What is a Cosmetic Tattoo?

Also known as Semi-Permanent Makeup, Micropigmentation, Microblading, etc; Cosmetic Tattooing is the process of implanting colored pigment into the dermis layer of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of makeup to enhance the natural features of the face. Even though it is labeled as a "tattoo", it is not as permanent as a traditional body tattoo.

How long does it last?

Cosmetic Tattoos are permanent in the sense that the results won't wash off. However, your body will naturally metabolize the pigment over the years. It generally lasts 3 - 5 years (less for oily skin). Cosmetic Tattoo pigments are implanted in the Epidermal / Dermal junction layer of the skin. The Epidermis is responsible for our cell turnover -the continuous process of shedding dead skin cells and subsequently replacing them with younger cells. This causes the pigment to lighten over time with each cell replacement. The rate for the average individual in their 20's is about 28 days, & slows down with age. This means that the results will last longer on mature skin than it would on younger skin. Body tattoo pigments are implanted in the lower Reticular layer of the skin. Pigments implanted here are less affected by the cellular turnover process and does not fade over time. Overall, this means that any skincare product that speeds up your cell turnover rate (AHA's, BHA, retinols, etc) will also speed up the fading process of your results. Listed below are internal / external factors that will affct the longevity of your results (not limited to):

• Skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily; oily skin tends to fade quicker)
• Skin Characteristics (thickness, sun-damaged, chemically damaged)
• Skin Conditions (sensitized, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea)
• Medications
• Natural skin undertones mixing with the pigment color
• Personal pH balance of the skin, tanning booths, fruit acids, AHA's & BHA use
• Alcohol intake, smoking, & sun exposure (just like salt water & sun fading your hair dyes & color, it will also fade the pigments quicker)
• Following proper pre- & post- instructions
• Color density & style choice

Pigment information

Our line of pigments are carbon based, & contain no nickel or heavy metals. The ingredients are a combination of powdered pigments, glycerin, witch hazel, isopropyl, alcohol, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, aqua, rosin, & DMDM hydantoin. These are safe, non-reactive substances which have been specifically designed & manufactured for implantation into the human skin. They are gamma-ray sterilized, vegan, & cruelty-free.

Why do some people have red, blue, or purple eyebrows?

When cosmetic tattoos fade to funky unsightly colors over time, it means that low-quality were used, or that the technician did not have a thorough understanding of color theory. Does this mean that our results will fade to unsightly colors? No they will not. In addition to using quality pigments, our technicians are properly trained in color threory. Color selection for each individual client is based on the following:

• Skin complexion
• Color of natural eyebrow hairs
• Density of eyebrow hairs
• Client's preferred style (natural, bold, etc)
• Client's skintype

Microblading vs. Ombre Powdered

Microblading and Ombre Powdered eyebrows are both forms of Cosmetic Tattooing. The biggest difference between the two are the finished results and the techniques used to achieve them. Microblading Microblading uses a manual handheld pen-like tool with a blade at the tip composed of tiny needles, this blade is dipped into pigment then slices the skin to make a controlled incision to mimick a hair stroke. Ombre Powdered To achieve ombre powdered eyebrows, an electronic handheld machine implants the pigment beneath the skin with a single sterile needle (different needle sizes may be used for different styles) by entering and exiting the skin at high speeds. This style is meant to mimic eyebrow makeup.

Why have you discontinued Microblading services?

Microblading results will look beautiful immediately after the procedure, but the nature of this technique will cause the hair strokes to blur out and eventually fuse together. This is not a graceful fading process and can look a bit blotchy, whereas Ombre Powdered results will shrink over time as they are until they completely dissipate. Over the years, we have found that majority of our correction work is over previous microblading procedures, and that these clients have accumulated more residual scar tissue build up from the blade being dragged into the skin, making their corrections a lot more difficult to complete. Overall, we have decided to solely specialize in the Ombre Powdered technique, and have discontinued microblading services for the following reasons:

• Ombre is less invasive, preserving the skin's integrity
• Ombre is suitable for all skin types, and results are more predictable
• Microblading requires more frequent touch up appointments, adding to scar tissue build up
• With each touch up appointment, microblading over the same stroke over and over again will cause the stroke to widen and heal thicker each time

Am I eligible to receive treatment?

