Preparation and after care for all treatments supports optimal healing and results. It is critical to observe all instructions and to ask if you are ever uncertain. In the interest of saving on paper, please refer to the directions here as a separate sheet will not be provided at treatment. All clients will leave with a post-care kit designed specifically for the treatment performed. If you do not have a printer or regular access to the www, please advise and we will ensure you have all instructions to take home with you. 

**For all treatments, avoid direct sun and aim to protect your investment with products to protect the area, e.g., SPF.

General Preparation For Your Treatment
  1. Please gently exfoliate the area to be treated for 1 to 3 weeks prior to treatment. The dryer and more damaged the skin the more preparation time it will need for an ideal treatment session.
  2. Arrive to your appointment makeup free. If you have a photo of your desired shape and colour that will help with design.
  3. Avoid any supplements or medications that thin blood or affect healing…. only with physician consent. Consider things like Omegas, fish oils, ginseng, gingko biloba, St. John’s Wort. If you have questions, please ask ahead. Clients who are diabetic or have thyroid issues may notice a longer healing duration.
  4. Do not tan ahead of your treatment.
  5. Do not get injections on or near the treatment area less than 3 weeks prior to your treatment.
  6. If you have had cosmetic surgery, wait 6 months before booking.
  7. If you have been on Accutane, wait one year before booking any treatment.
  8. Microneedling clients must avoid exfoliants before and after treatment (Retinols, vitamin c, AHA/BHA).
General Post-Care Instructions
  1. Keep treated area clean. Never use tap water and try to avoid cotton that can stick. Bottled, distilled, boiled or well water is best. Gauze instead of cotton. Dab and gently wipe. The aim is to avoid crusting/scabbing. Do not pick or rub the area. With consistent post care scabbing/flaking should be minimal. Discontinue use of any provided care products if irritation occurs.
  2. If you experience swelling or bruising, you may use an ice pack but ensure it is covered with sterile material and doesn’t stay on for too long. Be careful with temperature extremes. This is also true of our climate…in and out of warm/cold climates….be mindful of your healing skin. The aim is always optimal retention. The skin is a miraculous organ, but it needs care after it has been manipulated.
  3. Tears are salty, sweat is salty…salt removes colour. Your treated area needs 7 to 10 days to heal so be cautious with this, as well as pools, hot tubs, saunas, creams/hair products with fragrance and chemicals and also direct shower spray.
  4. If I give you a salve, apply it after a day (give treated area between 8 to 19 hours to initiate healing on its own).Always cleanse first and apply only a scant amount to the treated area morning and night. (With lips you can apply day 1 and as much as you like)
  5. Your treated area is an open wound for a few days, therefore introducing anything that can aggravate or possibly cause infection must be avoided, and this includes cosmetics. Either sterilize the applicator or use a brand-new product.
  6. Lips need to be kept hydrated. Apply balm before a meal, cigarette or drink. Use the balm provided and when you run out you can switch to whatever keeps them moist (just not Vaseline).Use the healing balm for lips morning and night.
  7. Avoid products that are fragranced or intended to exfoliate after your treatment. For permanent makeup it is important to avoid retinols on your treated area in order to preserve the longevity of your treatment.
  8. Microneedling clients will be sun sensitive, slightly red and quite dry for 2 to 4 days. Protect skin from the sun. Cosmetics may be worn as soon as 24 hours post-treatment. For ideal results, before you return for your next session (preferably even 5 days before you begin your treatment course), dermal roll your skin at night with a .25 mm or .30 mm roller.
Eyebrows Post-Care
  1. Dab frequently the day of service to prevent the formation of a scab or crusting. 
  2. A gauze soaked with a calming fluid will be provided.
  3. Never apply any salve before 8 hours after treatment to let the healing process initiate on its own.
  4. After that time, you may begin cleansing the treated area and apply a very small amount of healing salve. While the treatment area should not feel tacky or greasy, do not also permit it to become dry.  Moisture is key to effective wound healing.
  5. Avoid cotton rounds for the first 3 days to cleanse, use only gauze to prevent sticking. Some will be provided.  Always cleanse gently BEFORE applying salve to prevent build up.
  6. The cleansing and salve application should by done up until you notice that any flaking has stopped. The wound healing process is generally 14 days, but you will notice your treatment healed long before that.  Just remember that up until 14 days much activity is occurring beneath the skin so be gentle to it, and avoid harsh chemicals, cleansing products or practices, etc.
  7. Always keep hands clean if you are touching the treated area.
  8. If you notice any signs of infection or irritation that does not seem normal, see a doctor. Signs will be excess fluid or pus, or heat and redness around the treatment.  I would appreciate a heads up since the cause of this reaction could be any item used during treatment and not necessarily the treatment itself. 
  9. Fading is normal, sometimes too much fading can happen and there can be many reasons behind it. Never panic.  But if you are concerned please reach out.
Eyeliner Post-Care
  1. Follow the same instructions as above and ensure you do not apply mascara or other cosmetics until you notice the area healed.  The healing of an eyeliner is generally shorter.
  2. Swelling and bruising is rare, but it can happen. If it feels abnormal and/or if your eye itself feels irritated, please consult a doctor, and give me a call as well.
  3. Always remember that eyeliner shrinks as it heals, so do not be alarmed if you notice your treatment look quite different. I always guide clients to go for more thickness to prepare for this. 
Lips Post-Care
  1. Keep your new lip tattoo clean and try to use straws for sipping in the first 72 hours.
  2. Avoid spicy foods and/or anything which may cause irritation. If you smoke, apply balm first.
  3. It is a best practice to cleanse before applying balm, to avoid build up.
  4. Keep lips hydrated throughout the healing process and beyond. 
Microneedling Post-Care
  1. Avoid direct sun for 3 to 5 days post treatment.
  2. Apply hydrating cream or gel as often as possible.
  3. Makeup may be worn as soon as the following day.
  4. Do not dermal roll or use harsh products or have any come near the treated area for 3 weeks.
  5. For optimal results with a 3 to 6 course microneedling protocol, dermal roll and apply serums for 5 to 7 days prior to your next treatment, and no sooner.
  6. Infection is rare but if you notice oozing or hot skin, consult a physician and please advise me so I can narrow down what may have caused it. 
Tattoo Removal Post-Care
  1. Keep the treated area free from any clothing that will rub against the skin.
  2. Repeated exposure to water is not recommended until the scab has fallen off; however, the area must be kept hydrated with a suitable healing salve which you can purchase from DE.
  3. When the scab comes off, the area may remain pink and tender. Avoid any irritating products or harsh chemicals until the area is fully healed.
  4. If you notice any signs of infection, see a doctor and please give me a heads up. 
Healing Predictions

