DO I NEED A CONSULTATION?
Yes.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMETIC TATTOOING AND TRADITIONAL TATTOOING?
The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Cosmetic tattoo pigment is compromised various colors specifically formulated with iron oxide, which are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.
WHAT ARE THE PIGMENTS MADE OF?
The pigments used in cosmetic tattooing come in a variety of colors specifically formulated with iron oxide, an ingredient safe for the skin. Scalp Micro-pigmentation pigments are carbon based. We do not use pigments made from organic ingredients, such as vegetables as they have a high risk of carrying bacteria and causing allergic reactions. Because color is implanted just underneath the dermal layer of the skin, the resulting shade is soft and muted, unlike regular cosmetic makeup that sits on the surface of the skin.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?
In accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services, you must be 18-years-of-age to get tattooed.
IS IT PAINFUL?
While pain tolerance varies from person to person, two topical anesthetics are available to maximize comfort. As a result, most clients experience little to minimal discomfort.
WHAT WILL IT LOOK/FEEL LIKE IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE?
Most sensitivity comes immediately after the topical anesthetic wears off. After that, there is minimal tenderness and minor visible swelling. There may be redness the day of the procedure that will subside. Immediately after the procedure the pigment on the surface of the skin will begin to oxidize and appear darker. As the skin heals, this will fade and then continue to soften for up to six-weeks.
WILL IT CHANGE COLOR?
We use iron oxide based pigments, which have natural undertones that are meant to slowly soften over time and not change color. Proper aftercare and maintenance will help this.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
For optimal results, two treatments are usually needed, at least four to six-weeks apart. Sometimes just one treatment is sufficient, but a touch-up appointment is offered just in case. With most procedures, the color looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second treatment, we will assess the color retention and make adjustments accordingly. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment.
DO I HAVE TO GET A TOUCH-UP?
Results will vary client-to-client dependent on the skin type and pigment used. While some clients may not desire one, many will. Because of the gentle method used to deposit the pigment, and fineness of the hair strokes, sometimes areas will need to be touched-up. Clients with corrections or challenging circumstances may need more than one follow-up.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
For all procedures, it is recommended to have a follow-up within four to six-weeks of the initial appointment. After your follow-up, the time between your next appointment will be up to you and your preference. The life of the tattoo will depend on skin type, lifestyle, and pigment used. We generally recommend a follow-up every year, which will keep your look fresh. Left untouched, the pigment will typically fade away within two-years.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR COSMETIC TATTOOING?
If you have extremely oily skin, the hair stroke eyebrow technique will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect. Clients with oily skin, minimal natural hair, thin skin, and the like will have varying results.
If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment will fade sooner.
If you are iron deficient or Anemic, your pigment will fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY SESSION?
If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your initial appointment.
You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire.
If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least three-days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them.
If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 1-days after the procedure.
We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72-hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen.
Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume.
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 TANNIGN BED exposure for 30-days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or 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.
HOW IS BROW SHAPE AND COLOR DECIDED?
At the time of your consultation, I will analyze your kin type and undertones as well as brow and hair color, natural growth patterns, facial shape, and bone structure. With my professional opinion and your preferential input we will design and shape the brow together to something that is both flattering and natural.
SOMEONE ELSE DID MY EYEBROWS. CAN YOU FIX THEM OR TOUCH THEM UP?
Corrections are provided on a limited basis. For touch-ups on other artists’ work, prices will depend on the amount of work to be done.
CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I AM PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING
As with any tattoo, there are rare risks associated, as such we practice precaution and do not perform semi-permanent cosmetics on women who are expecting or breastfeeding.
I LIVE OUT OF TOWN AND I WANT TO HAVE MY EYEBROWS DONE BY YOU. CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Out of town clients are welcome, but please be advised, brows are usually done with a minimum of two-appointments and you will likely want to return within 12-weeks for a follow-up. There’s always a chance you will need more than one follow-up visit.
DO YOU TRAVEL?
Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, I will occasionally travel and offer my services when I guest spot. I am happy to take new clients, but it should be understood that prices may vary from my home rate. Likewise, many semi-permanent cosmetic services will need a follow-up visit. If receiving a service during a guest spot, a return trip is not guaranteed, and follow-up prices may vary if/when I return.
WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT IS USED?
Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, Pinnacle Laser Tattoo Removal uses the Sybaritic SkinClear™ TA-2 Super Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser system.
HOW DO LASERS REMOVE TATTOOS?