Unfortunately, this treatment is not suitable for everyone and due to health restrictions and medications, you may not be eligible for cosmetic tattooing. Our client's health is our number one priority, and for your safety, we will not perform any procedure on clients who are not eligible. Please review the contraindications list below PRIOR to booking your appointment, if you arrive to your appointment with any contraindications to the procedure, your appointment will be cancelled and your deposit forfeited. You are NOT eligible for this procedure if you:

• Are under the age of 18 years old
• Are diabetic
• Are pregnant or lactating
• Are epileptic, or experience fainting spells or seizures
• Have allergies to pigment or makeup
• Have allergies to numbing anesthetic ingredients
• Have Glaucoma and/ or are taking blood thinning medications
• Have active skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis on the treatment area
• Have active skin cancer in the treatment area
• Experience post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation
• Have undiagnosed rashes or blisters on the treatment area
• Have transmittable blood conditions (Hepatitis, HIV, etc)
• Have mitral valve disorder
• Have taken accutane within one year
• Have had radiotherapy or chemotherapy within 42 days of treatment

Do you accept walk ins?

We do not accept walk-ins, all services are by appointment only.

Do you offer consultations?

Face to face consultations will be done on the day of the procedure, prior to starting the appointment. However, if you’d like our professional advice prior to booking your appointment, please submit an Online Consultation form and we will get back to you as soon as possible with our recommendations. Most questions and information regarding the procedure can be found here on our website. Eyebrow Online Consultation Lip Blush Online Consultation

How do I book an appointment?

• Ensure that you are eligible for treatment. Your health is our number one priority, and for your safety, we will not perform any procedure on clients who are not eligible due to health restrictions.

• Click the BOOK NOW button, or click here to select your preferred date/ time & submit your appointment request. By scheduling an appointment, you agree that you have read and fully understand our policies and are free of any contraindications to the procedure.

LIPS - Preparing for your appointment

For clients with any history of cold sores/ fever blisters/ herpes (even if it was when you were a child), contact your physician and request a prescription for Zovirax, Valtrex, or Famvir. Please take precaution and still take the medication if you are unsure if you've had cold sores/ herpes at any point in your life. Take the prescription 2 days before the procedure, the day of the procedure, and 2 days following the procedure as directed. Repeat for all lip blush procedures. The trauma and stress caused on the lip tissue WILL cause an outbreak if you have any history of cold sores/ herpes and do not prep with medications. This will result in a very unsightly healing process, and will affect the results dramatically. **Dentures, braces, and tongue piercings may increase risk of bacterial infection. **If you've had any type of lip surgery, please consult with your physician first. To ensure optimal results, it is important to avoid certain supplements and stimulators prior to your procedure. Should they interfere with the procedure (i.e; excessive bleeding, increased sensitivity, etc.) by the client failing to do so, will result in possibly stopping and discontinuing the procedure.

• Exfoliate/ moisturize the lips everyday for 1 week prior to the procedure. You can make your own lip scrub by using coconut oil + sugar. Use lip balm to moisten your lips; we will not be able to tattoo over chapped/ peeling lips. Dry lips will result in poor retention.
• Lip fillers/ injections must be done at least four weeks PRIOR to the procedure.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning 1 week prior to the procedure.
• Do not take any fish oil supplements, or any blood thinners such as Aspirin, Midol, Excedrin, Ibuprofen (Advil), Motrin, Naproxen, or Aleve 72 hours prior to your appointment.
• Do not drink any caffiene, or alcohol 24 hours prior to the procedure.
• Fatigue can also increase risk of infection; please be sure to be well rested and drink plenty of water days prior to your procedure.

