Below are the answers to many questions about each of our procedures, about how we practice our craft at DERMAgraphics, as well as information about the art & science of micro-pigmentation & microchanneling​

Please do not hesitate to contact us with your specific inquiries, we would love to hear from you!

Use the TOPIC links to navigate sections

 

GENERAL

WHAT IS CAMOUFLAGE MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Camouflage micro-pigmentation is hyper-realistic tattooing using flesh tones to diminish the appearance of skin imperfections. A wide variety of scars & skin imperfections can benefit from carefully curated camouflage micro-pigmentation. At DERMAgraphics, we use a pointillism technique, applying a mixture of skin hues & tones in a very fine, pixelated way. This creates the most hyper-realistic result. Camouflage is most effective for the flat type of scars such as plastic surgery scars. It can also be the next step after Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) when working with more robust scar tissue. Small areas of vitiligo or other types of skin hypo-pigmentations can be camouflaged, once you are confident that the condition is no longer advancing. Camouflage is not recommended for large treatment areas.



WHAT IS 3D AREOLA RESTORATION?

3D Areola Restoration is the hyper-realistic tattooing of a areola onto post-surgical skin. Utilizing specialized permanent tattoo ink developed specifically for this application, an areola specialist artfully creates the illusion of a natural, three-dimensional areola and nipple. Many survivors feel that an areola restoration is the final catharsis to their journey. In fact, it has become the standard ‘finishing touch’ of the breast cancer recovery process, and is (typically) covered by insurance. At DERMAgraphics, we are honored to be a part of your recovery journey, and commit to providing permanent, hyper-realistic results in a comfortable, compassionately professional environment. 3D areola restoration is also effective after other breast procedures, such as breast reduction; any time when the areola pigmentation has been lost; or to achieve areola symmetry.



AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Hopefully, yes! Confer with your oncologist about when areola restoration is appropriate. Women are usually cleared for receiving para-medical micro-pigmentation around 6 months after their final surgery. Camouflage work is only advisable if the treatment area is smaller than a silver dollar, and is located on a part of the body not regularly exposed to the sun. Scars should be at least 6 months old before pursuing camouflage work. Some hyper-pigmentation conditions cannot be treated with camouflage, like melasma. Camouflage is not a treatment for birthmarks, spider veins, or other vascular discolorations. Please note: Camouflage work ( and sometimes areola restoration work) is done on atypical skin or scar tissue, which do not always respond in predictable ways to micro-pigmentation. Treatment will require multiple sessions to ensure color retention. Camouflage work will not be a ‘perfect match’: skin is constantly changing color as a result of fluctuations in temperature, blood flow, sun exposure, etc., while a tattoo does not. What a camouflage tattoo will do is diminish the appearance of an unwanted skin imperfection.



HOW MUCH DOES PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION COST?

DERMAgraphics works on a simple hourly rate for para-medical micro-pigmentation, $ 200.00 per 90 minute session. A maximum of 2 sessions can be booked back-to-back. At your consultation we will assess your needs and you will receive an realistic estimate of your time, financial investment & payment options. Please note: DERMAgraphics is a proud service provider for Cancer Survivor and Veteran|First Responder support organizations.



WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE CONSULTATION?

Your complimentary consultation will be an opportunity to fully explore your circumstances and your expectations, and provide you with a honest and ethical recommendation. We will provide you with an estimate of costs, and payment options. Together we will design a treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!



WHAT WILL MY TREATMENT APPOINTMENTS BE LIKE?

First, the DERMAgraphics treatment studio has been studiously curated to provide an environment that is both calming and supportive, while also meeting our strident health & safety standards. Once you are settled and relaxed, we begin with cleaning the treatment area and applying topical anesthetic. Once the procedure starts, you technician will move over the treatment area, implanting pigment. Throughout the treatment, your technician will check your comfort level, and you are free to get up and stretch, use the restroom, have something to drink, etc. at any time. At the end of the session we will go over Aftercare, make sure your follow up session is booked, and send you on your way! Any swelling or redness resulting from the treatment will be short-lived, so you can return to your regular activities immediately, with a few exceptions. (See Aftercare.)



WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE AFTERCARE?

You will be provided with detailed written instructions for your skin type at the conclusion of your procedure, as they do vary. Your instructions will include immediate aftercare, to aid in proper healing, as well as what to expect and how to protect your work long-term. The first 10 days following a treatment session is a very crucial stage - please follow all Aftercare directions to ensure the quality of your tattoo. Things to avoid during your healing process are: pools or other large bodies of water, saunas or other hot places, strenuous exercise or other excessive sweat-producing activities, direct sunlight or tanning, all cleansing & moisturizing products except those recommended for healing, and above all do not pick or scratch the treatment area. You may experience slight itching, the healing balm provided will help alleviate it.



WHAT IS COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY & HOW DOES IT TREAT SCARS ?

Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) is a American Academy of Dermatology recommended non - invasive skin treatment for inducing natural collagen production. Microchanneling involves superficially puncturing the skin with thin needles to create tiny micro-wounds, triggering the skin’s repair mechanisms and stimulating collagen production. It also brings blood flow and nutrients to the treatment area. Scar tissue is fibrous & lacks elasticity, and is a result of an imperfect healing process after an injury. By triggering the body’s skin repair systems in a controlled manner with microchanneling, the scar tissue is ‘broken up’ bit by bit and replaced with healthy skin. Microchanneling will only be partially successful for deep scars, resulting in more of a ‘relaxation’ or minimization of the scar. Microchanneling is a technique-sensitive treatment and should only be performed by someone who is technique-trained and has a deep understanding of the skin and needles.



