Cosmetic Tattoo Frequently Asked Questions

Ther are various things that need to be avoided weeks leading up to your comedic tattoo procedures.  For instance, any fillers, Dysport or Botox to the general area that you will have your procedure done, should be completed 2 weeks prior. Avoid chemical peels, lasers, microdermabrasion, retinols, alpha hydroxy. Be sure to check for similar acids in cleansers, creams, serums and scrubs to that area 1-2 weeks prior to your treatment.  If you are on Accutane, you must wait 6 months after your last treatment.  Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning at least one week prior.  Alcohol and caffeine are best avoided 48 hours prior to the procedure. Disregard the use of Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen, (Tylenol is ok) Niacin, Vitamin E, Omega3 Fish Oil and CoQ10 48 hours before the procedure.  If you are on any blood thinners, please contact your doctor and see if it is safe for you to discontinue use of them a few days leading up to your procedure. If you have any other major health issues or procedures occurring around that time, please consult with your doctor or call us and let us know your concerns. You may need to obtain clearance from your doctor if you are diabetic, have cancer, epilepsy, autoimmune disorder, circulatory disorders, or bleeding disorders. You should not be on antibiotics 10 days before, during or after your procedure. If you have EVER had herpes simplex 1, otherwise known as fever blisters or cold sores at any time in your life, please get a prescription from your doctor for Valtrex. You will need to start taking the pills approximately 5 days before and after your lip blushing procedure. You should avoid permanent makeup if you tend to keloid scar. Working out should be avoided the day of and the day prior to your procedure. If you are pregnant of breastfeeding, you must wait until you no longer are to have any cosmetic tattoo procedure. Please contact us should you have any further questions.

The initial procedure takes approximately 3 hours. The first hour is designated to a consultation where you will discuss your desires, you will then be mapped out as to how your brows will be best suited for your facial features, you will work with your artist to see what type of style you prefer. We recommend allowing a 3 1/2 hour window for your appointment. We likely will not need that much time, but our artists like to take as much time as a client may need. You will never feel rushed at Rebecca Ryan Studio, and we want you to leave completely satisfied. You will come in for a follow up, which is usually 6-8 weeks after your initial session to perfect your brows, this appointment should only be about 1 1/2 hours. Annual touch-ups are usually also about 1 1/2 hours. If you come for a touch up beyond 18 months, a little more time will be needed, as more fading is to be expected.

Some of our guests say that they do not experience any pain during their procedure; though, some  say there is slight discomfort associated with the procedure. A topical anesthetic is used to numb the area, and then can be reapplied as needed. If you are extra sensitive, or experiencing pain during the procedure, please let your artist know, and they will try to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.

Immediately after your appointment, you will be given aftercare instructions, as well as a care package specifically developed by Rebecca Ryan. Rebecca has had years of experience in perfecting the aftercare procedure, ensuring you will never scab during the healing process. Please follow the directions carefully, as the aftercare is extremely important.  When you apply your aftercare, please make sure your hands are clean and dry, everything you need to know will be given to you in the aftercare package and instruction envelope. You will have to keep your brows from getting wet, excessively sweaty, dirty, sunburnt and free from makeup, creams (other than our aftercare cream), retinols, alpha hydroxy, glycolic acid, scrubs etc. for at least 10 days and on that area, as these products will fade your brows prematurely. Avoid heavy cleaning, housework or gardening so debris will not get into your brow. No working out and getting sweaty, this will have to wait! Avoid saunas, hot tubs, long steamy showers, tanning, and the sun for at least 10 days. Do not pick, peel or touch your brows, other than to apply your aftercare with clean, dry hands, as you want the pigment to settle properly and keep them as sanitary as possible. 

No! There’s no downtime associated with the treatment of microblading. Redness and swelling are no different than when you get a facial and will dissipate within an hour after. Your brows will appear darker initially or for a couple of days, but not so dark that you will be prevented from your activities of daily living. 

Your PMU brows are considered semi-permanent. To ensure that your brows stay looking fresh, we suggest maintaining your touch ups every 12-18 months to keep the hair like strokes looking beautiful and crisp. Please refer to the microblading pricing list to see the pricing timeline. Lip blushing and eyeliner enhancement often last 2-5 years.

Though healing times vary from person to person, after 10 days, your brows are considered healed. However, in the next month, your brows will go through various changes such as darkening, lightening, and even patchiness; this is perfectly NORMAL, so please do not worry. Your brows just need some time for the skin to heal properly and for the pigment to settle. Your brows will look perfect again soon, or they may not change at all.  Any concerns will be addressed in your follow up session 6-8 weeks after your initial appointment, (please note, that follow up sessions typically are only proceeding the first sessions). The number one thing we cannot stress enough is please follow every aftercare procedure and protocol. Take time to refer to the aftercare instructions you were given, and see above to refer back. Once they’re healed, you can treat them as your own. 

All the colors are iron-oxide based and have been FDA approved. A wide range of colors are available so that Rebecca can help you choose what works best for your facial and hair color. 

There are several things we can do to tweak your brows, whether it be darkening, or adding a few strokes or adjusting the thickness, or change the shape. Though your eyebrows can only be modified to some degree. Our artists won't stop until you are satisfied with your results. If you feel as if you need an adjustment after your touch up or follow up session, please make sure the proper time has passed in order for proper healing and pigment to settle, which is about 30-45 days from the date of your procedure, and we will be happy to address your issues. If all else fails, we offer laser tattoo removal which can either lighten or fully remove PMU eyebrows. Additional charges may apply.

Rebecca Ryan Studio is conveniently located in Warrington, Pa, in Bucks County, close to Doylestown, and just outside of Philadelphia.  We serve clients from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Florida, California and all over the country. We at Rebecca Ryan Studio and Med Spa strive to ensure your satisfaction with your permanent makeup procedure. We appreciate your interest in Rebecca Ryan Studio and Med Spa, we look forward to working with you!