FiBroblast Treatment FAQ
It is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment used to shrink and tighten skin. It is performed with a hand-held device that enables the transfer of energy from skin in the air between skin and the tip of the device to generate a plasma charge. A small micro-burn is produced on the skin (referred to as a carbon crust) which activates the fibroblasts to stimulate collagen formation.
Topical anesthetic is applied prior to the treatment which can greatly help with discomfort. Depending on each person’s ability to respond to the numbing cream, and depending on each person’s pain tolerance, the discomfort levels can vary. While some people may feel nothing at all, others may describe it as painful. Depending on the area of treatment, discomfort can vary as well. For best results, numbing cream is applied for 30 minutes prior to the procedure.
This treatment is great with most parts of the body. On the face, it is used to treat fine lines, crows feet, nasal labial folds, laugh lines, upper and lower eyelids, saggy and droopy neck and jowls, it can shrink pores, rejuvenate skin by minimizing discoloration, and it can even minimize and contour the shape and size of a nose. On the body, it can remove skin tags, age spots, pigmentation, liver spots, freckles, reduce scars and stretch marks. Overall, it is a skin-tightening procedure that can tighten skin on the stomach, breasts, navel, sagging skin above knees, and it can rejuvenate skin on the hands as well.
Generally, only one treatment is needed for significant and satisfactory results. Some people may want one or two more treatments for maximum results depending on the condition that they are starting with for their first treatment.
The initial experience after the procedure is inflammation/redness and possible swelling. Eyelid procedures cause the most swelling, but other than the appearance of small dots and redness, a normal routine can be resumed. After-care is critical in the healing process, so it’s important to keep the treatment area dry and free of sweat, water, perfumes, soaps, etc during the healing process. Dry-healing can speed up the recovery time significantly. On the face, the carbon crusts usually fall off naturally between 3-5 days, although it’s normal for it to take up to 7 days. The body usually recovers at a slower rate and may take up to 12-14 days. Redness or mild pinkness is normal and may last for some up to a few months on the treated area.
Many times, shrinking and tightening can be seen immediately. However, significant results can be seen within the first 7-14 days, and the skin continues to improve up to about 8 weeks after treatment for final results. These results can last from 2-5 years and only start to subside as the skin continues to age. Depending on a person’s lifestyle, the results can differ depending on how the body is taken care of. Smoking, excessive drinking, and sun exposure can negatively affect the length of time of the results.
The short answer is yes. Not everyone is suitable for fibroblast treatments for a few reasons. First, it’s important to go over expectations, because this treatment is used as an improvement – not a replacement for surgery. While the results can be significant, it’s necessary to discuss what the end results will most likely be and what we’re trying to achieve. The treatment is not suitable for people with skin types 5 and 6 on the Fitzpatrick scale, because it will cause hyperpigmentation.
The following are contraindications, and these people should avoid this type of treatment:
- Skin types 5 and 6 of the Fitzpatrick scale
- Anyone with skin disorders
- Pregnant/lactating
- Anyone with serious health problems
- Hepatitis A/B/C
- Active cold sores
- Melasma
- Pacemaker/defibrillator
- Autoimmune diseases
- Metal implants/pins
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
Microneedling FAQ
Microneedling is performed with a device that contains many small needles to lightly penetrate the skin in order to stimulate the body’s production of collagen.
A topical anesthetic is applied for about 15-20 minutes prior to the procedure to help with discomfort. However, microneedling is not a painful procedure. Some areas of the body may be more sensitive during the procedure, but most people describe it to be mildly irritating rather than painful. Generally, many people can find it to be quite relaxing overall.
The procedure can be used on many parts of the body. For the face, it’s used to treat rough textured skin, wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, laugh lines, surgical scars, large pores, aging skin, loose skin on the neck, and sun spots. For the body, it can be used to reduce stretch marks, wrinkles on the hands, and aging skin areas.
This will depend on each person and on what their goals are for the final results. Usually, 2-4 treatments will lead to noticeable results and improved skin texture. However, for example, someone with deep acne scars may need up to 6 treatments in order to see desired results. It is safe to get new treatments every 4-6 weeks for up to 6 months. After receiving 6 treatments, it is then recommended 6 months before having another.
There will be redness on the face that resembles a sun burn for up to about 24 hours. It’s recommended to stay out of the sun, do not apply makeup, and do not engage in activities that would cause sweating during the first 24 hours. The skin will be recovering and healing those small puncture wounds, so it’s important not to put anything on the skin that would clog the micro-wounds. Besides the redness and avoiding those activities mentioned, a person can safely resume a normal schedule.
No, microneedling is a very safe procedure suitable for all skin types unless active acne is present. Any open wounds would be avoided, but there are no reported side effects when performed correctly.