PERMANENT COSMETICS

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?

Good preparation for your appointment sets the stage for a successful procedure. ❌ Avoid retinol & other skin treatments or procedures for 2 week prior to appointment. ❌ If having eyebrows done, stop waxing, tweezing or threading your eyebrows immediately. The most naturally attractive eyebrow tattoo designs work with your natural hair growth pattern. Once your chosen design is complete, we will remove any hairs that do not support the design. ❌ Avoid tanning for 4 weeks prior. ❌ Avoid injections for 6 weeks prior. ❌ Limit blood-thinning agents ( caffiene, ibuprofen, alcohol, etc.) for 48 hours prior to procedure, unless they are prescription. Please come to the appointment with your makeup as you usually do it, if you want to use that as a guide. Also please bring photos of designs you admire.



WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE PERMANENT COSMETICS AFTERCARE?

You will be provided with detailed written instructions for your skin type at the conclusion of your procedure, as they do vary. Your instructions will include immediate aftercare, to aid in proper healing, as well as what to expect and how to protect your work long-term. The first few weeks following your procedure is a very crucial stage - please follow all Aftercare directions to ensure the quality of your tattoo. Things to avoid during your healing process are: pools or other large bodies of water, saunas or other hot places, strenuous exercize or other excessive sweat-producing activities, direct sunlight or tanning, agressive facial cleansing or mosturizing products, and above all do not pick or scratch the treatment area.



WHAT IS PERMENANT COSMETICS?

Permanent cosmetics = permanent makeup = micro-pigmentation = cosmetic tattoo. Permanent cosmetic professionals use specialized tools, pigments & techniques to carefully tattoo cosmetic facial enhancements. Specially formulated inks are inserted intradermally with fine needles, replicating the procedure body tattoo artists do when tattooing a design on the body. The skin on the face is more delicate, far thinner than on the body, especially near the eyes and mouth. For this reason, a permanent cosmetic professional must possess a comprehensive understanding of skin as an organ. Furthermore, the arteries, muscles, nerves & glands of the face are near the surface so anyone doing permanent cosmetics should have advanced training and full knowledge of facial anatomy. In the steady hands of a trained professional this detailed and exacting work can transform a face with undetectable, hyper-realistic results.



WHY IS THE SECOND APPOINTMENT SO IMPORTANT?

Many people decide to skip the second appointment of their treatment because they are happy with how their work looks at 6/8 weeks after their initial appointment. THAT IS A MISTAKE. Permanent Cosmetic procedures are a multi-step process. The second appointment is crucial to ensuring the quality and longevity of your work. As your permanent cosmetics artist, it is our responsibility to assess the bio-mechanical process of pigment retention taking place in your unique, individual skin and correct for any variances so that your permanent cosmetic work is thorough and ages well. To encourage our clients to attend both treatment sessions, we charge one price that includes both sessions. Your first session is the SCULPT session, and the second is the CURATE session. We do not consider our work to be complete until we have had an opportunity to CURATE it properly. Please also note that the 18 month Color Boost Treatment is only available to clients who completed both treatment sessions when recieving their original work. DERMAgraphics cannot be held responsible for the quality of work that was not completed.



AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PERMANENT COSMETICS?

Most people are, and with prior knowledge of a client's circumstances, a technician can make adjustments to accommodate certain challenges. It is crucial that you are 100% factual on the confidential health form we give you prior to a procedure. Some very common medications can inhibit pigment absorption rate; advance knowledge of circumstances allows us to make the adjustments necessary to insure the best possible outcome. Conditions that require doctors approval for tattooing include Diabetes, Epilepsy, Immunodeficiencies, & Heart Disease. Even if you are in good health, please discuss permanent cosmetics with your doctor first, as there are secondary considerations only a medical professional can assess. Circumstances requiring resolution before proceeding with permanent cosmetics include Psoriasis or any type of skin irritation near the treatment area - including sun burns. Permanent cosmetics should be delayed if you have recently used Accutane, Latisse or Retinol, received Botox or fillers, or have plastic surgery scheduled. It is recommended to avoid any and all types of tattoo services if you are prone to developing keloid or hypertrophic scarring. Hyper-pigmentation is not necessarily a contra-indication for permanent cosmetics, but should be taken into consideration.



 

BROWS

WHAT IS CAMOUFLAGE MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Camouflage micro-pigmentation is hyper-realistic tattooing using flesh tones to diminish the appearance of skin imperfections. A wide variety of scars & skin imperfections can benefit from carefully curated camouflage micro-pigmentation. At DERMAgraphics, we use a pointillism technique, applying a mixture of skin hues & tones in a very fine, pixelated way. This creates the most hyper-realistic result. Camouflage is most effective for the flat type of scars such as plastic surgery scars. It can also be the next step after Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) when working with more robust scar tissue. Small areas of vitiligo or other types of skin hypo-pigmentations can be camouflaged, once you are confident that the condition is no longer advancing. Camouflage is not recommended for large treatment areas.



WHAT IS 3D AREOLA RESTORATION?

