Faq's
PERMANENT MAKEUP
Micropigmentation or Permanent Make-Up is a term used to describe facial cosmetic tattooing. Color pigments are placed just below the dermis of the skin for the purpose of creating definition to enhance the individual’s natural beauty. This service is custom designed for each individual client according to their face shape, skin-tone, eye colour, hair colour and most importantly, skin type. Semi-permanent make up as the name implies requires periodical maintenance to ensure the freshness of the look.
Every client has a new, single-use 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 container and then disposed of correctly.
Megan Botello chose to receive her certifications in the state of Utah where cosmetic tattooing is heavily regulated to ensure proper training. Megan Botello has held a state board license in cosmetology for over 10 years. Megan is insured and has also been certified in Blood Borne Pathogens.
Everybody has a different level of pain tolerance, but most clients are completely comfortable and relaxed during the appointment. You may feel slight discomfort, but the results will far outweigh this. You may take TYLENOL prior to the appointment, but NOT ASPRIN. A highly effective numbing solution is applied before and during the treatment to keep you feeling as comfortable as possible. Clients have compared the sensation to tweezing or threading your eyebrows. (I have quite a few clients fall asleep during the procedure)
Permanent Cosmetics are not safe for women who are pregnant or nursing. Pregnancy can cause undesirable results due to hormonal changes in the body.
Many different factors play a role in the lifespan of the implanted pigment.
Clients’ skin type plays the biggest role in longevity and the general outcome of the procedure. With oily Skin types, hair strokes may heal softer with a powder finish while drier skin types may heal more crips and defined. Darker pigments tend to last longer. Proper UVA/UVB protection will prevent colour from fading as quickly when in sunny climates.
Aggressive skin treatments such as laser, chemical peel, dermabrasion etc. can cause the pigment to fade prematurely.
Appointments are booked on a 2-3 hour basis, allowing for thorough consultation and treatment. Tattooing time varies for each treatment.
We begin by mapping out your new brow design with makeup and use various measuring devices to create ideal symmetry between both eyebrows. Over 5 years of micropigmentation
The 2-3 hour appointment is extremely interactive to help keep clients nerves at rest. My clients have access to a mirror throughout the entire appointment to check in and watch the process whenever they would like to. Healing is a simple process. There is no scabbing (just dry skin that contains pigment), no need to hide or take time off work, no down time at all. I send clients home with a moisturizing ointment to apply throughout the following 10 days.
Most clients leave the appointment with no redness. The numbing solution used during the appointment helps to control any swelling or redness which means you can continue your day with no funny looks or questions. Clients even come on their lunch hour and return to work directly after the appointment. Your results will vary depending on skin type, lifestyle and the immediate and long-term aftercare of your new tattoo. Once healed (after 4 weeks), the colour will reduce by 30-50 percent. Patchiness and lightness can be perfected during your second session known as the touch-up.
Most clients require 2 sessions to have their brows perfected. Touch up appointments can be made 6 weeks after your initial appointment with the online booking system. Clients with fuller brows may not need a touchup. Annual touch ups are highly recommended to maintain fresh looking results.
Your brow tattoo can last 1-3 years depending on sun exposure, lifestyle and skin type. Oily skin types tend to fade faster than dry skin types.
Previously Tattooed Eyeliner:
A consultation is required if you have had your eyeliner or lash liner previously tattooed.
Some health conditions are contraindications for permanent makeup. If you have any of the following, you may not be a candidate for a tattoo. Please email me if you have any questions or need clarification.
Diabetes with slow healing
Poor blood clotting
Illness such as flu or cold at time of appointment
Prone to keloid scarring
Epilepsy
High blood pressure
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Cancer or chemotherapy (requires oncologist’s approval)
Allergy to lidocaine
Highly sensitive skin or eyes
Please make sure you are healthy enough to be tattooed before booking an appointment! If you have any concerns about whether or not you are a good candidate for permanent makeup please email for a free consultation.
Yes – color retention and overall results are different for each individual.
Factors such as sun exposure, skin type, skin tone, FOLLOWING AFTERCARE, lifestyle and immune system determine how your permanent makeup will heal.