The following are contraindications, and these people should avoid this type of treatment:
- Anyone who has used Acutane within the last 90 days
- Anyone with open wounds, active acne, or active cold sores
- Anyone having had radiation in the past year
- Prone to hyperpigmentation or abnormal skin disease
- Prone to cold sores (recommended to take an anti-viral medication from one’s physician)
- Pregnant or breast-feeding (cannot administer numbing cream to these clients)
- Anyone with a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
Microblading FAQ
Microblading is a tattooing technique to add semi-permanent pigment to the skin by using a small tool to make hair-like strokes that mimic the appearance of natural hairs of eyebrows.
Prior to the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort. However, many people do not feel pain, but they may feel a bit of pressure. Depending on each person’s response to the numbing cream or their pain threshold, discomfort can vary, but most do not complain about actual “pain” during this procedure.
The procedure usually takes anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours (including the numbing process of 20 minutes) depending on each person’s desired results and depending on the amount of existing eyebrows prior to the procedure.
It is a 2-step process recommended in which an initial procedure is performed following with a touch-up procedure 4-6 weeks after the first treatment. Usually the skin does not retain the full amount of pigment during the first procedure, so a touch-up procedure is crucial to achieve desired results.
There is technically no downtime associated with microblading except staying out of the sun, steamers, and avoiding any activity that would cause sweating such as exercise. Salt is used to correct and remove existing pigment and tattoos from the skin, which is why it’s crucial to follow these aftercare instructions. Since our sweat contains salt, sweating on the eyebrows will cause the pigment to leave the skin instead of retaining. Aftercare includes putting Vitamin A & D ointment on the eyebrows but otherwise keeping them dry from water, shampoo, soap, sweat, etc.
Results are immediate, but the healing process involves time and fluctuations of seeing pigment, not seeing pigment, and then seeing it again! At first, the brows appear darker than desired, but the skin usually only retains 30-50% of what is applied. Flaking and scabbing is the second phase of the healing process and it’s normal to see patches that appear to be missing pigment completely. During this phase, the brows will feel itchy and while it’s tempting to scratch or pick at them, it’s crucial to NOT pick at them. Scratching, peeling, and/or picking at them will disrupt the healing process and it will negatively affect the retention process. This process normally takes place between 5-10 days after the procedure. Between 8-10 days after, the color seems to disappear completely, but color starts to come back between 11-21 days post procedure. Finally, 3-6 weeks after the procedure, as the skin heals, pigment starts to rise again and can be visibly seen.
After 4-6 weeks, the touch-up procedure is done to fill in gaps or patches and to achieve desired level of pigment color. These results in the end can last anywhere from 1-3 years depending on each person’s skin. It is recommended to do a touch-up procedure annually as needed.
The short answer is yes. Here at this salon, we are not specialized at the time in color corrections or existing tattoo removal from previously tattooed or microbladed eyebrows. The service offered here is to provide a realistic look on clients who have not previously had tattooed or microbladed eyebrows. It is also to be noted that aspirin and any drinks that contain caffeine should be avoided on the day of the appointment. Caffeine and aspirin can lead to excess bleeding, so it’s important to follow these directions.
The following are contraindications, and these people should avoid this type of treatment:
- Clients with previous eyebrow tattoos
- Diabetes
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with glaucoma or taking blood-thinning medicines
- Skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema
- Hemophilia
- Healing disorders or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Anyone on skin medication such as Accutane or steroids
- Active skin cancer
- Anyone undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy
- Epilepsy
- Anyone with a pacemaker or major heart problems
- Anyone who has had Botox within the last 2-4 weeks
Lip Blushing FAQ
Lip blushing is a form of semi-permanent makeup made to enhance the natural lip color. It’s a form of cosmetic tattooing that gives definition and an illusion of fullness.
Topical anesthetic is applied for about 20 minutes prior to the procedure to minimize discomfort. Some permanent make-up artists actually do not use numbing cream and claim that their clients do not complain of pain. However, everyone’s pain tolerance can vary, and each person’s body may react to the numbing cream more so than others. Generally, this procedure should not be very painful for most clients, but the lips can be more sensitive than other areas of the body.
The lip blushing procedure may take up to about 2 -3 hours depending on what the client is trying to achieve and how quickly each person’s lips retain the pigment. Prior to the procedure, we will discuss color and lip shape, followed by 20 minutes of numbing. Finally, the tattooing process starts until we have achieved the correct color retention.
Generally, this is a 2-step process. The lips may only retain approximately 50% of the color from the first procedure, and most people require a touch-up in order to correct evenness and to achieve the full level of color that the client desires.
The lips will be sensitive and swollen, but there is generally no downtime. It is recommended to not eat for approximately one hour after the procedure, and ice can be used to reduce swelling and any post procedure discomfort.