3D Areola Restoration is the hyper-realistic tattooing of a areola onto post-surgical skin. Utilizing specialized permanent tattoo ink developed specifically for this application, an areola specialist artfully creates the illusion of a natural, three-dimensional areola and nipple. Many survivors feel that an areola restoration is the final catharsis to their journey. In fact, it has become the standard ‘finishing touch’ of the breast cancer recovery process, and is (typically) covered by insurance. At DERMAgraphics, we are honored to be a part of your recovery journey, and commit to providing permanent, hyper-realistic results in a comfortable, compassionately professional environment. 3D areola restoration is also effective after other breast procedures, such as breast reduction; any time when the areola pigmentation has been lost; or to achieve areola symmetry.



AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Hopefully, yes! Confer with your oncologist about when areola restoration is appropriate. Women are usually cleared for receiving para-medical micro-pigmentation around 6 months after their final surgery. Camouflage work is only advisable if the treatment area is smaller than a silver dollar, and is located on a part of the body not regularly exposed to the sun. Scars should be at least 6 months old before pursuing camouflage work. Some hyper-pigmentation conditions cannot be treated with camouflage, like melasma. Camouflage is not a treatment for birthmarks, spider veins, or other vascular discolorations. Please note: Camouflage work ( and sometimes areola restoration work) is done on atypical skin or scar tissue, which do not always respond in predictable ways to micro-pigmentation. Treatment will require multiple sessions to ensure color retention. Camouflage work will not be a ‘perfect match’: skin is constantly changing color as a result of fluctuations in temperature, blood flow, sun exposure, etc., while a tattoo does not. What a camouflage tattoo will do is diminish the appearance of an unwanted skin imperfection.



HOW MUCH DOES PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION COST?

DERMAgraphics works on a simple hourly rate for para-medical micro-pigmentation, $ 200.00 per 90 minute session. A maximum of 2 sessions can be booked back-to-back. At your consultation we will assess your needs and you will receive an realistic estimate of your time, financial investment & payment options. Please note: DERMAgraphics is a proud service provider for Cancer Survivor and Veteran|First Responder support organizations.



WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE CONSULTATION?

Your complimentary consultation will be an opportunity to fully explore your circumstances and your expectations, and provide you with a honest and ethical recommendation. We will provide you with an estimate of costs, and payment options. Together we will design a treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!



WHAT WILL MY TREATMENT APPOINTMENTS BE LIKE?

First, the DERMAgraphics treatment studio has been studiously curated to provide an environment that is both calming and supportive, while also meeting our strident health & safety standards. Once you are settled and relaxed, we begin with cleaning the treatment area and applying topical anesthetic. Once the procedure starts, you technician will move over the treatment area, implanting pigment. Throughout the treatment, your technician will check your comfort level, and you are free to get up and stretch, use the restroom, have something to drink, etc. at any time. At the end of the session we will go over Aftercare, make sure your follow up session is booked, and send you on your way! Any swelling or redness resulting from the treatment will be short-lived, so you can return to your regular activities immediately, with a few exceptions. (See Aftercare.)



WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE AFTERCARE?

You will be provided with detailed written instructions for your skin type at the conclusion of your procedure, as they do vary. Your instructions will include immediate aftercare, to aid in proper healing, as well as what to expect and how to protect your work long-term. The first 10 days following a treatment session is a very crucial stage - please follow all Aftercare directions to ensure the quality of your tattoo. Things to avoid during your healing process are: pools or other large bodies of water, saunas or other hot places, strenuous exercise or other excessive sweat-producing activities, direct sunlight or tanning, all cleansing & moisturizing products except those recommended for healing, and above all do not pick or scratch the treatment area. You may experience slight itching, the healing balm provided will help alleviate it.



WHAT IS COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY & HOW DOES IT TREAT SCARS ?

Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) is a American Academy of Dermatology recommended non - invasive skin treatment for inducing natural collagen production. Microchanneling involves superficially puncturing the skin with thin needles to create tiny micro-wounds, triggering the skin’s repair mechanisms and stimulating collagen production. It also brings blood flow and nutrients to the treatment area. Scar tissue is fibrous & lacks elasticity, and is a result of an imperfect healing process after an injury. By triggering the body’s skin repair systems in a controlled manner with microchanneling, the scar tissue is ‘broken up’ bit by bit and replaced with healthy skin. Microchanneling will only be partially successful for deep scars, resulting in more of a ‘relaxation’ or minimization of the scar. Microchanneling is a technique-sensitive treatment and should only be performed by someone who is technique-trained and has a deep understanding of the skin and needles.



LIPS

WHAT DESIGN OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Lip enhancements are growing in popularity, and there are many design names out there, but all lip procedures share certain characteristics - lining and shading. A simple lip liner with a blend-in will enhance the definition of the lips, and in most cases, give the illusion of slightly larger lips. A full lip shade is recommended if one is looking to even out or slightly alter lip color.
Strong lines and dark or exceptionally bright shades are not recommended, as they look less realistic.
Below are a few popular designs with unique characteristics: DERMAgraphics lip design options Each treatment includes your initial consult and a complimentary CURATE session, which will be booked by your technician at the time of your appointment. This fine-tuning appointment is crucial to the longevity of your lip treatment. ​ COLOR BOOST | DESIGN REFRESH service is recommended every 18 months to maintain the quality of your work.



WHAT IS A TYPICAL LIP APPOINTMENT LIKE?

