Microshading Fact Sheet
Is it tattooing?
With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term microshading, many are led to believe microshading is not a tattoo process. Permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microshading, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time color is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process as defined by many well informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources. Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo.
Is a blade being used to perform the microshading tattoo procedure?
Microshading is performed with a grouping or configuration of needle affixed to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs. Manual methods of tattooing have been used through the ages, and the tools have gone through changes over time from pre-historic sharpened stones to the hand tool devices currently being used. An actual scalpel or cutting-type blade should not be used under any circumstances as these are considered medical devices and cannot legitimately be used for this process. Any hand tool device (i.e., both handle and attached needles) used for microshading should be pre-sterilized and fully disposable.
Is it semi-permanent?
Some are promoting microshading or eyebrow embroidery as a semi-permanent process; and that the color only reaches the epidermal (outer) layer of the skin. A careful review of basic skin anatomy and physiology would reveal this is not true. By definition and tattoo industry standards, color is tattooed/implanted into the dermis of the skin. If pigment particles do not reach the dermis, they will disappear during the healing phase of the skin, during normal regeneration of cells at the epidermal level. Pigments do fade in the skin over time, but that does not make the process semi-permanent. It is impossible to predict how much pigment will fade away and how long it will take to do so with any measure of consistency or reliability.
Why does microshading not last as long as other eyebrow tattooing techniques?
This is simply because a much smaller amount of pigment is inserted (tattooed) into the skin as compared to fully or solidly filled eyebrow tattoos.
Before Microshading Eyebrows
Microshading results create amazing looking eyebrows, however the procedure is not recommended for everyone. To prevent any complications related to your overall well being, please review the suggestions/requirements and contraindications below.
***Appointments typically last 2 hours***
SUGGESTIONS / REQUIREMENTS BEFORE MICROSHADING PROCEDURE:
No Botox treatments should be done 3 weeks prior or 4 weeks after procedure
No chemical peels 60 days before or after procedure (brows will peel quicker due to chemicals traveling under the skin)
No Retinols/Retin-A or other anti-aging/acne creams, or serums containing acids as these will fade brows prematurely
Do not work out or sweat heavily the day of the procedure (Or 2 weeks after)
Do not tan or have a sunburned face the day of the procedure
Do not take aspirin, niacin, vitamin E, or ibuprofen 48 hours before procedure
No waxing or tinting 3 days before procedure
No alcohol or caffeine 24 hrs before procedure
MICROSHADING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE WHO IS OR HAS THE FOLLOWING:
Sick with cold, flu, or sinus/respiratory infection (please reschedule your appointment and stay home to recover)
Skin irritations including: sunburn, rash, eczema, shingles, acne, or psoriasis near the treated area
Pregnant or nursing
Under age 18
Skin irritations (sunburn, rash, eczema, shingles, acne) or psoriasis near the treated area
Had Botox more than 3 weeks before scheduled appointment
Used Accutane in the past year
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Undergoing chemo
Prone to keloid scarring
Pacemaker or major heart problems
Had an organ transplant
Viral infections and or diseases
Transmittable blood disease, HIV or Hepatitis
We recommend that a touch up is performed 12-18 months after your initial appointment to keep the color looking vibrant and the microshading looking crisp. Skin cells turn over more frequently on oilier skin types causing the color to fade quicker than drier skin types. For oilier skin types more frequent touch ups may be required which are not included in the original price.