Results are seen immediately, but the color will be much bolder than the goal color. At first, lips will be swollen and brighter with pigment, but the color will fade during the healing process. Lips retain color quite well, and results can last for up to about 3 years. While this may differ for some people, it’s common for the pigment to last for several years.
Some questions will need to be answered prior to the procedure to ensure that the client is suitable for the procedure. At this time, color correction service from a previous tattoo on the lips is not offered, but if it is the client’s first time requesting a lip blushing service, then we will continue with the rest of the consultation.
The following are contraindications, and these people should avoid this type of treatment:
- Pregnant/breastfeeding
- Overly sensitive skin and/or skin that is prone to excessive bleeding
- Allergies to topical anesthetics
- Previously tattooed lips that have not faded
- Active Herpes/cold sores
- History of Herpes/cold sores (this treatment will cause trauma to the lips which will likely lead to breakouts. It is important to take anti-viral medication prescribed by a physician for several days before and after the procedure to avoid breakouts.)
- Excessive scarring
- Anyone who has had lip filler within the last 3-4 weeks
- Keratosis
- History of hypertrophic and/or keloid scarring
- Facial psoriasis or eczema
- Iron deficiency
Eyelash Lift & Tint FAQ
A lash lift is a low maintenance & temporary lift/curl for your eyelashes. Lifting and setting lotions are applied onto the lashes to relax and soften them, and then they are hardened into a new shape to curl upwards. The lotions are meant to restructure the shape and direction of the eyelashes. Clients seek out this treatment for many reasons. It reduces the time of a person’s morning routine by eliminating the need to curl their eyelashes, and some people realize that they may not even need to use mascara once their lashes are tinted.
An eyelash lift is not painful at all. The client is encouraged to relax and some may even fall asleep during the procedure.
The procedure of an eyelash lift and tint is approximately one hour long. There are several steps taken during the procedure to cleanse the lashes, lift them, and tint them where different solutions will be put on the lashes for specific amounts of time. Overall, it should take up to one hour.
There is no downtime after the procedure. A client can safely return to his/her normal activities as long as they follow the after-care instructions. The eyelashes can not get wet during the first 24 hours after the treatment – so swimming, sweating, steam rooms, or any activities that would cause the eyelashes to get wet must be avoided for one full day in order to lock in the lift. Mascara and other eyelash products such as growth serums need to be avoided during the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
Yes, mascara can be used! After the procedure, a client must wait 24 hours before applying mascara, but it is completely safe to do so without affecting the treatment. Waterproof mascara, however, can not be used. If a client is using a product like Latisse or other eyelash growth serums, those are allowed as long as the client waits 48 hours after the treatment to resume using it.
Results are immediate and will last up to 6 weeks.
A quick consultation comprising of a few questions will determine if someone will be a good candidate for an eyelash lift and tint. This can be done over the phone or through a quick questionnaire in just a few minutes. We also have a list of contraindications to show who will not be a good fit for this treatment.
An eyelash lift and tint is not meant to be harsh or harmful to eyelashes if it is performed correctly. A lash technician must follow directions and pay attention to the time that the lifting and setting lotions are applied to the eyelashes to avoid overprocessing and damaging the eyelashes. If a person has naturally brittle and dry lashes that are prone to breaking, they may not be a great candidate for this type of procedure. However, if someone is worried about the affects of this treatment, a Keratin treatment can be performed right after the lift/tint procedure during the same appointment which will nourish and strengthen the lashes.
Eyelash extensions are synthetic fibers that mimic real eyelashes that are attached to the lashes. An eyelash lift is meant to change the existing eyelashes by making them naturally curl upward which can give the appearance of longer eyelashes without the use of an eyelash curler. Tinting the lashes can also give the illusion of fuller and more prominent lashes as well.
The following are contraindications, and these people should avoid this type of treatment. However, some of these symptoms may not conflict if a General Practitioner can give consent for the treatment.
- Contact Lens must be removed before this treatment.
- Claustrophobia (eyes must be closed during the full procedure, so caution is advised.)
- Watery eyes (overly watery eyes may result in the treatment not lasting as long, so consideration must be given.)
- Dry eye syndrome (requires GP consent)
- Glaucoma (requires GP consent)
- Post Chemotherapy (requires GP consent)
- Alopecia
- Any disease/disorder that causes shaking, twitching, or erratic movements
- Bells Palsy or any condition that makes closing or opening eyes difficult
- Blepharitis
- Anyone actively undergoing chemotherapy treatments
- Cysts on the eye area or Hordeola/Styes
- Eye infections such as Impetigo, Conjunctivitis, and Uveitis
- Hayfever/Rhinitis
- Hypersensitive eyes
- Keratitis