All treatments offered at Dermal Enhancements will heal differently and at different stages. One thing is for certain: your skin has been injured and will go through a natural healing process that will include some flaking and light scabbing, possibly some itching. Initially your treatment will look dark. This is just what a fresh tattoo looks like when the area is exposed to air and beginning the initial stages of repair. When new skin cells form over the treated area you may feel like the treatment is too light or completely gone. It is CRITICAL that results cannot be predicted until a full cellular regeneration cycle has passed. Typically 4 weeks but sometimes longer when clients are older. Be patient. No artist can predict a client’s retention, for this is not just dependent on our work, the tools and the inks we use. It is equally dependent on various unknowns such as how your body heals, your body’s chemistry, the supplements and medications you take and a host of other variables. This is why there is a NO GUARANTEE clause in my forms. 

That being said, I have committed to deliver a treatment and on rare occasions, an extra session or two is required. This is something we simply accept in our work. Your first 7 to 10 days will have ups and it will have downs. Thereafter, the skin is still working to heal itself and will continue this until a full regeneration cycle has completed. Then, we can schedule your retouch session and discuss colour changes, shape changes. 

Does it hurt?

Anesthetic is applied as needed and most clients report the treatment being very comfortable.I have several techniques that I employ and I will use the best technique for your comfort level.

How long does it take?

My appointments are booked for 2 hours inclusive of pre-drawing, numbing and treatment.Some treatments, such as a lip tattoo, may take a bit longer.Please plan for 3 hours’ time together, just in case.

How long does it last?

Permanent makeup is, technically, permanent.However, skin type, lifestyle, medications, sun exposure and a host of other issues, known and unknown, affect the longevity of your treatment.The face is a very different canvas from the rest of the body, so different factors come into play.Comfort level is probably the only thing you can use to compare this treatment to a conventional tattoo.In general, you can expect perhaps 8 to 12 months for microblading, 1 to 3 (or more) years for fill brows, 1 to several years for eyeliner, and 1 to several years for lips (with about 50 to 70 percent fading).