LIPS - What to expect post-treatment

The color density will appear stronger at first, but will fade after 3 - 4 days. Swelling is to be expected during and post treatment, but it does not last very long. Some clients will swell a great deal and some not at all. If you're experiencing a large amount of swelling, you may ice the the area. Applying ice following the procedure also helps prevent bruising from occurring, a bag of frozen peas works nicely to keep the area cool. Make sure there is a cloth barrier between the lips and the ice. On the evening of the procedure day, use an extra pillow and keep your head elevated to reduce swelling. No exercise for 24 - 48 hours. Physical activity increases the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow. Minimal blood flow allows damaged capillaries to repair faster. Sweat can also interfere with the healing process. If possible, avoid exercise for 5 - 7 days post procedure. What to expect during the healing process: The lip tattoo healing process is relatively short (compared to the eyebrows). On days 3 - 5 post procedure, client's will experience dry flakey lips, it will feel as though they have been layering on matte lipstick. Once the pigment flakes off it will appear as though NO PIGMENT has been retained. Over the next 6 - 8 weeks the color will gradually return to a soft shade. The true healed color results will not be visible for a full 6 - 8 weeks from the day of the procedure. WHAT IS NOT NORMAL: Fever, swelling, extreme tenderness, green/ yellow discharge, elevated temperature, or red streaks around the procedure site is NOT normal and the client needs to seek medical care as these are signs of an infection.

LIPS - Aftercare instructions

Day 1 (day of the procedure) It is very important to remove the lymph fluid from the surface of the skin in order to avoid heavy scabbing. Before going to bed, if the lips still have some dry lymph, rinse with lukewam water, gently removing the dry lymph, pat dry and apply the provided ointment. Day 1 - 7 (or until scabs are gone) Drink fluilds through a straw if possible. Day 2 - 7 (or until scabs are gone) Keep the lips moist at all times by using the provided ointment, do not let the lips dry out. Continue to apply ointment every 30 minutes throughout the day. Day 7 - 28 Gently apply ointment daily to keep the lips moist. For the entire duration of the healing process, please avoid the following:

• Water (on the PMU area) aside from cleaning the area
• Makeup
• Excessive sweating
• Saunas
• Pools
• Sunbathing
• Spicy foods
• Kissing

LIPS - Will I need a touch up appointment?

Lip Blush tattoos are meant to be subtle, and to just enhance the natural shade, and shape of the client's lips. Because the lips naturally fade during the healing process a lot more than other cosmetic tattoo proceudres, a touch up appointment is always required to ensure full pigment saturation.

EYEBROWS - Preparing for your appointment

To ensure optimal results, it is important to avoid certain supplements and stimulators prior to your procedure. Should they interfere with the procedure (i.e; excessive bleeding, increased sensitivity, etc.) by the client failing to do so, will result in possibly stopping and discontinuing the procedure.

• Refrain from using skincare products with Retin-A or Glycolic acid, or chemical peels on the treatment area 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
• Cosmetic Botox and Fillers should be done 2 weeks prior, or 2 weeks after the procedure if interested in doing so.
• Do not take any fish oil supplements, or any blood thinners such as Aspirin, Midol, Excedrin, Ibuprofen (Advil), Motrin, Naproxen, or Aleve 48 hours prior to your appointment.
• Do not drink any caffiene, or alcohol 24 hours prior to the procedure.

EYEBROWS - What to expect post-treatment

Depending on the sensitivity of the skin, the pigment color may look like a warm or reddish brown color due to the erythema under the skin. The warmth should subside within 3 - 5 days once the area prepares to peel, it will then start to transition to the color that was discussed during the pigment selection. Bruising and swelling may be visible but will subside within 24 hours. There is no downtime, it's not necessary for client's to take off of work for the healing process. But since the area will go through a peeling phase during the process, it is recommended to not have any planned events 3 weeks following the procedure. What to expect during the healing process: The treatment area will go through a (on average) 14 day healing process, the intensity of this process depends on the skin type, and style/ density that was done. The bold eyebrow style will go through more of a intense healing process as compared to the natural style. Day 1 - 3 The color will look just as you left your appointment, there should be no/ minimal redness or swelling. Day 4 - 7 The pigment will begin to darken as the skin prepares to peel. It is normal for them to feel itchy, this does not mean you're allergic to the pigment. It is VERY important not to scratch the treatment area. Day 7 - 14 The treatment area will begin to flake and peel. Depending on the style and density, the flaking can be very mild and look similiar to skin flaking after sunburn, or if more intense, it could develop thicker scabs. It is normal for the eyebrows to look unpleasant during this stage. New skin, or freshly peeled areas will look extremely light, almost like the skin retained no pigment. Then, next to the darkened areas preparing to peel, the eyebrows may look very blotchy. Over the next two weeks, color will start to resurface over the new skin, and the true healed color should be prominent around week 4 after the procedure. It is important to be patient and trust the process. WHAT IS NOT NORMAL: Fever, swelling, extreme tenderness, green/ yellow discharge, elevated temperature, or red streaks around the procedure site is NOT normal and the client needs to seek medical care as these are signs of an infection.