We begin with a consultation to discuss goals, options, and procedure protocols so that you are fully informed of every aspect of the procedure and feel confident in the choice to recieve permanent cosmetics. We will then have a design session to choose style, shape and color, and begin. The first step is cleaning & pre-numbing the treatment area. Next you technician will do design mapping, if needed. Design mapping creates a template for your artist to follow, but is not necessary for all lip treatments. The following tattoo procedure varies depending the style of lip treatment chosen, but at each stage we monitor your comfort level and apply further numbing if needed. Often it is necessary to lay down various levels of design to create the desired effect. At completion, we will clean & treat tattoo area, provide you with Aftercare products & go over the Aftercare Instructions. Before leaving, we will schedule your CURATE appointment. It is important to the long-term quality and durability of your lip tattoo that you return for your second session. The appointment should take approximately 3/4 hours.



I GET COLD SORES, IS THAT A PROBLEM?

No, as long as you take Valtrex or another antiviral for at least 3 days before both your initial SCULPT procedure and your CURATE appointment. (It is recommended to continue taking an anti-viral for a couple of days after a treatment, just to be on the safe side). If you do not disclose your condition on the Confidential Health Assessment, and/or do not take an anti-viral in preparation for your lip appointment, it is quite possible that an outbreak can be triggered by the lip tattoo procedure, even if you have not had an outbreak recently. An outbreak will negatively impact the quality of your tattoo.



HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS LAST?

Many variables influence the durability of permanent cosmetics: skin type, overall health, lifestyle, and beauty regimen, to name a few. Furthermore, excess sun, agressive skin treatments, and chlorinated water contribute to premature fading. Somewhere between 18 months and 3 years after your follow up procedure, as a result of these various influences, you may begin to notice some fading. Keep a photo of your finished and healed work, and when you notice fading, its time for a COLOR BOOST/DESIGN REFRESH. Please do not wait until work is nearly gone or we will have to book a complete procedure at full price!



WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO LOOK LIKE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD?

Your cosmetic tattoo will be considerably darker than your target color for at least a week as your skin heals. Most people experience some swelling and soreness during a lip procedure, so it is unlikely you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately. Ice compresses and an anti-inflammitory immediately after your procedure are recommended. Within 24/36 hours the swelling and soreness will abate. Lip should still be treated delicately the first 10 days of the healing process. Avoid sleeping on face or use a silk pillowcase. Use a straw for drinks and a fork for food - avoid anything coming in contact with your lips during healing. 10 days to 2 weeks after your procedure, you may experience the 'disappearing act'. This is a potential side effect of a very natural and necessary process your skin is undergoing called proliferation, wherein the treatment site is flooded with your skin's rebuilding tools. Don't worry, once the rebuilding is complete your tattoo will return to shine through all that fresh new skin. By the time your 6/8 week CURATE appointment comes around, your lips will have 'settled' into their permanent state, allow us to identify if and where fine-tuning is necessary to achieve your target design, color, and shape for the long-term.



EYES

WHAT DESIGN OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Eyeliner techniques range from a near invisible lash line enhancement to full color shadow effect. ​Below are a few popular designs with unique characteristics: DERMAgraphics eyeliner design options Each treatment includes your initial consult and a complimentary CURATE session, which will be booked by your technician at the time of your appointment. This fine-tuning appointment is crucial to the longevity of your eyeliner treatment. ​ COLOR BOOST | DESIGN REFRESH service is recommended every 18/24 months to maintain the quality of your work.



WHAT IS A TYPICAL EYELINER APPOINTMENT LIKE?

We begin with a consultation to discuss goals, options, and procedure protocols so that you are fully informed of every aspect of the procedure and feel confident in the choice to recieve permanent cosmetics. We will then have a design session to choose style, shape and color, and begin. The first step is cleaning & pre-numbing the treatment area. Next you technician will do design mapping, if needed. Design mapping creates a template for your artist to follow, but is not necessary for all eyeliner treatments. The following tattoo procedure varies depending the style of eyeliner design chosen, but at each stage we monitor your comfort level and apply further numbing if needed. Often it is necessary to lay down various levels of design to create the desired effect. At completion, we will clean & treat tattoo area, provide you with Aftercare products & go over the Aftercare Instructions. Before leaving, we will schedule your CURATE appointment. It is important to the long-term quality and durability of your eyeliner that you return for your second session. The appointment should take approximately 2/3 hours.



I HAVE LASH EXTENSIONS, IS THAT A PROBLEM?

We cannot do an eyeliner SCULPT procedure or the follow-up CURATE treatment when lash extensions are present. Lash extensions interfere with the safety of the tattoo healing process. ( Also, one would probably lose most of them during the tattoo procedure. ) FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY- Lash extensions must be removed prior to your appointments, and should not be reapplied until healing is completed.



HOW LONG DO EFFECTS LAST?

Many variables influence the durability of permanent cosmetics: skin type, overall health, lifestyle, and beauty regimen, to name a few. Furthermore, excess sun, agressive skin treatments, and chlorinated water contribute to premature fading. Somewhere between 18 months and 3 years after your follow up procedure, as a result of these various influences, you may begin to notice some fading. Keep a photo of your finished and healed work, and when you notice fading, its time for a COLOR BOOST/DESIGN REFRESH. Please do not wait until work is nearly gone or we will have to book a complete procedure at full price!



WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO LOOK LIKE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD?

Your cosmetic tattoo will be considerably darker than your target color for at least a week as your skin heals. Most people experience some swelling and soreness during an eyeliner procedure, so it is unlikely you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately. Ice compresses and an anti-inflammitory immediately after your procedure are recommended. Within 24/36 hours the swelling and soreness will abate. Eyes should still be treated delicately the first 10 days of the healing process. Avoid sleeping on face, or use a silk pillowcase. Do not use makeup, and do not use cleansers or moisturizers - other than the ones recommended for healing - anywhere in the eye area. 10 days to 2 weeks after your procedure, you may experience the 'disappearing act'. This is a potential side effect of a very natural and necessary process your skin is undergoing called proliferation, wherein the treatment site is flooded with your skin's rebuilding tools. Don't worry, once the rebuilding is complete your tattoo will return to shine through all that fresh new skin. By the time your 6/8 week CURATE appointment comes around, your eyeliner will have 'settled' into its permanent state, allow us to identify if and where fine-tuning is necessary to achieve your target design, color, and shape for the long-term.



PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION & CIT THERAPY

WHAT IS CAMOUFLAGE MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Camouflage micro-pigmentation is hyper-realistic tattooing using flesh tones to diminish the appearance of skin imperfections. A wide variety of scars & skin imperfections can benefit from carefully curated camouflage micro-pigmentation. At DERMAgraphics, we use a pointillism technique, applying a mixture of skin hues & tones in a very fine, pixelated way. This creates the most hyper-realistic result. Camouflage is most effective for the flat type of scars such as plastic surgery scars. It can also be the next step after Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) when working with more robust scar tissue. Small areas of vitiligo or other types of skin hypo-pigmentations can be camouflaged, once you are confident that the condition is no longer advancing. Camouflage is not recommended for large treatment areas.



WHAT IS 3D AREOLA RESTORATION?

3D Areola Restoration is the hyper-realistic tattooing of a areola onto post-surgical skin. Utilizing specialized permanent tattoo ink developed specifically for this application, an areola specialist artfully creates the illusion of a natural, three-dimensional areola and nipple. Many survivors feel that an areola restoration is the final catharsis to their journey. In fact, it has become the standard ‘finishing touch’ of the breast cancer recovery process, and is (typically) covered by insurance. At DERMAgraphics, we are honored to be a part of your recovery journey, and commit to providing permanent, hyper-realistic results in a comfortable, compassionately professional environment. 3D areola restoration is also effective after other breast procedures, such as breast reduction; any time when the areola pigmentation has been lost; or to achieve areola symmetry.



AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Hopefully, yes! Confer with your oncologist about when areola restoration is appropriate. Women are usually cleared for receiving para-medical micro-pigmentation around 6 months after their final surgery. Camouflage work is only advisable if the treatment area is smaller than a silver dollar, and is located on a part of the body not regularly exposed to the sun. Scars should be at least 6 months old before pursuing camouflage work. Some hyper-pigmentation conditions cannot be treated with camouflage, like melasma. Camouflage is not a treatment for birthmarks, spider veins, or other vascular discolorations. Please note: Camouflage work ( and sometimes areola restoration work) is done on atypical skin or scar tissue, which do not always respond in predictable ways to micro-pigmentation. Treatment will require multiple sessions to ensure color retention. Camouflage work will not be a ‘perfect match’: skin is constantly changing color as a result of fluctuations in temperature, blood flow, sun exposure, etc., while a tattoo does not. What a camouflage tattoo will do is diminish the appearance of an unwanted skin imperfection.



HOW MUCH DOES PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION COST?

DERMAgraphics works on a simple hourly rate for para-medical micro-pigmentation, $ 200.00 per 90 minute session. A maximum of 2 sessions can be booked back-to-back. At your consultation we will assess your needs and you will receive an realistic estimate of your time, financial investment & payment options. Please note: DERMAgraphics is a proud service provider for Cancer Survivor and Veteran|First Responder support organizations.



WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE CONSULTATION?

Your complimentary consultation will be an opportunity to fully explore your circumstances and your expectations, and provide you with a honest and ethical recommendation. We will provide you with an estimate of costs, and payment options. Together we will design a treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!



WHAT WILL MY TREATMENT APPOINTMENTS BE LIKE?

First, the DERMAgraphics treatment studio has been studiously curated to provide an environment that is both calming and supportive, while also meeting our strident health & safety standards. Once you are settled and relaxed, we begin with cleaning the treatment area and applying topical anesthetic. Once the procedure starts, you technician will move over the treatment area, implanting pigment. Throughout the treatment, your technician will check your comfort level, and you are free to get up and stretch, use the restroom, have something to drink, etc. at any time. At the end of the session we will go over Aftercare, make sure your follow up session is booked, and send you on your way! Any swelling or redness resulting from the treatment will be short-lived, so you can return to your regular activities immediately, with a few exceptions. (See Aftercare.)



WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE AFTERCARE?

You will be provided with detailed written instructions for your skin type at the conclusion of your procedure, as they do vary. Your instructions will include immediate aftercare, to aid in proper healing, as well as what to expect and how to protect your work long-term. The first 10 days following a treatment session is a very crucial stage - please follow all Aftercare directions to ensure the quality of your tattoo. Things to avoid during your healing process are: pools or other large bodies of water, saunas or other hot places, strenuous exercise or other excessive sweat-producing activities, direct sunlight or tanning, all cleansing & moisturizing products except those recommended for healing, and above all do not pick or scratch the treatment area. You may experience slight itching, the healing balm provided will help alleviate it.