However, in saying this, it does not mean your treatment will disappear.It means that your treatment will fade.Annual retouches are always recommended and a 30% discount off of the price you initially paid is offered for these.Outside 12 months a full fee is applied.

Will I leave with a really dark set of brows, eyeliner or lips?

Your treatment will appear quite dark immediately post.We have a (mandatory) retouch session within 5 to 10 weeks to perfect the treatment.However, fading will always occur, sometimes evenly and sometimes unevenly.We will discuss appropriate colour selections to mitigate this.Under client candidacy you will find photos that show IN GENERAL the healing schedule and what to expect.Please keep in mind it is a general estimate.

What is the difference between microblading and permanent makeup?

The only difference is the technique and tool.Microblading and permanent makeup brows are both forms of cosmetic tattooing, with microblading lasting less time than other techniques.Microblading is only suitable for specific skin types and cannot be done repeatedly.I offer a variety of brow procedures, all of which are beautiful and natural looking.

Who should avoid having permanent make up done?

Please download and review my consent and waiver forms.They cover all facial treatments so don’t freak out at the number of questions!The PDF can be found under client candidacy.You must give careful consideration to anything you take, consume, or do that can cause a reaction, swelling, redness, etc.If I notice these during my work I will stop.My forms indicate the risks involved and they are no different from risks in any treatment where the skin is broken and something is introduced–such as regular tattoo, Botox and fillers, skin rejuvenation treatments.

Do I need to shave my brows first?

I work over the existing brow hair and incorporate it into your shape as best as possible.However, trimming may be necessary so I can see my work area better.Also, if you are looking for some slight reshaping and agree to maintenance, a removal of some brow hair may be necessary.

Can you help me achieve a look that I saw in a magazine?

Perhaps, provided it is in keeping with your facial contours and/or bone structure.I will not give you bigger lips, I will not tattoo on an eyeliner that may droop as you age, nor will I tattoo on brows that do not belong on your face.I ENHANCE what you have.Asymmetry of the face is to be expected.Every effort will be made to align your features.Facial animation, the aging process, your own expectations and wishes, along with some other factors, place limits on what is achievable.”Taking care of you”…aren’t just words—-the design process is an area where you need to trust me.

I have very sensitive skin and some allergies, can I still get permanent makeup?

Generally speaking, of course.But if you have these I recommend you come for a consultation (free) to have a patch test done of everything I use during treatment…to be safe.Read this section carefully, and review my forms under client candidacy.

What is your appointment policy?

Effective Fall 2019 require a $50 advance non-refundable deposit which is applied to your treatment.Clients who do not show up and/or who cancel within 24 hours will need to pay up front on any reschedule–this is because I am a by-appointment only studio.My appointments are on specific weekdays late afternoon/evenings and Saturdays.I take cash, eTransfer , most major credit cards or Paypal payments.Your treatment consists of an initial session, and a follow up session no sooner than 5 weeks and no later than 10 weeks.A set up fee applies to each touch up.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Ideally you will not have makeup on, but you may want to to have it on to show me your desired shape and colour.If you are seeking to have a brow, eyeliner or lip shape that has the potential to drastically change your appearance, will sag over time with your skin, or requires me to break standard “rules” for doing permanent makeup (i.e. connecting corners on eyeliner and at corners of lips, tattooing far outside your natural brow area, or giving you very thick or misplaced brows in order to achieve symmetry), I will respectfully decline service.Some light exfoliation to the area may be recommended.You will be asked to take an anti-viral medication if you have been prone to cold sores for any lip or eyeliner treatment.You may be asked to go off of certain supplements.I will not ask you to go off of any medications that will affect your health; however, a more careful treatment course might be planned for you.

What if I don't like my treatment?

At your appointment we pre-draw what you are looking for, based on the limitations stipulated above.I will take a photograph before and after.I do not begin work unless and until every segment of my consent and waiver forms have been signed and unless you have consented to the colour and shape.We have 2 sessions, possibly 3, to address any imperfections, fading, colour, shape, etc.I always aim to be conservative at the first session.I do not give refunds if you later decide you are unhappy.I can, however, remove your colour.Going to another artist after seeing me automatically releases you as a client.At all times, you must be completely honest on your consents and waivers.Sometimes the smallest things can be important.Informing me after the fact, as I am working does not help either of us.

