Pre-Procedure Instructions for Permanent Makeup

When scheduling an appointment date for a permanent makeup procedure, keep in mind the healing time of the procedure. You will need a few days afterward without social plans or strenuous activity. You may not look your best (swelling, oozing, & looks like wet paint) so plan activities around the house.
Plan a shopping trip ahead of time for items you will need: ointments, straws, napkins for blotting, Q-tips, OTC pain reliever, prescriptions, a good book or movies. Get ahead on your dirty work – no lawn mowing or chores that will get dirt/ bacteria on the healing area.

• Do not have a procedure right before going on vacation because:
  

1. You need healing time – you will not look like you had a makeover at the mall,
   
2. You may not be able to avoid sun, wind, or other items listed in post-care instructions,
   
3. If you have a question or permanent makeup problem it would be best to be near your permanent makeup artist and local physician.
   
   

• Do not wear your good clothes for the procedure because pigment might splatter on them. Pigment washes out of most clothes, but better safe than sorry. Wear something comfortable.
  
• Patients on prescription medications should check with their doctor regarding interactions, especially those on heart medications or blood thinners. Some medications and herbs can increase swelling and bleeding. Never discontinue a medication your doctor has recommended for you without consulting him or her. Consult with your doctor to see if you can go off these medications for 24 hours prior to the procedure. If not, then permanent makeup is not recommended. The same goes for alcohol. These things can cause excessive bleeding which will result in poor color retention.
  
• Antihistamines like Benadryl taken before the procedure may reduce swelling and help you relax. Benadryl also helps eyes not be so watery during eyeliner procedures. Watery eyes can dilute the pigment that is being implanted.
  

For EYELINER

• Do not wear contact lens during the procedure or for 24 hrs after.
• Bring sunglasses to wear home. Eyes may be light sensitive.
• Do not dye or perm lashes for 2 days prior.
• Do not use eyelash curler the day of the procedure.
• Do not use lash growth serum for two weeks before or after your procedure
• If you have had any type of eye surgery, consult with the physician about how long you should wait before having a permanent eyeliner procedure. Most physicians are giving a two month approval after cataract, Lasik, and blepharoplasty.

For EYEBROWS

• Do not tweeze, wax, or dye brows for 2 days prior.
• Electrolysis should not be done for a week prior.

For LIPS

• If you are prone to getting cold sores, you will need an antiviral prescription. Physician usually instructs to begin taking it 3 days before procedure, for a 7-10 day course.
• If you have had any type of lip surgery, consult with the physician about how long you should wait before having a permanent makeup procedure on the lips. If the lip surgery involves an incision (like a lip implant), the incision needs to mature about 6 months before tattooing on top of it.
• Fillers: most physicians are giving a 3 week OK after lip filler injections like collagen or Restylane. Ask your permanent makeup artist and your doctor about timetables for procedures.
• Oral prosthesis dentures/ partials/ braces and tongue piercing bars may increase risk of getting bacterial and/or fungal infection from the mouth to the lips. Denture wearers generally carry a higher candida/ yeast count.
• Frequent or recent sinus infection puts lips at risk of infection. Recent antibiotic therapy can be responsible for a high candida count. Steroid medications and antacid drugs can allow candida to overpopulate. Smokers tend to have a high count also. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

It is imperative to follow all pre- and post-procedure instructions!