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Home > FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below questions and answers to common questions. If the information included below does not answer your specific question, please feel free to contact us using our enquiry form and we will be delighted to assist.
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What is cosmetic tattooing / Semi-permanent make up?Cosmetic tattooing, sometimes referred to as Semi permanent make up or SPMU is where coloured pigment is implanted into the skin, using a sterile needle cartridge, producing make up which will last for several years. It is very much different to a traditional tattoo.
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What is medical tattooing?Medical Tattooing, sometimes referred to as medical micropigmentation, is the process of implanting coloured pigment into the skin to recreate definition, shading and colour.
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Do I have to pay a deposit if I wish to book an appointment?For all bookings we require 50% of the treatment price to secure an appointment. The balance is due on the day of the treatment and we accept cash or bank transfer.
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Is the treatment Permanent or Semi-Permanent?Cosmetic and medical procedures are considered both permanent and semi-permanent. Permanent, because the pigment components will always be in the skin, although not visible to the eye. Semi-permanent, as the colour will fade, and therefore periodical visits are needed to refresh the colour. Factors that contribute to colour fading are: age, exposure to the sun, health, certain medications and the use of facial products containing exfoliation properties.
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What aftercare will I have to follow?Your technician will give you all of the appropriate aftercare in full after your treatment and discuss this with you prior to your treatment starting. After treatment you may experience some swelling/redness for up to 48 hours after your treatment. During the healing process you will experience some scabbing of the area. Please do not pick at the area as this may risk infection or pulling pigment out of the area. Try to keep the area as dry as possible during the healing process. We recommend you do not swim, sunbathe or use a sauna/jacuzzi for 2 weeks after the procedure.
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Do medical and cosmetic tattooing treatments hurt?Some clients feel no sensation at all, others feel mild discomfort. Topical numbing is used to control discomfort if required. Clients say that having a procedure is comparable to having their eyebrows tweezered or their legs waxed.
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Will I have to take time off work?No, you can go into work the same day if need be. For Medical Tattoo either a dressing may be needed for the first 48 hours. If no dressing is needed, the area may look red and/or slightly swollen. Lips and eyes are the areas that may swell, so it is advisable to have your treatment at least 48 hours before an important event.
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Can I have treatment while I am breastfeeding or pregnant?Unfortunately not, we are not insured to carry out treatment during this time.
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I have Vitiligo and am interested in medical tattooing, am I a suitable candidate?A colour patch test on the skin will be required before treatment commences, however, your Vitiligo should not be changing, expanding or have spread for 7 years before you can have this treatment, a requirement set by UK insurance companies.
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Will I need a colour boost and when will I know when?You will need a colour boost when either the area is 50% faded, or the colour starts to change.
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What are the risks with this treatment?Medical and cosmetic tattooing is not without risks although they are minimal. With all treatments there is a risk of infection. To minimise this risk the aftercare needs to be adhered to which will be explained during your consultation and after your treatment. A dressing can be applied to some areas to help reduce the risk.
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Where do you offer treatments?We have two locations where we offer treatment; Harley Street in London & Worthing, West Sussex
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Do I have to have a consultation?Yes. This is a really important part of the treatment, both for you and for us. This is very much an opportunity to ask us any questions and discuss any concerns, and we in turn will take time to fully explain the treatment, what it entails and if the treatment is suitable for you. You will also be advised how many treatments are recommended For convenience, we offer virtual consultations which are free and with no obligation. If you require a patch test as part of your consultation, there will be a charge.
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Why is there a difference in price between other clinics?As a premier medical and cosmetic tattoo specialist with over 20 years of experience and expertise, our pricing may vary when compared to new artists/clinics.
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Can someone accompany me to my appointment?You will be able to have one person accompany you as long as they are over 18. We are not insured to have children age 18 and under in our clinics. Please do not arrive for an appointment with a child, as they are not allowed in reception on their own, and they are not allowed in the treatment room. This is for the safety of your child and the management of your appointment and treatment.
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Do I need an allergy test?An allergy test is offered. You can elect to waiver the test and have the procedure immediately. A test can be carried out 24 hours prior to treatment to see if there is any sign of an immediate allergic reaction. 99.9% of people do not have any reaction at all. A test is no guarantee you will not have a reaction at any time in the future. Allergic reactions to pigments and topicals are exceedingly rare. If you have any apprehension and wish to discuss any medical contra-indications please feel free to telephone and discuss these, or discuss them during a consultation.
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Can I have an MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) after treatment?Numerous studies have shown that even for people who have large body tattoos there is little to or no irritation. It is recommended that you inform the MRI specialist prior to a treatment that you have had a micropigmentation procedure.
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Can I still have Facial Laser Treatments (Laser Hair Removal) after treatment?Yes but NOT on the micropigmented area. A laser passing over a micropigmentated procedure may alter the colour. It is important to advise the LHR specialist.
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Can I have injectables after treatment?You can have injectables e.g. Botox, Restylane etc but SPMU must either be done 6 weeks prior or 6 weeks post.
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Can I give blood after treatment?The Red Cross states that blood cannot be given for 6 months after a micropigmentation procedure.
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