I had my treatment done elsewhere and I want you to fix it.

Out of respect for your previous artist my first recommendation would be to give them the opportunity to fix what you do not like.However, if over a year has passed, I will discuss a plan of action for correction and/or removal/lightening of the colour.If you repeatedly seek out microblading services year after year, you will experience scarring (I am very selective on who I agree to perform microblading on).I may need to break that scarring down first if any colour is expected to remain at all in your skin.There are things like misplaced pigment and over saturation of colour that may not necessarily be the fault of the artist (see sections on after-care, as well as impact of lifestyle on the longevity of treatment).In the case of a removal I would prefer to know the age of the treatment, the pigment used, how often your work has been done and what your expectations are.I support all artists and, things can happen.This is why our consent and waiver forms are so detailed.However, it is also why every potential client should do their research…following photos, checking on credentials, speaking with others.

Who will you not treat?

I will not treat you if you have plans to be in the sun immediately after treatment.I cannot treat you if you are on chemotherapy, certain medications, supplements, including antibiotics (must be off for one month).I may elect not to do certain treatments if you are a regular substance user, including tobacco.If you are prone to cold sore outbreaks of any kind….you must take a prescription anti-viral pre-treatment before a lip tattoo.If you have had or plan to have waxing, injections (filler and Botox), please alert me.If you are a smoker (tobacco or elicit substances) your healing time will be affected.It does not rule you out as a candidate for permanent makeup, but you need to be advised of the expectations under such circumstances.

What can interfere with my treatment?

Things that may cause swelling, bruising under the skin (purpura), or excess bleeding are fish oils, Vit E supplements, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, garlic, as well as Vitamin C, K, B12, and folic acid deficiencies, some elicit substances.Other things include alcohol, caffeine (consumed close to session) ibuprofen, aspirin (including baby aspirin), NSAIDS, systemic cortico-steroids.

What if my colour fades completely?

As you can see, there are many things known and unknown which can affect the final results of your treatment.Very little is UNSAFE for you.It is the things that can affect results that concern me as an artist…so that you get what you want and to avoid problems.There are some (few) clients who will not hold pigment….often we can have a good idea why, sometimes it could be due to something you don’t even know.The same can occur with conventional tattooing, but the face is very different.There are times it could have to do with the depth and pressure of the artist, and that is another reason for retouch sessions.But an experienced artist is less likely to have depth issues than a newer artist.At the end of the day, my fees are affordable.I cannot offer a guarantee.The most important thing is the integrity of your skin.

I have noticeable asymmetry, can you fix this?

In some cases I can make the situation less noticeable, but I cannot change your face.If the asymmetry is significant Botox or filler may be your best course of action before a permanent makeup treatment.

What are the risks of an eyeliner tattoo?

Eyeliner is a beautiful, long lasting solution for people who have shaky hands, do not see well, want extra time in the morning, or who cannot wear cosmetics due to sensitivities.The eye area is very sensitive.Lids can be vascular and you have ducts at both corners of the eye, as well as glands surrounding the eye.While very rare, pigment migration can occur–this can occur with any tattoo. If observed during treatment, it can be fixed. Often it can occur years later.It is for this reason your artist must adhere to strict protocols to avoid this possibility.If you experience cold sores, I need to know.

What are the risks for a lip tattoo?

If you have a history of cold sore outbreaks, previous skin reactions or allergies, sometimes with a lip tattoo even a patch test can be insufficient.So in the case of a lip tattoo, a conservative approach on first treatment is recommended and sun exposure on this very delicate thin tissue must be avoided until the area is healed.An anti-viral MUST be taken a month pre-treatment if you have a history of such outbreaks.I have found that tobacco use and alcohol use CAN affect healing so please report these to me..no judgement.

Can you camouflage hyper/hypo-pigmentation, under eye circles and scars?

By November 2019 I will be able to correct some scarring.I will not do under eye circles and I will be limited in the scars I can address for reasons I can explain at a consultation.Only a well trained technician should be offering this procedure.I can perform treatments to break down scar tissue in advance of an areola tattoo or a brow procedure (too much microblading).

Feeling Inspired?

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Feeling Inspired?

See the results.

previous work

contact us

Feeling Inspired?

See the treatment gallery

Feeling Inspired?

See the
treatment gallery

previous work

contact us