WHAT IS COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY & HOW DOES IT TREAT SCARS ?

Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) is a American Academy of Dermatology recommended non - invasive skin treatment for inducing natural collagen production. Microchanneling involves superficially puncturing the skin with thin needles to create tiny micro-wounds, triggering the skin’s repair mechanisms and stimulating collagen production. It also brings blood flow and nutrients to the treatment area. Scar tissue is fibrous & lacks elasticity, and is a result of an imperfect healing process after an injury. By triggering the body’s skin repair systems in a controlled manner with microchanneling, the scar tissue is ‘broken up’ bit by bit and replaced with healthy skin. Microchanneling will only be partially successful for deep scars, resulting in more of a ‘relaxation’ or minimization of the scar. Microchanneling is a technique-sensitive treatment and should only be performed by someone who is technique-trained and has a deep understanding of the skin and needles.



 
 

CORRECTIONS

WHAT IS CAMOUFLAGE MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Camouflage micro-pigmentation is hyper-realistic tattooing using flesh tones to diminish the appearance of skin imperfections. A wide variety of scars & skin imperfections can benefit from carefully curated camouflage micro-pigmentation. At DERMAgraphics, we use a pointillism technique, applying a mixture of skin hues & tones in a very fine, pixelated way. This creates the most hyper-realistic result. Camouflage is most effective for the flat type of scars such as plastic surgery scars. It can also be the next step after Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) when working with more robust scar tissue. Small areas of vitiligo or other types of skin hypo-pigmentations can be camouflaged, once you are confident that the condition is no longer advancing. Camouflage is not recommended for large treatment areas.



WHAT IS 3D AREOLA RESTORATION?

3D Areola Restoration is the hyper-realistic tattooing of a areola onto post-surgical skin. Utilizing specialized permanent tattoo ink developed specifically for this application, an areola specialist artfully creates the illusion of a natural, three-dimensional areola and nipple. Many survivors feel that an areola restoration is the final catharsis to their journey. In fact, it has become the standard ‘finishing touch’ of the breast cancer recovery process, and is (typically) covered by insurance. At DERMAgraphics, we are honored to be a part of your recovery journey, and commit to providing permanent, hyper-realistic results in a comfortable, compassionately professional environment. 3D areola restoration is also effective after other breast procedures, such as breast reduction; any time when the areola pigmentation has been lost; or to achieve areola symmetry.



AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Hopefully, yes! Confer with your oncologist about when areola restoration is appropriate. Women are usually cleared for receiving para-medical micro-pigmentation around 6 months after their final surgery. Camouflage work is only advisable if the treatment area is smaller than a silver dollar, and is located on a part of the body not regularly exposed to the sun. Scars should be at least 6 months old before pursuing camouflage work. Some hyper-pigmentation conditions cannot be treated with camouflage, like melasma. Camouflage is not a treatment for birthmarks, spider veins, or other vascular discolorations. Please note: Camouflage work ( and sometimes areola restoration work) is done on atypical skin or scar tissue, which do not always respond in predictable ways to micro-pigmentation. Treatment will require multiple sessions to ensure color retention. Camouflage work will not be a ‘perfect match’: skin is constantly changing color as a result of fluctuations in temperature, blood flow, sun exposure, etc., while a tattoo does not. What a camouflage tattoo will do is diminish the appearance of an unwanted skin imperfection.



HOW MUCH DOES PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION COST?

DERMAgraphics works on a simple hourly rate for para-medical micro-pigmentation, $ 200.00 per 90 minute session. A maximum of 2 sessions can be booked back-to-back. At your consultation we will assess your needs and you will receive an realistic estimate of your time, financial investment & payment options. Please note: DERMAgraphics is a proud service provider for Cancer Survivor and Veteran|First Responder support organizations.



WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE CONSULTATION?

Your complimentary consultation will be an opportunity to fully explore your circumstances and your expectations, and provide you with a honest and ethical recommendation. We will provide you with an estimate of costs, and payment options. Together we will design a treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!



WHAT WILL MY TREATMENT APPOINTMENTS BE LIKE?

First, the DERMAgraphics treatment studio has been studiously curated to provide an environment that is both calming and supportive, while also meeting our strident health & safety standards. Once you are settled and relaxed, we begin with cleaning the treatment area and applying topical anesthetic. Once the procedure starts, you technician will move over the treatment area, implanting pigment. Throughout the treatment, your technician will check your comfort level, and you are free to get up and stretch, use the restroom, have something to drink, etc. at any time. At the end of the session we will go over Aftercare, make sure your follow up session is booked, and send you on your way! Any swelling or redness resulting from the treatment will be short-lived, so you can return to your regular activities immediately, with a few exceptions. (See Aftercare.)



WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE AFTERCARE?

You will be provided with detailed written instructions for your skin type at the conclusion of your procedure, as they do vary. Your instructions will include immediate aftercare, to aid in proper healing, as well as what to expect and how to protect your work long-term. The first 10 days following a treatment session is a very crucial stage - please follow all Aftercare directions to ensure the quality of your tattoo. Things to avoid during your healing process are: pools or other large bodies of water, saunas or other hot places, strenuous exercise or other excessive sweat-producing activities, direct sunlight or tanning, all cleansing & moisturizing products except those recommended for healing, and above all do not pick or scratch the treatment area. You may experience slight itching, the healing balm provided will help alleviate it.



