FAQS | Tracey Annai

FAQs

Q: What is semi-permanent makeup?

It is an advanced form of cosmetic tattooing, the pigments are inserted into the dermal layer of the skin meaning they cannot be washed off and periodic maintenance (usually an annual colour boost) is needed as they will fade over time. They are not like a normal tattoo that goes deeper into the skin which is why a normal tattoo is permanent.
The other terms used for these procedures are micropigmentation, PMU (permanent make-up) semi-permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoos.

Q: How long does semi-permanent makeup last?

The results of semi-permanent makeup can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the service and individual factors such as skin type and lifestyle.Usually a couple of years but everyone is different. We recommend seeing clients for an annual top-up which is approximately half the cost of the original procedure and only one appointment.

Q Is it a painful procedure?

Most clients say no, some even fall asleep during a procedure. We all have different pain thresholds but we do everything in our power to make all our clients comfortable by using the best and most effective topical anaesthetics and taking every precaution to make each client as comfortable as possible, no one has ever not had a procedure done because they found it painful. Sometimes scratchy but not painful.

Q: What is the after care procedure?

Avoid touching, scratching or picking the treated area.
Always wash and dry your hands before and after handling the treated area.
Please try to wash your hair in the bath-tub rather than in the shower to avoid getting the treated area wet.
Do not get the treated area wet for at least 2 weeks.
Sleep on your back.
Do not use any type of skin products, creams, washes, make-ups, on the treated area for 7-14 days. Only use the Vitamin A&D Ointment.
A small layer of healing cream should be applied gently at night, to prevent drying out and cracking of the skin.
Swimming, sunbeds and sunbathing should be avoided for at least month until the area has fully healed.
Do not drink alcohol in excess for the first 5 days after the treatment.
Avoid exercise for the first 5 days after treatment so you do not sweat excessively.
After approximately two weeks all the dryness should have gone.

Q: How many treatments are needed?

If this is the first time having a procedure it is always a two appointment process. The first appointment when we do a full consultation, discuss what you want to achieve, shape, colour etc, fill in medical questionnaire, consent form, go through aftercare and give you your aftercare instructions and aftercare balms to take home with you and then do the treatment or several treatments all at the same time is a longer appointment. Approximately a month later you will return for a top up which is included in the price as there will always be some fade as well as allowing us to put more colour in so it lasts longer. As our motto is to err on the side of caution it gives you on your top up/second appointment to decide to go thicker, longer, darker once you have got used to your new semi permanent make up. Of course a month between appointments is not set in stone, we adjust to fit in with your diary or visits to London.

As long as you are over 18 and care about how you look you will benefit from these procedures, a lot of clients who do not usually wear make up but want to look fresh and natural will have semi permanent make up done subtly to enhance their eyebrows, eyes and lip colour. We have every colour you can imagine and can do procedures that no one will notice except to tell you the “you look well!” It is very convenient if you cannot see well or have normal make up allergies. Most of us want to wake up looking great without having to apply conventional make up and it saves time for our busy lives and we just want to look our best at all times. We can choose to be as subtle or as strong as we like and you can always add more conventional make up if you are going out to a function or just want a stronger look. The colour we choose for your lips does not limit the colours of lipstick you can use afterwards.

I do many procedures from beauty to medical and usually the healing time is approximately a week, some people heal in 4-5 days and some up to 9-10 days. It depends also on what you have had done eg a beauty spot or subtle eyeliner will take less time than a full lip colour.
The colour you leave with is stonger than the healed result. We show you on your skin what the colour will fade to so you know what to expect and that helps you with colour choice, we are here to advise and show you what will suit your skin tone and colouring. You will usually lose 40-50% of the colour on eyebrows and eyeliner and 50-70% of the colour on your lips. Your semi permanent make up will look like strong going out make up in the first few days.

Q: Who we cannot treat?

Pregnant or breastfeeding
Patients that at present undergo cancer treatment ( doctor note will be required after cancer is cleared)
Patients with active cold sore on the day of appointment
Diabetics are required permission from their doctor in righting
Auto immune disorders – doctor permission will be required
Patients who had a botox done to the area less than 2 weeks prior
Patients who has a healing problems
Severe depression

If you have any conditions that you think may inhibit your treatment please call to discuss prior to booking.

Q: How long is the appointment for?

The procedure for semi permanent makeup is between 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the treatment you are having done and the client having the procedure.