EYEBROWS - Aftercare instructions

On the night following your procedure, soak a cottonball in warm water (boiled or bottled water) and gently press (do not rub) on the treatment area several times, soaking off any dried plasma that may have built up since the procedure. Wash your face, and take a shower as you normally would, but avoid drenching the treatment area. Do not wash or scrub them. You make wash around the treatment area with facial products, rinse immediately in they come into contact. *Avoid lengthy or steamy showers. Think of the cosmetic tattoo as a scab, if the idea of the scab gets soggy or gooey, the pigment will be completely washed out. Avoid using a cloth towel to dry the area, single use paper towel is preferred (gently pressing and dabbing to dry, do not rub). Towels can harbor bacteria, and may snag scabs or flakes that may have formed resulting in pigment loss. If applying the provided ointment: Always apply a very THIN layer of ointment to the treatment area, the correct amount should mimic applying chapstick to your lips, it is never clumpy or heavy. The goal is a sheer smooth layer (less is more). Too much product will result in the skin not being able to breath, this will most likely cause the skin to leak more plasma, creating thicker scabs, blurred results, and minimal pigment retention. Do not touch the treatment area with your fingers during the healing process, always use a clean q-tip to apply ointment. Do not apply makeup or facial products on the treatment area until fully healed (around the area is fine). Avoid exposing the treatment area to direct sunlight until fully healed. Once healed, apply waterproof sunblock 3 - 4 times daily to prevent excessive fading. Avoid saunas, workouts/ activities that result in excessive sweating until fully healed. Do not submerge the treatment area in water, and stay away from chlorinated pools/ salt water till fully healed. Do not pick or scratch the treatment area at any time during the full healing process. Scabs/ flakes will start to form around day 3 - 5, and will fall off natually on their own. It is IMPORTANT to allow these scabs/ flakes to fall off without any assistance. Any scratching or picking of the scabs/ flakes will result in scar tissue and pigment loss. **Failure to follow these aftercare instructions could result in poor retention, or infection.

EYEBROWS - Will I need a touch up appointment?

Healed results will vary with each individual client, the results of your procedure is determined in part by the following factors (but not limited to):

• Skin type (dry, oily, normal; oily skin tends to fade more than other skin types)
• Skin conditions (sensitized, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea)
• Medications
• Natural skin undertones mixing with the pigment color
• Personal pH balance of the skin
• Sun exposure, and tanning booths (just as salt water, and the sun fades hair dyes/ color, it will do the same to the tattooed pigment)
• Skincare products containing fruit acids, AHA's, and BHA
• Alcohol intake
• Following (or not following) pre- and post- instructions
• Style and color density chosen

EYEBROWS - How will I know if I need a touch up?

For the initial touch up, you'll feel the need to have your follow-up appointment if any areas lost pigment during the healing process. This is exceptionally common for combination or oily skin, or client's who decided to stay very natural and conservative during the initial procedure. After the initial touch up, most clients will refresh the color and shape every 2 years (or right before 2 years to qualify for touch-up prices). If the shape and color is still intact, we advise our clients to wait until it is difficult to see the shape, this gives us the opportunity to adjust the shape suitable to our clients lifestyle.

Is the studio safe? Are you licensed, certified, and insured?

Yes. Every technician at Studio Masami is licensed, certified, & insured for the services they provide. The health of our clients is taken very seriously, and we practice the highest level of sanitation protocols. Only single use disposable needles & supplies are used for each treatment, & any equipment that has the potential of coming in contact with bodily fluids are thoroughly wrapped, discarded, then disinfected with hospital-grade products after each procedure.

What is the Hydrafacial Treatment?

