order to secure your appointment.

Deposits can be sent to Mesalashstudio@gmail.com

We require 48 hours notice to cancel your appointment.

Click here to book your appointment.

+ PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

• If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind feel free to bring a few of your favourite lip colours or reference photos with you to your appointment.

• If you plan to go on a vacation, it is best to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. Or get your tattoo after vacation.

• DO NOT consume any alcohol, caffeine, blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen.

• STOP using glycolic acids, vitamin A + D, exfoliants on and around the lip area 2 weeks prior to your appointment

• DO NOT come to your appointment if you have a cold sore on your lip. See your physician to receive proper treatment to inhibit an outbreak. Anti-viral medication must be used for a few days before and after your appointment. If you arrive with a cold sore, your appointment will be cancelled and your deposit will be forfeited.

  Please note: if an outbreak occurs after the procedure, it will take longer for your lips to heal.

• DO NOT come to your appointment if you have dry / cracked / scratched lips. If you have any of the mentioned, your appointment will be cancelled and your deposit will be forfeited

• If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.

• It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

• Botox, Juvederm and other cosmetic fillers need to be done 2 weeks prior to your appointment and need to be done no less than 2 weeks after the procedure

Please note that the lip area will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle

+ WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AFTER THE SERVICE?

Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker and bolder in colour and more sharply defined. This can last up to a week after the treatment while the initial healing process takes place. The treated area may feel a bit like sunburn afterwards but there should be minimal discomfort. During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is some scabbing or flaking, do not pick, and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own. Although the area will appear healed after about 10 days, the complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the true colour of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Colour may lighten up to 50%. Be patient, even if you think too much colour has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true colour, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 6-8 weeks that your second session can be done.

View our detailed aftercare here.

+ WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE SERVICE?

We have detailed aftercare instructions listed here. It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results.

+ HOW LONG WILL MY COSMETIC TATTOO LAST?

Cosmetic tattoo treatments will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-2 years. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including: the pigment colour used (lighter colours fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed as each unique skintype will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. Multiple sessions are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 2 months after the initial appointment. Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing.

+ AVOID THE FOLLOWING

• You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid getting any soaps, shampoos or other cleansers on the treated area for the first five days as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilize in the dermis.
• DO NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the tattooed area. It may appear as though the tattooed area has completely disappeared. Within 1-2 weeks, the pigment will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates.
• DO NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first 2 weeks. Cosmetics of any kind may interfere with the healing and colour of your tattoo.
• DO NOT use Vaseline, Neosporin or other petroleum based products while healing.
• DO NOT apply any anti-acne products (e.g. Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Proactiv, etc.) or lightening creams (skin bleaching creams) such as hydroquinone to the treated area while healing.
• NO anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHAs), Retin-A, Lactic or Glycolic Acids
• DO NOT thread, wax, or use hair removal products on the treated area while healing.
• NO exercising and/or sweating for a few days prior to getting tattooed and for two week after.
• NO swimming pools, jacuzzis or other bodies of water for two weeks.
• Do not soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks.

ONCE HEALED:

• Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and discolouration of the pigment. Once completely healed, you may apply sunscreen on the treated area. Wear large sunglasses and a hat for further protection. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly when in contact with chlorine.
• If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your tattoo has healed, please inform the laser technician. Continue at your own discretion. Laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolour the tattooed area.
• Once the treated area is completely healed, any changes or additions that need to be made can be done at your second session no sooner than 6-8 weeks later.
• Should an infection occur, seek medical attention immediately

There are no implied or written guarantees if you do not take care of your tattoo.

+ IS THE STUDIO AND EQUIPMENT SAFE?

Absolutely! We pride ourselves on having an immaculate and sterile studio space. We only use single use, disposable needles and supplies. This means that each set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards. Each of our stations are thoroughly disinfected before opening and after each procedure throughout the day.