Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is PMU?
A: PMU stands for Permanent Make-up
Q: Does smoking and drinking alcohol affect PMU healing?
A: Smoking decreases blood flow and collagen and may increase the healing time of new PMU and decrease the longevity of it. Area will/may became uneven or discolored during healing. You may apply a pencil or powder to area after the area is fully closed (typically 10days). Your touch up/correction session will address color and balance. Your PMU may fade faster and look older than a similarly aged non-smoker. Quitting is the best policy. With alcohol consumption the skin is likely to produce a lot more lymph fluid during the PMU which can make it more difficult to implant pigment. After treatment, excess lymph fluid will lead to more scabbing and poor pigment retention, especially if clients are tempted to pick at these scabs. Drinking alcohol is not recommended 2-3 days before and after PMU procedures.
Q: What should I expect the procedure to be like?
A: PMU is a two-step treatment, consisting of an initial procedure and then a touch up session (correction session) 4 to 10 weeks after that, depending on the procedure.
After taking your before photo, I will measure and draw the brows or lips design with a pencil so you get an idea of the shape. Please note that nobody’s face is totally symmetrical and you should be realistic with your expectations. Although we can make your brows more symmetrical, we still follow their natural shape. Your eyebrows should look like sisters, not twins. Once we have agreed on a final shape (ultimately it is your decision – but I will always voice my opinion on what I think suits you aesthetically the best), we will decide on the color. Shortly after that, a topical anesthetic will be applied to ensure comfort. Once the area is numb (about 15-20 minutes), the pigment is deposited with a PMU machine.
During healing period, it is normal to experience some pigment loss; this is why we have the touch up/correction in place.
Q: Can I have a PMU done while pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: Although it may seem like a long time, it is best to avoid the treatment as a precautionary measure. It's important to remember that PMU is considered cosmetic tattooing.
Q: Can I work out after a PMU procedure?
A: It is critical to avoid all humidity and sweating for at least 7 days. We recommend attempting to go 14 days without heavy exercise. The reason is that sweat will affect the healing process by causing the pigment not to heal properly.
Q: Will it last forever?
A: Although traces of PMU can remain very long, sometimes up to 10 years, in good quality the PMU will last 1-3 years. That is after your first procedure and the correction procedure that should follow 4-10 weeks later, depending on the procedure that was done. Then you should commit to a touch up once every 2-3 years. Another factor is your lifestyle. Exposure to sun, high metabolism, your skin care routine... all that can affect life of your permanent make-up. PMU is a procedure that can not be done once and for all.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: You'll need the full session that will last a few hours, between 3-4 hours. After that you'll be sent home with after care package and written instructions how to care for your brows or lips. Please follow the rules carefully. You spent a good amount of money, as well as your time and you might have gone through some mild discomfort during the procedure, so why to ruin the result? The healing will take several weeks. That's why we schedule your touch up/ correction session in between 4-12 weeks, depending on the procedure you've had done. We highly recommend your second (touch up) session. Think about it as putting a nail polish on- your nails will look better after applying first coat than they looked before that, but it's the second coat that makes everything pop. Makes sense? But everyone is different and heals differently and some people may require another session after their first touch up session. Be patient when healing. Don't rush the process. It's not like putting on mascara or lipstick where you see the instant result. Just trust the process and you'll end up with beautiful brows or lips that will last you years.
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: It can take 6-8 weeks to see final result of the color, that's why we schedule your touch up procedure 4-10 weeks after your first session.
Q: Why do I need a touch up if this is permanent makeup?:
A: Molecules of tattoo inks are larger than those of PMU pigments. This is the main reason why PMU can fade away so much faster than traditional tattoo.
Q: Does PMU hurt?
A: Yes, it can. But doesn't have to. Everyone has a different tolerance when it comes to pain and although some people may feel some pain or discomfort, other ones may sleep through the entire procedure. We offer different kinds of numbing creams to make the whole experience as painless as possible.
Q: Are there any side effects during or after the procedure?
A: During the procedure there may be some minor bleeding. This will depend on the client. If a person is taking blood thinners on a daily basis, then some slight bleeding may occur. If you are a smoker, you might bleed a bit more too. Bruising is rare but if a person is on blood thinners, then bruising can occur, especially in lips. 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.
Q: What to do/not do before PMU procedure?
A: Avoid caffeine and alcohol 1 day before procedure. Do not take aspirin, Ibuprofen, Niacin, vitamin A or fish oil 3 days before procedure. All those may cause more bleeding during the procedure and that will stop the cosmetic tattoo pigment from holding in the skin. If you're having done cosmetic tattoo on your lips, exfoliate lips gently 2-3 times/ week. Moisturize lips often for at least a week before procedure. Get enough sleep, eat well, think positive. Brush your teeth, use mouthwash before the treatment to prevent infection.
Q: Are the eyebrows shaved off before eyebrow PMU treatment?
A: Absolutelly not!
Before Your Appointment Make Sure:
*DISCONTINUE ANY USE OF RETINOL, GLYCOLIC ACID, SALICYLIC ACID, ALPHA HYDROXYLS, ANY CHEMICAL, ANTI-AGING EXFOLIANT OR ANY “BRIGHTENING” SKIN CARE AT LEAST 2-3 WEEKS PRIOR. *BOTOX AND FILLER SHOULD BE AVOIDED AT LEAST 2-3 WEEKS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! You can continue these 30 days after procedure if you have to, but must avoid forehead and brows. This will help preserve the color and integrity of the brows. The active ingredients in retinol products will lead to drastic, premature fading of pigment in clients who have undergone a PMU procedure. As well as retinol, acids and skin bleaching products will also have a similar effect and all these ingredients (as well as other facial treatments) should be avoided before and after a treatment to prevent adverse effects.