Cosmetic Tattooing Contra-Indications
Are You A Candidate?
Conditions/Medications That Can Increase Risks
Review All Contra-Indications & Flag Any That Your Have Or Are Unsure About
Are You A Candidate?
Just as important as finding a good artist, is determining if your skin is suited for cosmetic tattooing. Your age, overall health and skin quality all need to be taken into consideration for the safety and best possible outcome.
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Unfortunately a lot of conditions can heavily compromise the effectiveness of cosmetic tattooing. So it is important to inform your technician if you have any existing conditions or are on medication. You may still be eligible for the procedure, but need to adjust your expectations. Results will vary from person to person.
Skin Conditions
If you have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris and dermatitis your skin is in a constant state of unrest and shedding and therefore won’t hold the pigment very well.
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The same goes for conditions like chronic acne and rosacea. The inherent nature of this type of skin causes easy bleeding, which once again means your skin will not retain the colour properly.
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Excessively oily skin can cause those tattooed hair strokes to blur together and give off an unwanted solid effect instead of a naturally feathered look.
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Deep wrinkles can make the overall look appear uneven.
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Moles, bumps and any raised skin will also be unable to retain the pigment.
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Unfortunately cosmetic tattooing is not for you if you’re prone to keloid scarring.
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It is important to not be sunburnt for your procedure.
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If you had permanent makeup done previously you will need to send a clear close up photo of your existing tattoo to determine if I can work with it or if you need to consider tattoo removal prior to the procedure.
Medical Conditions & Medications
If you have haemophilia or a heart condition it is absolutely not recommended that you get any form of permanent make up done as this puts you in a high-risk position.
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy you will have to wait until your treatment is finished.
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Diabetics generally heal a lot slower. If the condition is controlled, diabetics may go ahead with a cosmetic tattooing procedure, but need to be prepared for a longer healing period.
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Trichotillomania can cause scar tissue in the skin to be prominent, which does not allow the colour to heal properly.
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Glaucoma - The use of glaucoma eye drops makes eyelash follicles and eyelids hypersensitive, causing excessive bleeding and poor colour retention. Therefore eyeliner tattooing is not an option.
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Accutane/Retin-A - If you have been taking acne medications such as Accutane or Retin-A within the last year you have an altered skin condition that will not heal well after the procedure. It’s very important that you wait 6 months before tattooing the skin. Retinol and Vitamin A creams are very similar and should be discontinued 3 months prior to the procedure.
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Latisse - Eyelash and eyebrow growth serums bring extra circulation to the area which results in more growth of hair/lashes. This can cause the skin in that area to be hypersensitive and bleed easily. It is recommended to discontinue the use of these products at least 3-6 months before your treatment.
Other Things To Consider
If you are considering botox, please do this at least 2 weeks before your eyebrow appointment in order to allow the botox to settle.
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If you have lip fillers, it is recommended to wait at least 2 months before getting your lips tattooed. If you implant colour too soon you will be implanting colour above the natural line. When the lips shrink and return to normal size, the lip line will be off.
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You must be over 18 years (even with a parents consent) to have any cosmetic tattooing procedure done.
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You cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding.