• MOST IMPORTANT: Needles used should be new and sterile for each client and disposed of properly after each client.
• Other machine parts should be sterilized, i.e. barrel tubes, or pen machine pieces, or disposed of in a sanitary manner. *note- some machines, referred to as pen machines, are not made to prevent used ink from entering the non disposable casing and therefore are unsanitary and unsafe. Also, if the technician is using a traditional tattoo machine, proper cleaning of the tube after use (if not disposable) is extremely important.

6. Are there any after or side effects?
Generally, there is some swelling of the treated area. While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show more and the edema (swelling) may last from two to seventy two hours.
During the procedure there may be some bleeding and/or bruising. There is usually some tenderness for a few days. The color appears much darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days. Occasionally, people have reactions to the ointment used for the after care. There may be other unforeseen side effects due to individuality.

7. Do the pigments pose any allergy problems?
The application is just deep enough to penetrate the minute capillaries in the dermal layer of the skin. Allergic reactions are not unheard of, but are very rare. A person can develop an allergy to anything at any time. The FDA does not regulate tattoo or permanent cosmetic pigments. Therefore, the technician must depend on and work with a reliable supplier whom he/she trusts. Although there has been a great deal of media regarding adverse reactions, it is rare.

8. What’s a touch up and when do I need one?
A touch up is a color re-enhancement. It is recommended that you do not traumatize the skin for at least 4 weeks after the initial application. Six weeks is better of course, but your individual needs take precedence. A person may want a touch up if one side heals lighter than the other or one side looks thicker or longer than the other. Sometimes it is very difficult for the technician to judge thickness or length due to swelling and a second application may be necessary. After the initial procedure is complete, it usually looks thicker and much darker than it will once it is healed. You may wish to have the area more enhanced.
On rare occasions, the initial procedure heals so light or thin that it cannot be seen. In this case, a second application would be necessary. It is extremely rare that a third application is needed.
Color will fade over time. After one to five years, a touch up may be desired to re-enhance the color.

9. Will I still be able to have an MRI scan?
Several studies have shown that even people with numerous body tattoos, that there are little to no potential for irritation resulting from an MRI. In the rare instance where discomfort resulted, it was localized and very temporary. Most people have more metal in their fillings than there ever would be in any tattoo work.

10. How many visits do I need?
If you would like thicker eyeliner, a second visit may be needed. Second visits are not always needed. There is only a $30.00 fee for a second visit if done within the first sixty days. Third visits are rare.