• Retinol/Retin-A must be discontinued 7 days before the procedure. (It will cause the skin to bleed).

• Injections (Botox, Radiesse, Juvederm, Voluma, etc.) must be done at least 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the procedure.

• Chemical peels and laser treatments may not be done within 60 days before or after the procedure.

• No alcohol, ibuprofen, or caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment. This will increase blood flow which leads to poor color retention and imperfect results.

• No working out the morning of your appointment. This can lead to poor retention.

• No tanning for a week before your appointment. Cosmetic procedures cannot be done on sun-damaged skin.

• No tweezing or waxing 3 days before your appointment

• Retinol/Retin-A must be discontinued 7 days prior to the procedure. (It will cause the skin to bleed).

• Injections (Botox, Radiesse, Juvederm, Voluma, etc.) must be done at least 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the procedure.

• Chemical peels and laser treatments may not be done within 60 days before or after the procedure.

• No alcohol, ibuprofen, or caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment. This will increase blood flow, leading to poor color retention and imperfect results.

• No working out the morning of your appointment. This can lead to poor retention.

• No tanning for a week before your appointment. Cosmetic procedures cannot be done on sun-damaged skin.

• Please don't wear contact lenses during or immediately following your eyeliner procedure. Remember to bring your glasses. You may resume wearing your contact lenses when your eyes return to their pre-treated condition.

• The use of Latisse® must be discontinued at least 3 months before your eyeliner procedure. Latisse® produces an inflammatory reaction in the skin, which can cause excessive pain and bleeding. If you use Latisse®, your eyeliner will not take properly.

• Do not use other growth stimulants such as RapidLash®, or RevitaLash® for at least one week before or one week after your eyeliner procedure.

• Lash extensions must be removed completely before your eyeliner procedure. If you have lash extensions, I will not be able to do your eyeliner. Lash extensions pose a danger to your eyes during the permanent makeup procedure.

• Since the lips have delicate skin, they may be swollen or have redness around them. I advise you not to make social plans on the day of your appointment.

• Please bring your favorite lip color to your appointment or a photo for reference.

• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen in the 2 days before your appointment.

• Do not discontinue any medication before consulting with your doctor.

• Do not consume alcohol in the 2 days before your treatment.

• Do not use 1% Retin A skincare products close to the area to be treated for 6 weeks before your procedure.

• Do not use AHA skincare products close to the area to be treated for 4 weeks before your procedure.

• Avoid professional chemical peels close to the procedure site for 4 weeks before your procedure.

• Moisturize your lips well every day for at least 7 days before your procedure. We advise drinking plenty of water to avoid lips drying out and to help with the healing process.

• I recommend doing a gentle lip scrub 1 week and also 2 days before your procedure. You can use a homemade scrub (mix coconut oil and sugar). This will help to achieve better results during the procedure.

• If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex) and are scheduling a lip enhancement, I advise you to use anti-herpes medication (for example Zovirax ointment) that can be obtained from a doctor. Use the medication 5 days prior and 5 days after your appointment 5 times a day to reduce the incidence of outbreak by 50%. Oral anti-herpes medication (available on prescription) will control the incidence of an outbreak more or less completely. Micropigmentation does not cause cold sores, however, if you carry the virus, it lays dormant in the nervous system and can be aroused by the treatment process.

• IPL laser hair removal around the mouth should be carried out no less than 2 weeks before your procedure.

• Waxing and bleaching treatments should be performed no less than 2 weeks before your procedure.

• Electrolysis treatments should be performed no less than 4 weeks before your procedure.

• Dermal fillers in the lip should be performed no less than 4 weeks before your procedure.

• Always wash your hands before cleaning piercings.

• Use a sterile saline solution to clean around the piercing 1-2 x a day until healed. Make sure to get any “crusties” off.

• Rinse with water if the saline is drying on your skin, then dry with a clean paper product

• Do not move or rotate the piercing

• Make sure to come back for the downsize!

External:

• Always wash your hands before cleaning piercings.

• Use a sterile saline solution to clean around the piercing. Make sure to get any “crusties” off.

• Rinse with water if the saline is drying on your skin, then dry.

• 1-2 x a day until healed

Internal:

• Keep up with your usual oral hygiene routine (brush, floss, mouth rinse 2x a day)

• Rinse thoroughly with water any time after you eat, drink, or smoke

• Do not play with or bite the piercing.

• The piercing will “nest” in your mouth, but it should not embed. Gently use your tongue to prevent this from happening.

WHAT TO DO TO HELP REDUCE SWELLING

• Allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth.

• Take an over the counter anti-inflammatory according to package instructions.

• Don’t speak or move your jewelry more than necessary.

• Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights.

EATING

• Take your time eating until you are used to the piercing and the jewelry is downsized

• Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods or beverages for the first two weeks (no specific foods need to be avoided).

• Cold foods and beverages can be soothing and help reduce swelling.

• For lip piercings: be cautious about opening your mouth too wide, as this can result in the jewelry catching on your teeth.

Ear/Ear Cartilage and Facial:

• Clean bedding and pillowcases are important to prevent germs from entering the piercing, especially if you have pets sleeping with you.

• Surfaces like phones, headphones, eyeglasses, etc can be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant. Items like hats, scarves, headbands, etc should be washed regularly. Try to avoid anything putting pressure directly on the new piercing

• Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing.

• Sleeping directly on a healing cartilage piercing can cause irritation bumps and will shift the piercing’s angle.

• Avoid using face/beauty products on a healing piercing and be careful of snagging.

Navel:

• You can cover your piercing to protect it from excess irritation and physical trauma from activities like sports, or tight clothing. Do not let clothes directly rub against it and be careful of snagging.

Nipples:

• The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

Genital:

• Genital Piercings – especially Triangles, Prince Alberts, Ampallangs, and Apadravyas – can bleed freely for the first few days. Be prepared. Additional cleaning after urination is not necessary

• Wash your hands before touching (directly or near-by) a healing piercing.

• In most cases you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready, but maintaining hygiene and avoiding trauma are vital; all sexual activities should be gentle during the healing period.

• Use barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc. to avoid contact with your partners’ body fluids, even in long-term monogamous relationships.

• Use protection on sex toys, too.

• Use a new container of water-based lubricant; do not use saliva.

• Showering after intercourse is suggested.

Surface Anchors:

• These piercings require maintenance during their entire lifetime because matter can build up underneath the threaded top causing the piercing to become irritated. Saline and/or shower rinses may be helpful with removing matter from underneath the threaded top.

• Avoid putting makeup on these piercings even after healing.

• Even with proper care, surface anchors may be less permanent than other body piercings.