WHAT IS COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY & HOW DOES IT TREAT SCARS ?

Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) is a American Academy of Dermatology recommended non - invasive skin treatment for inducing natural collagen production. Microchanneling involves superficially puncturing the skin with thin needles to create tiny micro-wounds, triggering the skin’s repair mechanisms and stimulating collagen production. It also brings blood flow and nutrients to the treatment area. Scar tissue is fibrous & lacks elasticity, and is a result of an imperfect healing process after an injury. By triggering the body’s skin repair systems in a controlled manner with microchanneling, the scar tissue is ‘broken up’ bit by bit and replaced with healthy skin. Microchanneling will only be partially successful for deep scars, resulting in more of a ‘relaxation’ or minimization of the scar. Microchanneling is a technique-sensitive treatment and should only be performed by someone who is technique-trained and has a deep understanding of the skin and needles.



SCALP MICRO-PIGMENTATION & CIT THERAPY

WHAT DESIGN OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Lip enhancements are growing in popularity, and there are many design names out there, but all lip procedures share certain characteristics - lining and shading. A simple lip liner with a blend-in will enhance the definition of the lips, and in most cases, give the illusion of slightly larger lips. A full lip shade is recommended if one is looking to even out or slightly alter lip color.
Strong lines and dark or exceptionally bright shades are not recommended, as they look less realistic.
Below are a few popular designs with unique characteristics: DERMAgraphics lip design options Each treatment includes your initial consult and a complimentary CURATE session, which will be booked by your technician at the time of your appointment. This fine-tuning appointment is crucial to the longevity of your lip treatment. ​ COLOR BOOST | DESIGN REFRESH service is recommended every 18 months to maintain the quality of your work.



WHAT IS A TYPICAL LIP APPOINTMENT LIKE?

We begin with a consultation to discuss goals, options, and procedure protocols so that you are fully informed of every aspect of the procedure and feel confident in the choice to recieve permanent cosmetics. We will then have a design session to choose style, shape and color, and begin. The first step is cleaning & pre-numbing the treatment area. Next you technician will do design mapping, if needed. Design mapping creates a template for your artist to follow, but is not necessary for all lip treatments. The following tattoo procedure varies depending the style of lip treatment chosen, but at each stage we monitor your comfort level and apply further numbing if needed. Often it is necessary to lay down various levels of design to create the desired effect. At completion, we will clean & treat tattoo area, provide you with Aftercare products & go over the Aftercare Instructions. Before leaving, we will schedule your CURATE appointment. It is important to the long-term quality and durability of your lip tattoo that you return for your second session. The appointment should take approximately 3/4 hours.



I GET COLD SORES, IS THAT A PROBLEM?

No, as long as you take Valtrex or another antiviral for at least 3 days before both your initial SCULPT procedure and your CURATE appointment. (It is recommended to continue taking an anti-viral for a couple of days after a treatment, just to be on the safe side). If you do not disclose your condition on the Confidential Health Assessment, and/or do not take an anti-viral in preparation for your lip appointment, it is quite possible that an outbreak can be triggered by the lip tattoo procedure, even if you have not had an outbreak recently. An outbreak will negatively impact the quality of your tattoo.



HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS LAST?

Many variables influence the durability of permanent cosmetics: skin type, overall health, lifestyle, and beauty regimen, to name a few. Furthermore, excess sun, agressive skin treatments, and chlorinated water contribute to premature fading. Somewhere between 18 months and 3 years after your follow up procedure, as a result of these various influences, you may begin to notice some fading. Keep a photo of your finished and healed work, and when you notice fading, its time for a COLOR BOOST/DESIGN REFRESH. Please do not wait until work is nearly gone or we will have to book a complete procedure at full price!



WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO LOOK LIKE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD?

Your cosmetic tattoo will be considerably darker than your target color for at least a week as your skin heals. Most people experience some swelling and soreness during a lip procedure, so it is unlikely you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately. Ice compresses and an anti-inflammitory immediately after your procedure are recommended. Within 24/36 hours the swelling and soreness will abate. Lip should still be treated delicately the first 10 days of the healing process. Avoid sleeping on face or use a silk pillowcase. Use a straw for drinks and a fork for food - avoid anything coming in contact with your lips during healing. 10 days to 2 weeks after your procedure, you may experience the 'disappearing act'. This is a potential side effect of a very natural and necessary process your skin is undergoing called proliferation, wherein the treatment site is flooded with your skin's rebuilding tools. Don't worry, once the rebuilding is complete your tattoo will return to shine through all that fresh new skin. By the time your 6/8 week CURATE appointment comes around, your lips will have 'settled' into their permanent state, allow us to identify if and where fine-tuning is necessary to achieve your target design, color, and shape for the long-term.