EYELASH EXTENSIONS
The Lash Extensions used are synthetic Mink, or Silk and are applied individually to the natural lash, with a medical grade adhesive that is fume, latex and formaldehyde free.
A full set will last as long as your natural lash cycle, which is anywhere from 4-6 weeks, depending on the individual. We recommend getting a fill anywhere between 2 and 3 weeks.
Our artists can apply a beautiful Full Classic Set of lashes in 120 minutes and a Volume Set in 120-180 minutes. We ask you to generally plan on 60-90 minutes for a fill as well. We like to remove any grown out lashes, clean them up, and make your lashes look brand new every time you come in. This will ensure the retention and life of your extensions.
YES! Although we don’t recommend wearing any mascara that isn’t extension safe or oil based products, as it will shorten the life of your lash extensions.
If you typically wear eyeliner, it is a good idea to switch it up since eyeliner is generally more difficult to remove. You can use a pointy Q-tip, dip in water, and then in black eyeshadow and create eyeliner that way. Much easier to remove without excess cleansers that can break down the lash glue.
We have extension safe mascaras available for purchase!
No! When applied properly (proper weight of fans per growth cycle of the lash being applied to), with perfect isolation and weight eyelash extensions will not harm your natural lashes.
Our lash artists are all experienced and certified, the most important thing to them is the integrity of your natural lash. During your initial consultation they will evaluate your natural lashes to ensure you get the lashes that work best for your natural lashes so that you will never have damage or breakage!
AVOID:
- Getting your lashes wet for 24 hours to allow the glue to cure.
- Steam, saunas, pools or other sources of moisture for 48 hours (no crying either)
- Cleansers, moisturizers, make-up remover and anything else that contains oil.
- Eyelash curlers
- Oil based mascara
- No rubbing, pulling or picking at lashes. This can cause permanent damage to your hair follicle.
- Brushing lashes when wet
DO:
- Cleanse daily with provided cleanser.
- Brush daily. It’s a good idea to keep a clean, protected lash wand with you at all times to keep extensions straight and avoid touching with fingers.
- Use oil free makeup.
- After showering, blot lashes dry. You may use a blow dryer on COOL. If you heat, you will frizzle the tips of the lash extensions.
- Try to sleep on your back.
- Sleep with a satin or silk pillowcase. Other materials such as cotton ect. can attach and pull at lashes.
- Please be prepared for your appointment.
- Please avoid caffeine the day of. This can make your eyes fluttery and it is difficult to achieve optimal results.
- Use the restroom before your appointment. You will be laying still for 1-3 hours. It’s best that you do not get up during the procedure.
- If you are able, please come with no eye makeup.
TEETH WHITENING
- First, the light. Hand held LED lights have minimal power. These are usually USB connections or battery operated. The light you need is a professional, dental grade LED light that runs on an outlet. This power ensures optimal results.
- Second, gum protection. Neither the home kits nor the whitening strips offer gum protection. I apply a barrier prior to applying the gel to ensure there is no unnecessary discomfort.
- Third, remineralization gel. Home kits do not offer any kind of restoring gel! Whitening your teeth opens the pores of the enamel causing some mineral loss. If these minerals are not restored it can cause pain, sensitivity, and more staining. I apply remineralization gel at the end of each appointment to help protect from sensitivity, pain and excess staining for the first 24 hours.
- Fourth, TIME! Home kits can take many sessions to see any results. Plus, excess whitening can cause long lasting sensitivity. I can get your teeth multiple shades brighter in just one hour!
Teeth whitening is a chair side service. I use gel that is the strongest on the market. The same gel a lot of dentists use.
I apply a barrier gel to protect your gums, then apply whitening gel to your teeth.
You will sit under the LED light for 10 minutes. The gel is removed and then reapplied two more times. Then, a remineralization gel is applied.
Sensitivity from tooth whitening is always transient. That means if there is any sensitivity caused by the whitening, it goes away within one to two days after the treatment, and the patient returns to the state of sensitivity he or she had prior to starting the whitening process
Most people are candidates for tooth whitening, but again, each situation is unique and it’s best to contact your dental professional.
