Permanent Makeup and Paramedical Tattooing

Paramedical tattoos are performed after a medical condition has affected the skin that results in loss or insecurity. This can include hair loss related to Alopecia, vitiligo, scarring left from surgeries/ accidents/ self harm/ skin grafts, and 3D areola tattoos post mastectomy/gender affirming.

How soon after my breast reconstruction can I receive my Areola tattoos?

You need to be at least 6 months post reconstruction surgery or 9 months if a nipple mound was created. It is best to get clearance from your surgeon.

How many appointments are needed for paramedical tattoos?

3D Areolas will need 2 appointments spaced 6 weeks apart. Complimentary consultations are encouraged to ensure you feel comfortable with the procedure process.

All other treatments will vary, some scars take 2 sessions, while others may need 3-4. Each session will be scheduled 6 weeks apart to allow the skin to fully heal. Please email malorieharrisllc@gmail.com with a picture of the area needing treatment and how old the scar is or schedule a consultation to discuss treatment plan and timeframe.

There is generally only slight discomfort with 3D areola tattoos. Unfortunately most sensation in breast tissue is lost in the mastectomy and reconstruction process. If needed, numbing agents are used and are extremely effective.

All other treatments will have varying pain levels based on procedure and personal tolerance, but the goal is to keep your pain level at a 5 or below with different numbing agents if needed. Most say the pain level stays within levels 1 & 3.

Areola tattoos will look more bold at first, but the color will fade within a couple of weeks and unless there is an allergy, will be covered in a transparent film dressing for the first 7 days for proper protection from bacteria and healing.

For all other paramedical treatments, it is normal to have swelling and redness in the first 3-5 days and specific aftercare instructions will be given to care for the area. Scar camouflage often does not yield instant results. It takes time and several appointments to see progress.

A contraindication is anything (tendencies or medical conditions) that would be a reason for an individual to abstain from a treatment because it could be harmful.

For paramedical tattooing some contraindications include: prone to hyperpigmentation, keloids, pregnancy, red or purple scars, scars under 1 year old, skin irritations or disorders, etc.

If radiation treatments damaged your breast tissue, your breast skin became overly thinned, you have lymphedema that involves the chest or have a history of infections that involves the breast area, you would not be a candidate for areola tattoos.

It is important that your skin is at its natural color when having scars or stretch marks camouflaged. Abstain from spray tan or sun tan 3 weeks prior. The pigments will be matched to your skin tone and will not change color and tan with the rest of your skin, therefore it is important to always apply spf.

If you are receiving laser treatments, those will also need to be completed prior to tattooing. The laser will cause the pigment to fade if done post tattoo procedure.

Aftercare will be explained in detail at your appointment. Avoiding the sun and not submerging in water are of utmost importance for the first week so keep that in mind if you have any vacations or water adventures planned.

Click here for aftercare instructions.

Cosmetic tattoos differ from traditional tattoos. Cosmetic inks contain smaller pigment particles allowing for a more natural, soft color. The depth that these pigments are implanted into the skin is also more shallow that a traditional tattoo. These factors are what make a cosmetic tattoo “semi-permanent.”

Facial treatments such as chemical peels, botox, fillers and laser therapy must not be done within 4 weeks prior to your appointment.

Fish oil should be stopped at least one week prior to appointment

Alcohol and blood thinners should be avoided for at least 2 days prior to appointment.

Caffeine should also be kept to a minimum.

Any facial products that contain glycolic acids, Vitamin A, BHA’s/AHA’s, Retinoids including Retin-A, Tazorac, Tretinoin, Retinol, etc. should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. Not only can these products cause premature fading of pigment, they can make the skin more fragile giving undesirable results.

Everyone will handle pigment implantation differently. You will leave your session with a bolder than desirable result because some of the pigment is sitting in the uppermost skin layer, the epidermis. Skin cell turnover will occur in this timeframe and the color will fade by 30-40%. The touch up appointment will address any spots that faded too much or any alterations you may want in the shape. More pigment will be implanted overall to ensure longevity and a yearly touch-up will be encouraged.

Yes, when you schedule your appointment, you will see the total price of the service as well as the deposit price and will be charged to book your appointment and credited that amount toward your service.

Prior to booking, you will need to carefully read and fill out the medical history and consent forms necessary for your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, you can email malorieharrisllc@gmail.com or schedule a free consultation.

Click below to review your form.

Nipple/Areolas

Brows

Scar/ Stretch Mark Camouflage