 

MICROCHANNELING & COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY

WHAT IS CAMOUFLAGE MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Camouflage micro-pigmentation is hyper-realistic tattooing using flesh tones to diminish the appearance of skin imperfections. A wide variety of scars & skin imperfections can benefit from carefully curated camouflage micro-pigmentation. At DERMAgraphics, we use a pointillism technique, applying a mixture of skin hues & tones in a very fine, pixelated way. This creates the most hyper-realistic result. Camouflage is most effective for the flat type of scars such as plastic surgery scars. It can also be the next step after Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) when working with more robust scar tissue. Small areas of vitiligo or other types of skin hypo-pigmentations can be camouflaged, once you are confident that the condition is no longer advancing. Camouflage is not recommended for large treatment areas.



WHAT IS 3D AREOLA RESTORATION?

3D Areola Restoration is the hyper-realistic tattooing of a areola onto post-surgical skin. Utilizing specialized permanent tattoo ink developed specifically for this application, an areola specialist artfully creates the illusion of a natural, three-dimensional areola and nipple. Many survivors feel that an areola restoration is the final catharsis to their journey. In fact, it has become the standard ‘finishing touch’ of the breast cancer recovery process, and is (typically) covered by insurance. At DERMAgraphics, we are honored to be a part of your recovery journey, and commit to providing permanent, hyper-realistic results in a comfortable, compassionately professional environment. 3D areola restoration is also effective after other breast procedures, such as breast reduction; any time when the areola pigmentation has been lost; or to achieve areola symmetry.



AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION?

Hopefully, yes! Confer with your oncologist about when areola restoration is appropriate. Women are usually cleared for receiving para-medical micro-pigmentation around 6 months after their final surgery. Camouflage work is only advisable if the treatment area is smaller than a silver dollar, and is located on a part of the body not regularly exposed to the sun. Scars should be at least 6 months old before pursuing camouflage work. Some hyper-pigmentation conditions cannot be treated with camouflage, like melasma. Camouflage is not a treatment for birthmarks, spider veins, or other vascular discolorations. Please note: Camouflage work ( and sometimes areola restoration work) is done on atypical skin or scar tissue, which do not always respond in predictable ways to micro-pigmentation. Treatment will require multiple sessions to ensure color retention. Camouflage work will not be a ‘perfect match’: skin is constantly changing color as a result of fluctuations in temperature, blood flow, sun exposure, etc., while a tattoo does not. What a camouflage tattoo will do is diminish the appearance of an unwanted skin imperfection.



HOW MUCH DOES PARA-MEDICAL MICRO-PIGMENTATION COST?

DERMAgraphics works on a simple hourly rate for para-medical micro-pigmentation, $ 200.00 per 90 minute session. A maximum of 2 sessions can be booked back-to-back. At your consultation we will assess your needs and you will receive an realistic estimate of your time, financial investment & payment options. Please note: DERMAgraphics is a proud service provider for Cancer Survivor and Veteran|First Responder support organizations.



WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE CONSULTATION?

Your complimentary consultation will be an opportunity to fully explore your circumstances and your expectations, and provide you with a honest and ethical recommendation. We will provide you with an estimate of costs, and payment options. Together we will design a treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!



WHAT WILL MY TREATMENT APPOINTMENTS BE LIKE?

First, the DERMAgraphics treatment studio has been studiously curated to provide an environment that is both calming and supportive, while also meeting our strident health & safety standards. Once you are settled and relaxed, we begin with cleaning the treatment area and applying topical anesthetic. Once the procedure starts, you technician will move over the treatment area, implanting pigment. Throughout the treatment, your technician will check your comfort level, and you are free to get up and stretch, use the restroom, have something to drink, etc. at any time. At the end of the session we will go over Aftercare, make sure your follow up session is booked, and send you on your way! Any swelling or redness resulting from the treatment will be short-lived, so you can return to your regular activities immediately, with a few exceptions. (See Aftercare.)



WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE AFTERCARE?

You will be provided with detailed written instructions for your skin type at the conclusion of your procedure, as they do vary. Your instructions will include immediate aftercare, to aid in proper healing, as well as what to expect and how to protect your work long-term. The first 10 days following a treatment session is a very crucial stage - please follow all Aftercare directions to ensure the quality of your tattoo. Things to avoid during your healing process are: pools or other large bodies of water, saunas or other hot places, strenuous exercise or other excessive sweat-producing activities, direct sunlight or tanning, all cleansing & moisturizing products except those recommended for healing, and above all do not pick or scratch the treatment area. You may experience slight itching, the healing balm provided will help alleviate it.



WHAT IS COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY & HOW DOES IT TREAT SCARS ?

Collagen Induction Therapy (Microchanneling) is a American Academy of Dermatology recommended non - invasive skin treatment for inducing natural collagen production. Microchanneling involves superficially puncturing the skin with thin needles to create tiny micro-wounds, triggering the skin’s repair mechanisms and stimulating collagen production. It also brings blood flow and nutrients to the treatment area. Scar tissue is fibrous & lacks elasticity, and is a result of an imperfect healing process after an injury. By triggering the body’s skin repair systems in a controlled manner with microchanneling, the scar tissue is ‘broken up’ bit by bit and replaced with healthy skin. Microchanneling will only be partially successful for deep scars, resulting in more of a ‘relaxation’ or minimization of the scar. Microchanneling is a technique-sensitive treatment and should only be performed by someone who is technique-trained and has a deep understanding of the skin and needles.



 

DERMAgraphics  |  1160 Ripley Street  |  Silver Spring MD 20910

CERTIFIED MICROPIGMENTATION ARTIST

HYPER-REALISTIC TATTOOS

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