Typically you can expect whitening to last from six months to two years, although some studies report results lasting up to ten years. Avoiding red wine, coffee, and smoking — all of which can cause staining — helps preserve the results.
Yes, many studies have proven that tooth whitening is safe. You can protect your tooth enamel by using calcium sulfate and fluoride.
Prices vary widely for tooth whitening. Over-the-counter kits can cost as little as $20, with extensive in-office procedures approaching up to $1,000. If you want professional whitening, expect the price to be around $300 to $800. If you want an at-home bleaching kit from your dentist, expect to pay between $300 and $600. We offer dental grade whitening for only $100.
Tooth whitening has little or no effect on restorative materials such as porcelain or crowns, but it may temporarily reduce the bond strength between enamel and composite restorations. This is why it’s a good idea to check with your dental professional before beginning any course of tooth whitening.
Products developed from carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and urea (substances found in every human cell), should be used cautiously to alleviate concern. Those who have issues are the ones who don’t follow instructions and overuse the products for months or years.
Whitening toothpastes typically only clean surface stains and don’t actually change the color of the teeth. There may be some visible results, but the teeth aren’t actually being whitened.
Yes! It is recommended to start using sensodyne one week prior to the whitening appointment to help decrease the chance of sensitivity.
PERMANENT MAKEUP REMOVAL
Most likely not. About 80% of my clients fall asleep and don’t report any type of discomfort at all. Other people metabolize the lidocaine (which is a numbing agent) quicker and they feel a little bit of discomfort and that’s okay. I have a secondary numbing gel that I can use throughout the procedure no matter what. It helps keep you numb and comfortable the whole entire time.
LASH ENHANCEMENT
Lash enhancement (also known as lash liner) is a tattoo meant to mimic eyeliner in the lash area. It is not winged or cat-eye liner, as the pigment is only deposited in between the lashes and along the lash line. It is done with a tattoo machine and very tiny needles and lasts 1.5-3 years. The pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as the client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur. To keep color fresh, it is recommended to come in for a touch up every 12-18 months.
Eyes appear brighter and more open/rested looking.
Lashes look fuller and darker.
Eliminate the need to put on eyeliner every morning.
Waterproof, sweat-proof and smudge-proof – perfect for active lifestyles.
Can benefit those who are unable to apply makeup due to vision issues or unsteady hands.
Saves time and money!
I do not offer lower lid liner as this area has a very high risk of pigment migration, even when done perfectly. This could create the look of a black eye or just a smudged look over time.
Lash enhancement tattoos take about two hours on average. You will spend about 25 minutes numbing and about an hour to an hour and a half getting the tattoo. The touch-up appointment will take about an hour and a half or less, depending on your retention.
Lash Enhancement lasts an average of 1.5-3 years. Individual results will vary and depend on lifestyle, skin type, sun exposure, beauty routine and products and more.
Before the procedure begins, a topical anesthetic is applied to the area to minimize discomfort, followed by a liquid anesthetic during the procedure. Some clients may feel a slight discomfort, but it’s relatively pain free for most. (Please note that if you are a frequent smoker, or have your appointment during your menstrual cycle, the pain level could be intensified.)
Some people may experience excessive watering of the eyes even if they do not feel any pain. Swelling is generally minimal and will look like you just had a bit of a cry.
Micro-Needling
Micro-needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT) is a new innovation in aesthetic medicine for treating the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and improvement of the skin’s overall appearance. During this procedure, a “pen” is used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to produce collagen and elastin. Automated micro-needling also creates superficial micro-channels through which topical gels, creams and serums can be penetrated deeper into the dermis to help improve the appearance of the skin.
Micro-needling can significantly reduce and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, acne scars, traumatic scars and stretch marks
All parts of the body, including the: face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen and back.
Initially, your skin care professional will apply topical lidocaine to numb the skin and ensure a comfortable and pain-free treatment. Then, a thin layer of topical gel is applied and the pen is gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in all directions until the entire treatment area has been covered.
The procedure takes 60-90 minutes depending on the size of the area treated.