Hydrafacial™ is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, extractions, hydration, and antioxidant protection simultaneously. This multi-modality platform detoxifies the skin through lymphatic therapy and optimizes skin health with a 4-step process. Step 1: Cleanse + Exfoliate During this first step, your esthetician uses lactic acid for a gentle exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells. For each step, you'll feel the same sensation: a painless suction of the handheld device swiped along your skin. The device is gently pressed onto the skin in stippling motions to release the powerful solution and then it is swiped away with the same suctioning device. Step 2: Gly-Sal Peel This incredibly gentle peel combines salicylic acid and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and peel simultaneously to soften your sebum (oil) and rid the skin of impurities. It is applied and removed the same way as the first step. Step 3: Machine Extractions This step uses the treatment's "Beta-HD" -which was specifically created for oily and congested skin, but can be used on any skin type- contains slicylic acid to painlessly extract pores and remove impurities. Your esthetician uses a slower movement with the device and with that, pores gently open to release impurities leaving skin clean and clear. For someone who is drier than normal or doesn't need extractions all over, this step can be performed only in the t-zone. Step 4: Fuse and Protect This step uses a powerful blend of antioxidant and peptides to help seal and protect your skin from free radicals. On top of antioxidant protction, this step also hits your skin with serious hydration, dark spot lightening power, and blurs the appearance of fine lines. Vortex-Fusion Hydrafacial™ uses a patented Vortex-Fusion delivery system (fig. 1). When applied with the proprietary vacuum technology and serums, it creates a vortex effect that easily dislodges and removes impurities while introducing hydrating skin solutions with potent antioxidants. This allows for non-invasive skin resurfacing to effectively cleanse, exfoliate, and extract impurities while delivering serums filled with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. (fig.1 | vortex fusion)

What to expect during and post-treatment

This treatment is soothing, moisturizing, non-invasive, and generally non-irritating. However, depending on each individual's skin sensitivity, one may experience temporary tightness, redness, or tingling during the treatment. These sensations generally subside within three hours of treatment. After the treatment, you may see your skin "purging" a bit thanks to the suction machine bringing unwanted materials like dirt & oil to the surface to keep them from causing breakouts, but that is normal and actually beneficial for the skin. NEXT STEPS You will likely see results immediately after treatment (as with most procedures, visible results will vary from person to person) and your skin will feel smooth and hydrated for one to four weeks. For improved, longer lasting results, consider take-home products and monthly Hydrafacial™ treatments. Due to being resurfaced, the treatment area is more susceptible to sunburn, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. Avoid direct sun exposure and use a minimum of SPF 40 sunscreen. Aggressive exfoliation, waxing, and products containing acids should be avoided in the treatment area for a minimum of two weeks pre- and post-treatment. Avoid the use of Retin-A type products pre- and post-treatment. Good skincare through a healthly lifestyle. Maintain your skin health by following the below reccomendations:

• Drink plently of water
• Eat a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Get plenty of sleep
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid tannin beds
• Minimize alcohol consumption
• Invest in quality skincare products to maintain skin health at home

Am I eligible for treatment?

Unfortunately, the Hydrafacial™ treatment is not for everyone. Please ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure prior to booking your appointment. You are not eligible for the Hydrafacial™ procedure if you have any of the following:

• Aggrevated acne
• Active infection on the treatment area
• Active sunburn on the treatment area
• Autoimmune disease such as Lupus
• Viral concerns such as HIV or Hepatitis
• Melanoma or lesions suspected of malignancy
• Neurological disorders such as epilepsy
• Used Accutane within one year
• Allergies to Salicylic, Lactic, or Glycolic acid

How to book

1. Ensure that you are eligible for treatment by reviewing the contraindications located under the tab "Am I eligible?" 2. Laser Hair Removal services are provided by Lea, please call/ text her direct work line at (808)600-8853 or email lea.studiomasami.com to book you appointments. Laser Hair Removal services are not available to book online.

Am I eligible for treatment?

Unfortunately, laser hair removal treatments are not for everyone. Please ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure prior to booking your appointment. You are not eligible for the Laser Hair Removal treatments if you have/ are any of the following:

• Pregnant
• Taken Accutane within the past 6 months
• Have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator
• Taking steroids or prescription medications at the time of treatment (must be off of steroids/ medications for at least two weeks prior to treatment)