Through a process known as selective photothermolysis, the Sybaritic SkinClear™ TA-2 Super Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser system targets and fragments most tattoo pigments while leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed and intact. The body then eliminates the resulting smaller tattoo ink particles by phagocytosis.
CAN ALL TATTOOS BE REMOVED?
Tattoos are meant to be permanent, so removing one is a difficult task. Under optimum conditions up to 97% of the fading of the tattoo can be accomplished. The degree of remaining color variations or blemishes depends on several factors, including but not limited to:
Skin color: Skin color is categorized on a scale from one to six (light to dark). The greater the difference between your skin color and the tattoo colors, the better the outcome.
Type of ink used: Inks of poorer quality will be easier to remove than some of the high-grade inks on the market today.
Depth of tattoo: Older tattooing methods sometimes result in ink being deposited in superficial tissue, which is an easier target for the laser to reach and remove.
Professional vs. Amateur: Professional tattoos can be more difficult to remove due to the depth and quality of the ink as well as the colors used.
WHAT DETERMINES THE SUCCESS OF TATTOO REMOVAL?
Complete removal of a tattoo is based on several things. The size, location, application, age, and color of inks used in the tattoo all factor in, as well as the health of the patient and thus their body’s ability to heal.
Individuals with fair skin and superficially placed tattoos on the arms, chest, buttocks or legs are the best candidates. Tattoos on dark skinned individuals, or tattoos on the ankles or fingers, areas where there is less body fat, are the most difficult to treat. A thorough discussion with a tattoo removal specialist can better determine the potential success rate of laser tattoo removal for any given tattoo and skin type.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR LASER TATTOO REMOVAL?
CAN THE LASER REMOVE ALL COLORS?
The Sybaritic SkinClear™ TA-2 Super Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser system offers dual wavelengths 1064 nm and 532 nm and incorporates a KTP crystal frequency doubling dual wavelength feature to allow the technician to easily change from a 1064 nm to a 532 nm single-wavelength laser beam. The 1064 nm is designed for the removal of dark colors, i.e. black, dark-blue, and purple, while the 532 nm wavelength is designed for mid-ranged colors, such as red, orange, and brown. The frequency doubling dual wavelength feature offers multiple indications, which provides for optimal results on removing a wide range of pigments.
WHAT IS PARTIAL REMOVAL?
An example of partial removal would be removing a name without disturbing the integrity of the surrounding tattoo.
WHAT IS LIGHTENING?
In the event you are planning to cover-up an undesirable tattoo, many tattoo artists recommend lightening the existing tattoo before applying a professional cover-up. The lightening process ensures the highest quality cover-up available. The lighter the tattoo is before the cover up, the more design flexibility and color choices become available to you and the tattoo artist.
WHEN CAN I TATTOO OVER THE OLD TATTOO?
Once the treated area has healed and the desired lightening results have been achieved, your tattoo artist can apply the new tattoo. Generally, this process takes an average of three or four treatments about four to six weeks apart. We are always pleased to work closely with your tattoo artist to create the best treatment plan to suit your specific situation.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL NUMBER OF TREATMENTS NEEDED?
This is a difficult question to answer and one in which there is no set standard answer. However, as a general rule we can estimate on average between three to twelve treatments, all approximately four to six weeks apart. The number of treatments necessary depends on various factors, which can include; skin color, type of ink, the depth of the tattoo, and whether the tattoo was applied by a professional tattoo artist or an amateur.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?
Much like a tattoo, the treated area of skin takes seven to ten days to heal.
HOW MUCH TIME IS THERE BETWEEN SESSIONS?
For optimal results, it is best to allow four to six weeks between your treatment sessions. This will ensure you receive the most ink reduction for your money, time, and effort.
DOES TATTOO REMOVAL HURT AND WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
The range of sensational descriptions has been as broad as the tattoos themselves. Some have suggested the pain to be minimal, while other individuals have described the pain to be similar to getting a tattoo, but many times faster.
At Pinnacle Laser Tattoo Removal, your comfort is of high importance to us. We are happy to discuss the pain management options available to you during a no-cost/no-obligation consultation.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Side effects of laser procedures are generally few but may include hyper pigmentation or an abundance of color in the skin at the treatment site and hypo pigmentation, where the treated area lacks normal skin color. Other possible side effects include infection of the site, lack of complete pigment removal, and a chance of permanent scarring.
The first week after your laser treatment is about healing. The following six weeks, your skin cells and other immune cells will slowly remove the tiny ink particles, which have been broken up by the laser treatment. Within this time you will notice your tattoo begin to fade. The precise results and appearance of your tattoo vary from patient to patient. After each treatment session you will see the tattoo become lighter.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?