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Immediately after the treatment you will notice a bright redness to the skin. The total healing time varies person to person. On average, patients are red up to 2 to 4 days. Many patients heal completely in as little as 24 hours.
Patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Results can continue to improve up to 6 months after a treatment as collagen production continues.
Some patients only require a single treatment once per year to achieve optimal results. However, it is recommended for most patients to receive a series of 3-4 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks or acne scars it is recommended to receive 6-8 sessions at 6-week intervals.
Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening
Plasma Skin Tightening is a revolutionary, non-invasive alternative treatment to traditional surgery. The treatment helps eliminate excessive tissue that causes sagging skin, unwanted wrinkles, stretch marks and even diminish scarring. It also diminishes the risk, pain and down-time associated with traditional invasive surgery.
Fibroblasts are cells in your skin that create collagen.
As we age, we lose fibroblast activity responsible for skin regeneration and collagen production. By Activating the fibroblasts with this procedure, we regenerate skin vitality.
Micro charges of plasma energy are applied to the skin in a non-contact way via a wand. This causes sublimation of the tissue in very superficial levels, eliminating excess tissue and reducing or in some cases even eliminating wrinkles and saggy tissue.
When anything solid turns into gas without becoming a liquid first it is called sublimation. The plasma pen device works by targeting a micro beam of plasma energy onto the skin. This causes skin retraction and tightening around that area only. The sublimation of the skin cell causes immediate tightening and through the healing of the micro wound that is caused the body’s natural healing process produces more collagen to plump, tighten and firm the treated area. The treatment is so precise that only a 1-2mm treatment spot is created.
A topical anesthetic is applied to the area to be treated as the procedure can be a little uncomfortable. A slight burning sensation can be felt as the skin becomes heated. The anesthetic helps to make this treatment tolerable.
Scalp Micro-pigmentation/SMP
Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-invasive treatment that uses detailed micro-needles to deposit pigment into the scalp. The result creates the appearance of tiny hair follicles or short hair stubble. If you are starting to thin, recede, or if you are completely bald, we can give you the look of a short buzz cut.
Our pricing is based on the level of hair loss, which is different for each client. Typically, the price ranges between $2,500 – $4,000. We recommend setting up a free consultation so our team can evaluate your case and provide a personalized price quote based on your hair loss needs.
Scalp micropigmentation should never be considered a one treatment process. Most clients can expect between 2-4 sessions to complete their treatment depending on the extent of hair loss or scarring. These treatments are usually spaced about 10-20 days apart.
The Scalp Micropigmentation treatment typically takes 2-4 hours per session depending on your degree of hair loss. Most clients can expect between 2-4 sessions to complete their treatment depending on the extent of hair loss or scarring. These treatments are usually spaced about 10-20 days apart.
After completion of your treatment (2-4 sessions) a client should expect the strength of the color to last for many years. Over a longer term, a client will very gradually begin to notice slight lightening (not discolor) of the treatment. When this occurs they can undergo a brief “touch up” session to restore any fading and secure many more years of their style.
Scalp micropigmentation has become such an effective hair loss solution because of its consistently natural and undetectable results.
Scalp micropigmentation is non-invasive and requires no down time. In most cases, you will not need to take any extended time away from work, school, or other functions. After treatment it is common to notice slight redness on the scalp for 2-3 days post session. This redness subsides quickly and most clients return to work either right away or within a couple days. Clients are also allowed to wear hats or head wear should they feel the need.
If you are unsure of what style or type of hairline will work for you, your treatment specialist will be there to help. With artistic experience on how to fit a hairline to head shape and age, your specialist can help recommend what’s best. Over the course of your sessions you can also tweak and adjust the hairline for a perfect result.
Scalp Micro-pigmentation is a form of permanent cosmetics or permanent makeup. Often referred to as a cosmetic hair or scalp tattoo, this treatment typically lasts 4-6 years. After that time, a client may experience some slight fading, to which they can come back in for a quick touch up. This cosmetic solution will not wash off but can be tweaked as years go on. We always recommend meeting with our team of experienced expert practitioners to discuss your treatment options.
