questions & answers

Questions & Answers

I have composed a series of frequently asked questions and have tried to explain my answers in as much detail as possible. Feel free to e-mail me or telephone if you have any questions at all.

e-mail natural effects' Helen Porter...

Who has micropigmentation?

The make-up is good for people who wish to forego the daily routine of application, for people with alopecia who wish to recreate the appearance of hair, for people who wish to emphasise or balance features that may be unsymmetrical or slight. To regain a youthful appearance and frame the face.

Paramedical work is ideal for people who have suffered from burns, scarring, skin imperfections that need camouflaging, cleft lips that need visually reconstructing, and for anyone that has had any form of surgery on their breasts - reduction, mastopexy, augmentation, mammoplasty, reconstruction or mastectomy, to recreate the appearance of areolas and nipples and for people with very pale areolas who wish to create a darker colour. Micropigmentation is suitable for most people, however there are few conditions that may need an alternative treatment - please ask for details, but no request is too big or too small to inquire about!

Does it hurt?

Everybody has a different level of pain tolerance, different parts of the body may be more sensitive than others. You may feel slight discomfort but the results will far outweigh this. Points to take into consideration - if you are feeling run down or tired from a late night or on your menstrual cycle your pain tolerance will be lower, also caffeine, tobacco or any other stimulants will also effect this. You may take a pain killer before your treatment as long as it does not contain aspirin.

How long does it last?

Many different factors affect the life of the implanted pigment, the darker the pigment used the longer it will last, the area of the body the pigment is implanted into, clients skin type, exposure to uva - if you use a sun protection factor you will prevent colour from fading as quickly.

Is it really semi permanent?

The procedure of micro pigmentation is invasive, the skin is being broken therefore it is classed as a permanent treatment. However over time the pigment (which is very different from regular tattooing) is broken down by the body and fades away giving a semi permanent colour that needs to be topped up after 2-5 years.

Why can't you use permanent pigment?

Some people request their procedure to be completed using permanent pigments to save them coming back for touch ups. This in theory would be a nice idea, but as people age their face shape changes and what once were high shapely eyebrows may become low and unshaped as the facial features drop. So by using semi permanent pigments instead of having to keep to the original lines new ones can be created giving lift and a more youthful look to the face. If you look at anyone who has an old body tattoo you will see that the colour can change from its original state and what’s left, if on the face will be unsightly!

Do you use clean needles?

Every client has a new needle!. At the beginning of the treatment you can observe the needles being taken out of a sterile pre-packed casing. On completion of the treatment the needles are placed into a sharps box and then disposed of correctly.

Are there any risks?

At your first appointment you will be taken through a health questionnaire to make sure you have no contraindications that would prevent me from carrying out the treatment, then a patch test would be given to make sure you have no allergy to the products used. The equipment and room is clean and sterile, with health and safety regulations strictly adhered to.

Can it go wrong?

Before any work begins a thorough consultation will be provided in which each subject will be discussed in full, colour, shape, suitability of face/body shape, and realistic expectations. Then a guide line will be drawn on to determine exact shape, and when we are both satisfied that this is the best look for you we can proceed. My company is named Natural Effects for that reason! The finished result should be very subtle, enhancing or recreating your natural features, for that reason the first appointment is always a starting point to introduce the treatment slowly. If you like the results but wish to go darker then that can be achieved on the follow up treatments. It is so much easier to gradually build colour than to go in too heavy!

How long does the treatment take?

Appointments are booked on a 1 hourly basis, allowing for thorough consultation, treatment and a nice cup of tea afterwards! Tattooing time varies for each treatment.

Is there swelling and redness after the treatment?

Everyone has varying degrees of trauma to the skin, many people are fortunate to have only a little bit of redness that lasts for an hour or so after the treatment. Other people may have slight swelling (especially eyeliner), which normally occurs in the morning, but a cool compress will take it down! The treated area may weep slightly for 10/15 minutes after treatment. This is normal! The skin may form a crust and flake through the healing process, so Dependant on client age and skin type the treated area should heal within 3-10 days, but it will be 30 days before the skin can be treated again.

Can you correct make-up that has been done badly?

Fortunately, if you have had a bad experience somewhere, and you are really unhappy with the results of your treatment there are options available to you. The first is correctional work - this can be used if the pigment has changed colour, or the wrong pigments colour used. The shape can also be altered to flatter the facial features more. If, however, correctional work is not an option pigment lightening removal can be used to lighten or remove original work and a new design can be created!

What is in the pigments?

The pigments are made up from a base of - Iron Oxide, Glycerol, Distilled Water, Alcohol. Individual colours contain varying ingredients, a full list of which can be given if required.

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