No. Scalp micro-pigmentation is a form of permanent cosmetics, but unlike tattoo ink, the pigment is designed to fall within the same color spectrum of short cut hair. The pigment contains no additional colorants or additives and will only lighten, not discolor over an extended time.
Scalp micro-pigmentation also utilizes different equipment than traditional tattooing, ensuring the needle and machine are designed specifically for micro-pigmentation of the scalp.
Depending upon the pattern and extent of the thinning hair, some clients are able to maintain a longer length of hair. Scalp pigmentation can help thicken areas so that less of the scalp is seen showing through. However, if there is a strong pattern of hair loss or just not a lot of hair density left, the client is recommended to crop it shorter.
Yes, those with gray hair can still benefit from the scalp micropigmentation procedure. First, most clients are recommended to cut their hair to a short buzzed length. When this is done, gray hair does not appear as gray because the hair root itself is darker. Hair only shows gray as it gets longer. Second, we use a gray-scale pigment that can be adjusted in shade to blend with lighter hair tones. We simply create a lighter dilution for blending into the existing gray hairs.
Yes! By replicating tiny hair follicles inside the scarring and blending the color around the scarring area, transplant and surgical scars can see massive improvement in concealment.
Yes! We are able to match the shade of our pigment to a wide range of skin tones. Whether you are Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Pacific Islander and much more…scalp micropigmentation can work for you.
We recommend no heavy sweating or intense exercise for 4-5 days after your scalp micro-pigmentation treatment.
For most clients, the pain is minimal and it’s consistently less painful than traditional tattoos. After your session, you won’t experience any further discomfort.
Scalp Micropigmentation is used to add density to thinning areas. We are able to add thickness to common areas like the crown, hair parting and more. For people that are using scalp micropigmentation to rebuild their hairline, we recommend keeping your hair short for a more balanced look.
The equipment used for a scalp treatment is considered micropigmentation or “permanent cosmetic” equipment. There are many different brands and designs and equipment includes a digital power source for the insertion of pigment. Most technicians of Scalp Micropigmentation use different equipment than standard tattoo artists to ensure the deposits are delicately placed at the appropriate depth in the skin.
Clients can continue using Propecia during and after their scalp pigmentation procedure. Rogaine (topical minoxidil) should be suspended during the course of treatment and for 30 days post your final session. This is to ensure the proper healing and settling of pigment without interference of the chemicals found in Rogaine foam.
Yes! We use our specialized scalp micropigmentation technique to deposit color matched pigment into the scar to reduce visibility.
No, we offer free consultations for anyone looking to learn about how scalp micropigmentation can help their hair loss.
Scalp Micropigmentation is not just a traditional tattoo. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a form of permanent cosmetics, but unlike tattooing or permanent makeup, the treatment replicates the look of short cut hair by using pointillism techniques. Scalp Micropigmentation utilizes different equipment than traditional tattooing, ensuring the needle and machine are designed specifically for micropigmentation of the scalp.
We recommend no scrubbing, shampooing, or shaving over the treated area for 4-5 days after your scalp micropigmentation treatment.
Yes, you can wear a hat or a skullcap after your scalp micropigmentation treatment is complete. However, we hope you won’t be wearing them as much!
We recommend you try to avoid chlorinated pools, saunas, steam rooms, and tanning beds for 28 days post final scalp micropigmentation session.
There are three main differences between Scalp Micropigmentation vs. Tattooing:
1. We are depositing pigment into the skin at a shallower depth than tattoos, only about 2mm into the dermis
2. We are strictly making small micro dots through pointillism method, not shading or drawing lines
3. We use only a black pigment which is much more diluted than typical tattoo inks. For this reason, it won’t break down to different colors or look too saturated once it heals
No, the scalp micropigmentation treatment will not grow your hair back. However, the SMP treatment will give you the look of short hair or a tight buzz-cut. We recommend keeping your hair at a shorter length to create the most natural outcome.
After the first scalp micropigmentation session, your treatment will fade which is completely normal. In the second and third sessions, we add more density to create a fuller look. Pigment retention varies for each person and some may notice more fading that others.
© 2024 Megan Botello Permanent Cosmetics
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